Meeta Singhal, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2028
Age: 25 years
Hometown: San Jose, California, but originally came from Delhi, India in 2015
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Business Administration from Marshall School of Business, USC.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Lead Analyst- Strategic Finance and Supply Chain at Intuitive Machines since 2022.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After several years in the aerospace supply chain, I realized that while I enjoyed solving complex operational problems, I was increasingly interested in the strategic and financial decisions behind them — how companies allocate capital, evaluate investments, and drive growth. That led me to pursue a career in finance after four years of experience in the corporate industry.
Now feels like the right time because I’ve developed a strong foundation as an operator, but I’ve reached a point where I need formal finance training, a strong network, and the right platform to make this transition. An MBA allows me to build on my operating experience while developing the financial and strategic skills needed for the next phase of my career.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose NYU Stern because I was looking for a business school that would give me three things: a strong platform for transitioning into finance, deep exposure to the financial industry, and a collaborative community where I could build meaningful relationships.
The most important factor was Stern’s location in New York City. Being in the center of the global financial industry creates opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and build relationships with professionals across investment banking, private equity, and investing. As someone making a career transition from aerospace supply chain into finance, proximity to the industry and access to Stern’s alumni network were especially important to me.
But beyond the professional opportunities, the people played a major role in my decision. In speaking with members of the Stern community, I consistently found people who were ambitious and accomplished but also genuinely collaborative and willing to help one another. That was important to me because I wanted an MBA experience where I could learn from my classmates, contribute my own operating perspective from aerospace, and build relationships that would continue well beyond business school.
Ultimately, Stern stood out because it offered the combination I was looking for: a world-class finance education, unmatched access to the financial industry, and a collaborative community.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2028 will be the perspective I bring from operating in a highly complex industry while constantly looking for ways to improve.
My background in aerospace supply chain is very different from a traditional finance path. I’ve worked on problems where a single supplier delay can affect multimillion-dollar programs, which has taught me how to make decisions amid uncertainty, balance competing priorities, and bring together stakeholders with very different perspectives. I would bring that practical, operator’s perspective into classroom discussions and team projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I have never eaten or tried burgers. I am not a foodie in general, however not having burgers is a bit extra.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am excited by the opportunity to work with financial institutions on complex strategic transactions and develop deep expertise in an industry that sits at the center of the global economy. I hope to build a strong foundation in financial analysis, valuation, M&A, and capital markets while working on transactions that shape the future of the financial services industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
My biggest advice to prospective applicants is to approach the MBA application process as a journey of self-reflection rather than simply an exercise in building the perfect application.
It is easy to focus on test scores, rankings, and checking every box, but the most important part of the process is understanding your own story — where you have been, what has shaped you, and where you want to go next. Take the time to reflect deeply on your experiences and identify the moments that genuinely influenced your goals and values. Also, remember that IQ+EQ is a core value at Stern.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely do the “Pick Six” question from my heart again, just as I did this time. It was one of the most meaningful parts of the application because it gave me the opportunity to show the admissions committee who I am beyond my resume, test scores, and professional accomplishments.
Rather than trying to choose pictures based on what I thought would make the strongest application, I chose moments and experiences that genuinely represented me — my journey, the people and experiences that have shaped me, and the things that bring me joy.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is start the self-reflection process earlier. The application involves much more than completing essays and submitting materials — it requires taking the time to truly understand your story, your motivations, and what you are looking for in an MBA experience. The stronger your understanding of yourself and your “why,” the more authentic and compelling your application will become.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the application process, it would probably be managing multiple applications at the same time. Each school required its own essays, research, networking, and self-reflection, and while the questions often seemed similar, every application required a different and thoughtful approach. It could sometimes feel overwhelming to balance multiple deadlines while also working full-time.
What helped me get through it was creating a structured plan and breaking the process into smaller milestones. I created timelines for each application, prioritized deadlines, and gave myself dedicated time to research schools and work on essays. I also reminded myself not to treat the applications as separate tasks. The self-reflection I did for one application often helped me better understand and articulate my story for another.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the NYU Stern community is that it is incredibly ambitious, diverse, and collaborative. What has stood out to me most is that Stern students seem genuinely invested in helping one another succeed.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have joined the following student organizations:
Graduate Finance Association (GFA): I will be recruiting for investment banking and GFA provides the training and structured support I will need to succeed. They have various workshops and resources for students to network and prepare for the interviews.
Private Equity and Venture Capital Firm: I am also interested in exploring private and venture capital and this club provides the resources to explore and make your decision.
Women in Business: There are great leaders in the industries who are women with a wide range of experiences. I want to be part of the close-knit community.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
One pleasant thing I learned is how collaborative the Stern community is. Even though everyone is competing for almost the same jobs, the collaboration never stops and people are willing to help each other along the way.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
In my first year, I am most excited about making new connections and exploring New York City.
