Jose Bedregal, NYU Stern MS, Business Analytics and AI Class of 2027
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Washington, B.A. in Accounting, Minor in Statistics
Pre-MSBAi Work Experience: For the past 15 years, I’ve worked in digital marketing across telecommunications, retail, technology, and consulting. I’ve had the opportunity to lead marketing initiatives for companies including T-Mobile, Nordstrom, Acer, and CDK Global. Along the way, I also taught digital marketing as an adjunct professor at UW Bothell and as an instructor at General Assembly.
Current Professional Role: Senior Marketing Manager, T-Mobile (Telecommunications)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always been a curious person. Whether it’s learning a new technology, teaching a class, traveling somewhere new, or picking up a camera, I enjoy challenging myself. As AI started changing the way businesses operate, I wanted to understand more than just how to use the tools. I wanted to understand the technology behind them and how businesses can use AI to make better decisions.
I earned my MBA over a decade ago, and going back to school felt like the right next step. I wanted to strengthen the technical side of my skill set while continuing to grow as a marketing leader.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted a program that balanced AI, analytics, and business. NYU Stern’s MSBAi Program checked all those boxes, but what really stood out was its reputation and faculty. You’re learning from professors who are at the top of their fields and bring real-world experience into the classroom. They don’t just teach concepts; they share how those concepts are being applied to solve today’s business challenges.
The diversity of the cohort was another huge draw. Every class brings together people from different industries, countries, and backgrounds, and hearing those different perspectives has been one of the best parts of the program. I’ve learned just as much from my classmates as I have from the coursework.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I enjoy bringing people together. Serving as one of our class representatives has been a great opportunity to help build a strong community and keep people connected.
Professionally, I’ve spent my career helping bridge the gap between business, marketing, and technology, so I enjoy sharing practical examples that connect what we’re learning in class to real business challenges. I also believe some of the best learning starts with asking good questions, and I’m never afraid to ask one.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application.
One of my biggest passions outside of work is fashion photography. It’s taken me to different parts of the world, where I’ve met incredible people, experienced different cultures, and told stories through my camera. Every trip gives me a new perspective, and I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy both photography and business. They’re both about understanding people.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to current students.
No website or brochure can tell you what it’s actually like to be part of a program. Those conversations gave me an honest perspective on the culture, workload, and community, and they played a big role in my decision to attend NYU Stern.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend less time trying to perfect my application.
Looking back, authenticity matters far more than perfection. Admissions committees want to understand who you are, what motivates you, and why you’re pursuing the degree. Let your personality come through.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could, and what helped you get through it?
The waiting.
Once I submitted my application, there wasn’t much left to do besides check my email. Staying busy with work, photography, travel, and spending time with family and friends helped keep everything in perspective.
How do you balance the demands of the program with your professional responsibilities, and what strategies have worked best for you?
Balancing work and school comes down to being intentional with my time. I schedule study sessions on my calendar the same way I schedule work meetings. That helps me stay consistent instead of trying to fit everything into one weekend.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay to lean on classmates. Everyone brings different strengths and experiences, and collaborating has made the experience much more enjoyable.
How has the format of the program allowed you to immediately apply what you’re learning to your current role and impact your career?
One of my favorite parts of the program is how practical it is.
It’s common for me to learn something in class over the weekend and apply it at work the following week. Whether it’s AI, analytics, or decision-making frameworks, I’ve been able to bring those ideas into conversations and projects almost immediately.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
The people.
I expected a challenging program and outstanding professors. What surprised me most was how collaborative everyone is. My classmates genuinely want to help each other succeed, and some of the best learning has happened outside the classroom through conversations, group projects, and getting to know people from industries completely different from my own.
That sense of community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my NYU Stern experience.
