Edgar Corona, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: El Monte, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University, Marketing major and Government minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Six years in sports and media marketing at the National Football League (NFL) in New York City.
Why business school? Why now?
One of the goals that I set for myself early on as a young professional was to obtain an MBA. For the past six years, I focused on excelling in marketing roles at the NFL and I see business school as an opportunity to round out these experiences with skills in finance and management. I want to use my time at NYU / Stern to expand my professional network, deepen my understanding of business, meet new classmates and learn from industry leaders across different fields. Business school represents a pivotal step in this professional journey to one day achieve a role within general management.
Why Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
During the application process, I had the opportunity to visit schools and learn about the different focus points for several MBA programs. Stern stood out to me most for the following three reasons:
First, I wanted to attend a business school that would allow me to build on my current expertise in advertising and marketing and challenge me in areas where I wanted to grow. The rigorous academic program at NYU / Stern provides an opportunity to gain skills across several areas: finance, tech, luxury retail, management, strategy, etc.
Next, students attending Stern can utilize a variety of experiential learning opportunities to pair up with their studies inside the classroom. Located in New York City, NYU / Stern gives students easy access to arrange informational coffee chats with various industry leaders, set up in-semester internships, and coordinate student organization/clubs-driven projects to support the local community.
Last, I looked forward to studying with other accomplished group of professionals who were both willing to share knowledge and contribute to a collaborative community. I appreciate NYU Stern’s emphasis on the IQ + EQ trait and understanding that emotional intelligence is a key component in today’s business environment.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
For the past six years, I worked in the sports and media industry and had the opportunity to manage partner accounts, oversee the budget planning process, and collaborate across different working groups. The bulk of my tasks focused on advancing complex projects by placing the needs of the consumer and broader community at the forefront of the conversation. I look forward most at NYU / Stern to continue to work with my classmates to brainstorm solutions in creative ways. I would also like to continue to work with the NYU / Stern community to advance initiatives that focus on diversity and inclusion.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I enjoy traveling to different communities to experience new foods, neighborhoods, cultures, and traditions. I have traveled to over 30 states in the United States, but to only six countries. I would like to visit other regions abroad in the near future by tapping into NYU / Stern’s global study programs.
Post-MBA career interests?
For the last three years at the NFL, I focused on engaging and acquiring the next generation of Hispanic fans to consume NFL content. During this process, I saw how various organizations worked to balance the strategic use of analytics with managing the rapidly evolving trends and preferences of today’s diverse base of consumers. Post-MBA, I would like to work with a company within either marketing, tech or management to best position products or services that appeal to this next generation of consumers.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Remember to have fun during this application process. I enjoyed the essay portion of the application because it was a time to bring my authentic story and experience to the process. This application is a time for the candidate to learn from the school’s resources and community as well as for the school to learn more about the type of individuals that it will admit on campus. Everyone has a unique personal narrative and do not forget to share that in the application process.
Similarly, stay true to yourself. Take some time to reflect on the story that you want to share during the application process. You will be spending two years at this school and you want to make sure that you pick a school that is the best fit for you. During this brainstorming process, take the time to think about your core values, skill sets and personal goals for the next 5 to 10 years.
Finally, also remember that there is an entire community of individuals that is excited about watching you grow and succeed. Use this great diversity of advisers to help you review, critique and finalize your essays. This mix of individuals should represent a variety of current students, professionals and close friends. This resource will only strengthen your application and better present your profile once submitted to the school, along with resume, letters of recommendations and other visuals.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
It is certainly acceptable to take breaks during the test prep and application period. Do set a rigorous study plan that works for you and places you on the path to success. Though, it is also acceptable to take smart breaks to maintain that mental health and wellness. I was nervous about how a small break may have compromised my momentum, but after taking a brief vacation, I felt more refreshed to tackle the rest of the application process.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT process is no easy task. I would have easily volunteered to skip this part. With this in mind, I truly believe that with the right level of training, planning and discipline anyone can achieve a great score on the exam. Candidates should stay honest about their strengths and weaknesses and lean on those combination of skills to overcome the exam’s more challenging portions.
What is your initial impression of Stern’s students/culture/community?
The NYU / Stern community truly is collaborative and supportive. During my application process, I recall reaching out to current MBA1 students to learn more about the school, community and academic resources. Several students were more than willing to answer my questions and I was especially appreciative knowing that they were also just beginning their own journeys in business school during their first semester.
One thing you have learned about Stern that has surprised you?
I had the opportunity to meet several of my classmates early in the summer and I was impressed by how quickly we all instantly bonded. We have a great incoming community of students.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Several current students have noted that the two years (especially the first semester of MBA1) in business school go by very quickly. I want to make sure that I have the opportunity to accomplish all the items on my to-do list: meet new classmates, experience new activities, arrange informational coffee chats, take leadership roles and manage the recruiting process.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting started! I was the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree and I see the journey of obtaining the MBA as another exciting step in this professional journey. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in immersive learning experiences (Stern DBI – Doing Business In), attend corporate visits, apply to internships, and learn from other students.
