Emily Nagler, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Chappaqua, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Duke University, Public Policy & Global Health
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Fundraising at International Rescue Committee (3 years) and Development & Communications Fellow at Women’s Justice Initiative (2 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My last job before business school was working with high-net-worth individuals to raise philanthropic gifts for a nonprofit organization. Being in this space got me interested in the different ways that private capital can be leveraged for social impact. Rather than continue to specialize as a fundraiser, I felt like I was ready to make a change. I decided to attend business school so that I could explore different pathways for careers that would allow me to have an amplified impact on big, complex societal issues. I wanted to expand my network and sharpen my skillset, while taking advantage of the resources provided by an MBA program to make a career pivot into social impact in the private sector.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was drawn to Yale SOM due to its mission to educate leaders for business and society, which aligned perfectly with my goals. When I visited campus, I could tell that the faculty and students really took this mission to heart. So many students come to SOM with backgrounds like mine and even those who come from more traditional business roles have a curiosity about how they can improve the world through their careers.
I also liked that I would be able to explore my diverse academic interests at SOM. The entire second year of the MBA is made up of electives, and SOM encourages its students to take classes across Yale’s different graduate schools, such as the Law School, School of the Environment, Jackson School of Global Affairs, and others.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think I bring a unique perspective developed over my five years of working in the nonprofit and humanitarian sector. I approach problems through an intersectional lens, seeking to understand all the different factors at play and where there are opportunities to move the needle. This approach is helpful when working on societal issues like global health, climate, and migration, but can also be translated into a classroom discussion or business setting.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
After college, I spent seven months living in a rural community in Guatemala and working at a women’s rights NGO. I lived with a host family for part of the time and tried to learn some of the Mayan Kaqchikel language. I was there until the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. When the borders closed, I ended up flying home on an emergency evacuation flight coordinated by the US government. Fortunately, I’ve been able to go back to visit twice since then!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m pursuing a role in management consulting so that I can gain exposure to different industries and broaden my experience. I’m also interested in social enterprises and impact investing as long-term career paths.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visiting schools in person. It is so much easier to get a feel for a school by actually being there and speaking with current students. SOM hosts a program in the fall called Belonging Days, during which women and minority prospective applicants are invited to come and spend a couple of days learning about the MBA program and meeting with students. Attendees receive an application fee waiver and a free stay in a hotel to help make the program more accessible. That experience was really formative in helping me see myself as an MBA student for the first time, and also helping me envision myself at Yale SOM.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would give myself more time to study for the GRE. The quant section is no joke!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was very anxious about the video essay questions. There’s really nothing you can do to prepare for those, but I prepped some basic behavioral interview questions so that I would feel ready just in case. The questions ended up being very straightforward–they’re primarily meant to let you show a bit of personality–so I wish I had worried less about them.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
The Yale SOM community is incredibly tight-knit and welcoming. Since it’s a smaller program, you’re able to meet people relatively quickly and so many social events are open to everyone. There’s really no sense of competition with your peers. Also, a large percentage of the student body is international students, so the community is full of people coming from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised to learn how many mental health resources are available to SOM students. The business school has its own embedded mental health counselor who we can meet with for free. We can also book sessions with Heidi, an adorable yellow lab, for emotional support whenever needed!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Business school can be very overwhelming! I’m anxious about balancing academics, social life, consulting recruiting, and extra-curricular activities, while maintaining my physical and mental health and wellness.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I just found out that I’ll be serving on the Portfolio Support Team with the Meng Impact Investment Fund, Yale SOM’s student-run fund that invests in for-profit ventures solving society’s biggest challenges. I’m really excited about this opportunity to learn more about impact investing through experiential learning and to build connections with other students who are interested in this space.
