Uri Morduchowicz, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Rosh HaAyin, Israel
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Law & Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Combatant and Team Leader – IDF – 3 years; Articled Clerk in the High-Tech Department – Matri, Meiri, Wacht & Co (Lawyers firm) – 1 year; Senior Strategy Consultant – EY-Parthenon – 2.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Earning an MBA has been a goal of mine for a long time. Attending business school will help me develop the professional and leadership skills needed to succeed in the dynamic and constantly changing world we live in. Moreover, the networking such programs offer will open new doors for me and allow me to put my knowledge, expertise, and experience into action.
I feel that this is the best time in my life to attend business school and take advantage of its vast opportunities. On one hand, I already have extensive experience in multiple fields, so I can contribute to discussions and experiential activities. On the other hand, I feel there are still things I need to learn, especially in my fields of interest, so I could benefit greatly from the program.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Ever since spending a semester at the National University of Singapore as an exchange student, my goal has been to earn my MBA abroad, allowing me to gain even more international experience. NYU Stern, for me, combines all my aspirations in one place. First, the opportunity to study in the heart of NYC truly captivated me. As the economic capital of the world, its endless possibilities will surely be an advantage for me going forward. Second, the School offers many practical activities that I see as a tremendous opportunity to enhance my skills in all areas. Lastly, and most importantly, I am attending NYU with my wife, who has begun her own journey at the university, pursuing an LLM at NYU School of Law. The combination of two top faculties at one university makes it the perfect place for us to grow our careers together and support each other along the way.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my combination of both legal and financial understanding, gained through my studies and work experience, is something unique in the class. Being able to analyze business cases from both perspectives often gives me a distinct and critical viewpoint. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates provide me with the opportunity to share my strengths and contribute in areas where I am more comfortable, while also learning from others in areas where I have less experience.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Since childhood, I have collected—and continue to maintain—an impressive collection of the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes. I’m known for this among friends and family, and they all make an effort to help me expand the collection. I can’t resist toy shops and always find myself going in, searching for a new figure or puppet of my favorite cartoon character.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am eager to expand my knowledge in the strategy and operations field and plan to continue working in similar roles, particularly in the larger-scale American market.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The most valuable part of the application process for me was the initial self-reflection that preceded the actual application. Taking a moment to pause and think about where I am currently, as well as my short- and long-term goals in all areas of life, was deeply meaningful and provided insights I hadn’t been aware of. I’ve since adopted this habit and try to practice it occasionally, reflecting on what I’ve accomplished and considering my next steps. Additionally, applying in the first round was beneficial, as it allowed me to better prepare for the experience, especially as an international student.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If there’s one thing I would change, it would be attending more admissions events and coffee chats with current students. I believe dedicating more time to getting to know the faculty better would have definitely helped me in writing my essays and preparing for the interview.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped the English proficiency test, I definitely would have. After putting so much effort into the GMAT, it was tough at first to dive back into studying for another exam. Yet, knowing it was the last test before starting the program, and that it required relatively less effort, helped me get through it more easily.
What is your initial impression of the NYU stern students/culture/community?
The collaboration and willingness to help—whether from faculty, staff, second-year MBA students, or classmates—immediately stood out to me. The feeling that there is always someone I can turn to for assistance or guidance is incredibly meaningful and makes the adaptation process much easier and more comfortable.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I was already aware of the vast number of opportunities within the Stern MBA Program, but it still exceeded my expectations. The added value of the program’s clubs was something I hadn’t anticipated. Much of the practical experience comes from participating in and being active within these clubs, and I plan to utilize them to the best of my ability.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
In general, I am not very anxious about most things and tend to take things in proportion. Even so, I anticipate that recruiting will be the area that draws the most attention from me in my first year, especially as an international student looking for an internship that could lead to a full-time position post-MBA.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about my personal development in various aspects of life, from gaining knowledge and experience to building social networks and deep relationships with classmates.
