Irakli Bebia, NYU Stern MS, Business Analytics and AI Class of 2027
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Ilia State University, Finance
Pre-MSBAi Work Experience: I started my career in audit and project management in Tbilisi, Georgia before moving to New York and joining Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in 2019. Over the years, I worked across finance transformation and strategic initiatives, including supporting a major finance technology modernization and completing an assignment at the bank’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Current Professional Role: Vice President, Finance Business Manager, Banking & Financial Services at SMBC Group.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Over the last few years, I realized that AI is becoming part of almost every conversation and decision in business. Working in finance made me curious to understand not just how to use these tools, but what is actually behind them and how they create impact. I felt this was the right time to step out of my routine, challenge myself, and build skills that I believe will shape the future of work.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose NYU Stern’s Master’s in Business Analytics and AI (MSBAi) Program because it felt global, practical, and forward-looking. I wanted to learn about AI and analytics in a place that brings together classmates from different industries, perspectives, and ways of thinking. One thing that stood out to me was the diversity of the cohort; we have classmates from more than 15 countries, which makes every discussion more interesting and reminds you that there is never just one way to solve a problem. Being in New York makes that experience even more dynamic.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I bring a combination of global perspective, leadership experience, and curiosity. My journey took me from Georgia’s public sector to finance at SMBC in New York, including an international assignment in Tokyo. I enjoy connecting ideas across industries and helping turn discussions into action. I also genuinely enjoy building community and creating opportunities for people to learn from each other.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m from the actual birthplace of wine. Georgia has been making wine for over 8,000 years, traditionally fermented and buried underground in clay vessels called “qvevri”, a method now recognized by UNESCO. So when I geek out over a glass of wine, it’s less of a hobby and more of a thousand-generation inheritance.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Be yourself earlier than you think you need to. It’s easy to focus on building the “perfect” profile, but what made the process meaningful for me was reflecting on my actual transition from Georgia to New York, from finance to AI, and being honest about why I wanted to take this next step in my education. Programs like Stern’s MSBAi are looking for people who bring different experiences and perspectives, not identical resumes.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Connecting with the program early, talking to students, attending events, and understanding the community before I wrote a single word of my application. It made my application honest instead of aspirational because I could clearly explain not just why I wanted the degree, but why I wanted to learn at NYU Stern specifically.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend less time trying to make my application perfect and more time enjoying the process. Looking back, the strongest parts came from being honest and reflective, not from editing every sentence one more time.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Trying to fit everything I had done into the application. After years of work experience, it is tempting to tell every story and include every achievement. What helped me was realizing the application is not meant to capture everything. It is meant to show who you are and why this next step makes sense.
How do you balance the demands of the program with your professional responsibilities, and what strategies have worked best for you?
Balancing a full-time role with the program has made me more intentional with my time. I plan ahead, protect dedicated study blocks, and try to be realistic about what each week requires.NYU’s Bobst Library has become one of my favorite places to help with this balance. It is open 24/7, so depending on the day I can study with classmates or find a quiet room to focus. When I need a reset, a quick walk through Washington Square Park reminds me why NYU feels like a place where ideas come to life.
How has the format of the program allowed you to immediately apply what you’re learning to your current role and impact your career?
What I appreciate most is how practical the program feels. Professor Foster Provost helped us understand what happens behind the scenes after we send a prompt, how AI models process information, generate responses, and where their limitations come from. It completely changed how I think about AI beyond the user experience. Another memorable experience was Professor Panos Ipeirotis adapting the class in real time to include tools like Claude Code, GitHub, and Google Cloud Storage, and having us work through real-world challenges. It made learning feel current and immediately relevant.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how invested professors are in making sure students truly learn, and not by just completing assignments. The classes feel dynamic, current, and shaped around what is happening in the real world. That level of energy and care made the experience feel much more personal than I expected.
