Beril Dayanikli, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Koc University, Industrial Engineering & Sociology (Double Major)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Brand Marketing Specialist, Nike Istanbul, 4 years; Brand Planning Intern, Nike Istanbul, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of learning how a global organization operates at the local level. I was a part of building the marketing strategy and witnessed firsthand the profound influence a brand can have on culture. Most meaningful to me, however, was leading community impact projects aiming to empower women and girls – those are the experiences that continue to inspire me. These opportunities revealed the true power of capital in driving change, and how financial storytelling can amplify impact when grounded in data. This realization became the turning point in my journey: I decided to pursue business school to strengthen my expertise in consumer insights and storytelling, while equipping myself with the financial skills that can help shift capital toward women’s empowerment and cultural change. In the long term, I hope to not only participate in, but also help lead a movement for sustainable social impact.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Three key factors inspired my decision to choose NYU Stern: the strong sense of community, the emphasis on EQ (emotional intelligence) and the dynamic energy of its location, NYC.
Although I identify as an introvert, I thrive in environments that value collaboration over individual achievement. Since I would be moving away from the only home I’ve ever known, being in an MBA program in which I could belong was essential. During my interview with the admissions team, they said something that stuck: “People will come asking if you need help before you ask for it.” That was the moment I realized Stern was where I wanted to be.
When navigating through NYU Stern’s website, what pops up more than anything else is the emphasis on EQ. In today’s world, leaders must have the ability to balance logic and emotion in their decision-making. Stern’s emphasis on emotional intelligence as a core skill for leadership deeply resonated with me. I knew I wanted to grow not only intellectually, but also emotionally, as I prepared for my career ahead.
Finally, the idea of entering a city of limitless opportunities, with the resources and support of an institution dedicated to helping me realize my dreams, was exciting and motivating. I felt that this would be a place where I could thrive and help create positive change.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe I bring a global perspective shaped by my previous experience in Turkey, where I learned to navigate cultural nuances and drive impact in dynamic markets. I’m excited to contribute this lens to class discussions and collaborative projects by approaching problems from a more diverse point of view.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Unlike the US, the Turkish education system allows high school graduates with high standardized test scores to go into medical school – which is exactly what I did. I began my studies to become a physician, believing it was what I wanted. However, after just one semester, it was apparent to me that I was far off and didn’t know myself as well as I thought. That’s when I decided to leave medical school and transfer to engineering. Luckily, everything worked out in the end!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I plan to build a career in financial services, focusing on industries that define culture. In the long-term, I hope to leverage these skills in gender-lens impact investing to support women-led ventures driving cultural change.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Make it personal. In your essays, don’t hesitate to be open and authentic. I took time to reflect on what truly mattered to me and crafted a narrative that connected my passions with my future goals. By focusing on how business school could help me integrate these passions into my career, I was able to reflect my excitement in the essays I wrote. I believe when you share your true self, without self-editing, your words carry emotion and the sincerity stands out, which makes a difference. Don’t write about what you think the admission team wants to see, write your own story.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start planning my application process much earlier – especially for those prospective applicants balancing work and application tasks. My work schedule was packed throughout June, leaving me with only July and August to properly focus on GMAT and my essays. Reflecting on that experience, my most important advice is: don’t try to study for the GMAT and write your application essays at the same time! If I could do it again, I would first prepare for the test and draft outlines for the essays. Once I achieved my target score, I’d shift my full attention to the essays, with enough time to allow for self-reflection.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Preparing for standardized testing, in my case GMAT, felt brutal. It’s been a while since I’d prepared for a test, and I was completely out of shape. Reading online forums made my anxiety worse, it felt like everyone else was miles ahead. What I found to be most helpful was cutting back on time spent reading through GMAT forums and setting up a study routine that I would actually stick with. After refreshing my memory on the quantitative part, the best thing I did was jump into it and take as many timed practice tests as possible. That approach helped me build confidence and get comfortable with the exam.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
The culture and community at NYU Stern have exceeded all my expectations. From the moment we walked in, it’s been clear that the program is designed to build a community. Everyone’s genuinely invested in one another’s success, ready to collaborate and support each other along the way. The culture, as Stern’s slogan also suggests, embraces and encourages change, while inviting newcomers to do the same – to challenge the status quo, to explore new career paths, to learn and grow professionally and personally. The program and its community are committed not only to shaping top-tier business professionals, but to cultivating a network of leaders ready to drive meaningful impact.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined so many clubs I’ve lost count! Since I’m looking to pivot my career toward impact investing but don’t have a finance background, I joined clubs such as the Graduate Finance Association, Management Consulting Association and Investment Management & Research Society. I believe these clubs will support me in developing the skills and connections I need for the transition.
To learn more about sustainable business and impact investing, I also joined the Social Impact & Sustainability Association. Additionally, I love the saying, “She can’t be what she can’t see” – so I wanted to surround myself with the future female leaders and joined the Stern Women in Business community.
And lately, I’ve become a big fan of hiking – it helps me clear my mind and meditate, so I’m hoping to get involved with the Stern Adventures club outside of class!
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
The two-year Full-time MBA orientation program, LAUNCH, was the most surprising aspect for me. The week-long program included a variety of activities: socializing with other MBA candidates, getting started on designing a career path, listening to inspiring talks from alumni and distinguished professors, and much more! I was very nervous coming into the program, unsure if I was prepared to dive into the world of business in New York City. However, the orientation week proved to be an unexpected and invaluable experience, easing my nerves and providing a strong foundation for the two years ahead.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What excites me most is the chance to immerse myself in a community where every conversation is an opportunity to learn. In my first year, I want to absorb as much as I can — from peers, professors, and experiences — to expand my perspective and grow both as a professional and an individual.
