Nelson Perello, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Civil Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Project Engineer, Structural Engineering Industry, Silman, a TY Lin Company, 3.5 yrs; Structural Engineering Adjunct Professor, Education, New York City College of Technology, 1.5 yrs; Founder and Product Manager, Career Services, TroSpec, 1 yr; Product Manager, Financial Technology, JPMorgan Chase &. Co., 2.5 yrs
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school to expand from execution to strategy, go-to-market, and scaling products, building on the foundation I gained at JPMorgan. With AI reshaping tech and the demand for socially impactful products growing, Stern’s strengths in product, innovation, and social impact in NYC make it the right place, and now the right time, for me.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a proud Dominican New Yorker, staying close to family while building a career in NYC’s dynamic tech scene felt natural. NYU Stern stood out for its deep industry ties and genuinely supportive culture, something I experienced firsthand through its students and interview process.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My key contribution is my ability to turn ideas into action. When I see a gap, such as lack of community connection, I step in to create momentum and foster engagement.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love animals so much that a safari would either make me their friend, or their newest pack member!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I want to work at a technology company focused on productivity, lifestyle, or personal development. I want to build innovative products, scale them into impactful businesses, and ultimately drive positive societal change.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely be myself! Focusing on showing my best self rather than trying to outshine anyone else made the process far less stressful and allowed me to focus on highlighting my talents.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d connect with more students and alumni to gain a fuller picture of life at Stern.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the extracurriculars section since it felt tedious and was already referenced in my essays, but connecting with peers and mentors helped me highlight the most important details.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
My first impression of Stern was a supportive, inclusive culture. Student leaders and current students immediately shared their internship and academic experiences, offered guidance, and made me feel it was the perfect fit.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined several clubs to grow my tech and leadership skills, build community, and create spaces for identity and expression. These include the clubs listed below:
– Stern Management & Strategy Club
– Stern Technology Association
– Entrepreneurship & Startup Association
– The Association of Hispanic and Black Business Students
– Latin American Business Association
– Stern Student Government
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn about how global Stern’s footprint is! Stern has 114,000 alumni in over 130 countries, which made me even more excited to attend!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to bond with my classmates, as these connections will let me contribute to our growth, learn from their experiences, and discover more about myself.
