In this installment of Real Humans: Alumni, PepsiCo Senior Manager, Amy Ho, shares her journey to the leading CPG firm with the help of an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. The diverse class and immersive learning at NYU Stern provided the foundation she needed for corporate innovation and venturing at PepsiCo. Read on for her story and advice about career planning and more.
Amy Ho, NYU Stern MBA ’20, Senior Manager at PepsiCo
Age: 33
Hometown: Changzhou, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: NYU Stern, Mathematics and Business Economics
Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: NYU Stern ’20, Strategy / Leadership and Change Management / Sustainable Business and Innovation
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Strategy Consultant at EY, 3 years, Consulting
Post-MBA Work Experience: Senior Manager, PepsiCo Labs, 5 years, CPG/Corporate Venturing
Why did you choose to attend business school?
I pursued an MBA because I was drawn to food and beverage startups and innovation since my time in consulting, but I wasn’t sure how I fit into that industry. Business school was an opportunity to expand my network in a new space, connect with like-minded people, and explore potential career paths. Additionally, I wanted to refine my leadership style and improve my ability to influence and inspire others.
Why NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Having already spent four years at NYU for my undergrad, the decision to come back wasn’t taken lightly. The NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business played a major role because I wanted to learn more about the intersection between innovation and longevity. I was also drawn to the unparalleled access to NYC’s resources. Stern’s collaborative culture appealed to me as well, where everyone challenges each other, but also makes it a mission to support one another.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career?
My MBA experience gave me a comprehensive understanding of strategy, leadership, and change management. This includes exchanging ideas with my classmates from diverse backgrounds, getting hands-on experience from immersive learning programs, as well as learning from professors who also tackle real-world problems. My coursework in sustainability, business law, entrepreneurship, and more prepared me for complex corporate innovation and venturing roles — where I work with and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
My internships at RIND Snacks (an upcycled dried fruit brand) and BFY Capital (a venture debt provider in CPG) gave me firsthand experience working directly with founders and introduced me to the vibrant food and beverage startup ecosystem. Seeing the many uphill challenges founders face helped me to understand how incumbent CPG players operate and future-proof their businesses. This led me to a series of innovation-focused roles at PepsiCo, including leading an accelerator that promotes products made with authentic Hispanic flavors.
Why did you choose your current company?
I chose PepsiCo because of its ambitious commitment to sustainable growth (pep+, or PepsiCo Positive) and its focus on innovation across the food and beverage value chain. I was excited by the idea of working on impactful projects with cross-functional and global teams. Additionally, internal mobility is a core part of PepsiCo’s culture — employees are encouraged to transition into new roles every 18-24 months.
What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
The biggest factors were the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact challenges, the company’s investment in future-fit technology, and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and bias for action. I also wanted to be in an environment where I could have fun — and my current role offers all of the above.
Advice to current MBA students:
—One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
Reminding myself that I am not alone — the job search can feel isolating, but it’s essential to leverage every available resource and the network you have built. My amazing professors at Stern provided personal connections, and the Careers Office advisors helped me narrow down roles, refine my elevator pitch, and strengthen my interview skills — all while reminding me to stay true to myself. By the time I walked into my interviews, I felt prepared for anything.
—One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
I would have explored a wider range of industries and roles earlier in the process, even if I had my mind set on something. It’s easy to become laser-focused on a specific career path, but an MBA is the perfect time to experiment and remain open to unexpected opportunities.
—Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
One of my final-round interviews was a “cultural assessment” with a PepsiCo recruiter. I was surprised that we didn’t discuss the job I was applying for at all. Instead, he made an effort to get to know me — what I care about, what I enjoy doing with friends, my favorite dish to make, and even my tips for working out virtually (this was April 2020). It was refreshing to see that PepsiCo actively prioritizes hiring for both professional and personal compatibility, fostering an environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.
—What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
Think beyond just the first post-MBA job and focus on how the MBA experience will shape your career five, 10, or even 20 years down the line. The MBA isn’t just about making a pivot or landing a role — it’s about building a roadmap for a fulfilling career and lifelong learning. Spend time defining your long-term aspirations and fostering deep, meaningful relationships centered on sharing ideas and insights.
