Ishana Nigam, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2025
Ishana Nigam, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2025Age: 25
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wake Forest University – Business Enterprise Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Business Analyst at Warby Parker (6 months); Business Analyst at Abercrombie & Fitch (3 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school to help pivot my career. Although I attended an undergraduate business school, having professional experience made me realize how important it is to understand all facets of a business in order to efficiently understand different teams’ goals, work with a team, and further deepen my business acumen. Attending business school allows me to learn, practice, and build tools to be a transformational leader.
I decided to go back now because I felt that I had optimized my skills in the retail space and was eager to broaden my scope. Additionally, my senior year of undergrad was cut short due to Covid, and I began my professional journey completely remote. Going back to school now also feels like a way to finish what I started and gain the true school experience.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The opportunities available at NYU Stern are immense. Specifically, Stern is one of the few graduate schools that has a Center for Sustainable Business, which I am passionate about exploring. I am interested in considering a career in social impact, and the CSB offers the resources, expertise, and classes that can allow me to dig into this space. Additionally, being in New York and located in the heart of Manhattan was a huge draw to NYU. As a student, I have access to world-renowned professors, an alumni network in every industry you can think of, a diverse group of classmates with a global mindsight, and opportunities to explore the amazing city of NYC, including restaurants, parks, museums, and occasional celebrity sightings.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I think my background in corporate retail differentiates me from my classmates. I have yet to meet someone in my class who has had a similar career journey. Conversely, I have met several classmates interested in the corporate retail space, so I enjoy being able to talk to my fellow first-year MBAs about my experience. What I love about my class is that we all have such unique backgrounds. Some people were in a career that someone else is looking to pivot into. Because of these diverse backgrounds, we are all able to help and guide each other throughout our recruiting process.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to bake! I grew up watching cooking shows with my grandma and mom, and during Covid binge watched the “Great British Baking Show.” I have tried lots of new recipes and, during my first week of school, had a cookie sale, where proceeds went to a United Nations organization called Girl Up. My favorite baked good to make is a rum cake!
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career interest is in social impact/social innovation/sustainability. I believe now is the time when we as business leaders need to focus on how environmental, social, and governance impacts our decisions to create for the greater good. I want to be a changemaker in the social enterprise sector and influence other businesses to change the way we think about business – a business’ success is no longer defined as financial gain, rather it is defined as the shared value created between our environment, society, and internal management.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would reach out to current MBA students to hear stories about their experience at school. Students can answer questions best and were in my shoes not too long ago. From my experience, every student I reached out to was more than willing to connect with me and played a big role in what made me want to pursue Stern and guided me through the application process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would take the time to think about my long-term goals personally and professionally prior to jumping into the application. Being introspective about who you are and not letting a specific school or application question persuade you to change what your goals are is important. Being authentic is the key.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Nothing particular comes to mind, but just remind yourself that this process is worth it even when it feels tough.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
The NYU Stern community has been amazing. During our orientation week, we had the opportunity to have dinner at Ellis Island, go bowling, participate in a wine tasting, and have a dinner boat cruise. The faculty and staff at Stern have gone above and beyond to show us what it means to be at NYU, including a super fun team-building exercise where we got to paint, interact with MBA2 students who gave us comfort and advice, and allowed us to meet our classmates with such fascinating backgrounds and interests!
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
How involved students are in our clubs. Our clubs are truly student-led. Recruiting events happen through many student clubs. I was so surprised to learn how committed students (especially MBA2’s) are to helping first-year students with the recruiting process. The MBA journey is jam-packed, and the fact that students are volunteering themselves to organize events and lead others via club involvement really shows how much of a “give back” mentality the Stern program has.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most nervous about finding balance. There are three categories to focus on – school, recruiting, and socializing, and it is next to impossible to do all three at the same time. Being able to manage my time and prioritize certain events is something I am going to try to focus on and ask for help when needed. The best support system thus far has been from MBA2s who just went through everything I’m about to go through.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to meet new classmates and deepen my friendships. It is an exciting and unique time to be in this program, and being in New York means exploring and experiencing people and places.
