NYU Stern in D.C.: Where convenience meets a competitive edge
Discover how NYU Executive MBA program students thrive in Washington, D.C.
By NYU Stern
In the fast-paced world of modern business, convenience isn’t a luxury afforded to many. For professionals seeking to improve their prospects or pivot to new industries, putting their careers on pause in pursuit of their next great career leap simply isn’t an option.
Until it is.
For students enrolled in the New York University (NYU) Stern Executive MBA program, offered in Washington, D.C. since 2018, convenience is built into the experience with classes held one weekend per month in the nation’s capital, taught by the same leading professors that deliver the world-renowned program in New York City.
A balancing act
Katie Truong is one such student, currently enrolled in the program after 15 years in people operations and talent management. In her current role, she helps set the strategic direction for her organization as part of the executive leadership team, but felt a desire to add more strings to her bow.
“I was looking for a top-ranked, part-time MBA program on the East Coast that was in-person, but also manageable with a full-time job,” she said.
Truong, who began the program while on maternity leave, has found that balance at Stern. “I’m really grateful for the once-a-month cadence. It allows me to manage school, work, my young daughter, pets, family and friends without feeling like I’m missing out or overwhelmed,” Truong explained.
“If I need to take a few weeks off from doing schoolwork and make it up before the next scheduled class, I have that freedom. I couldn’t imagine sitting through hours of class after a full workday and not getting any time with my family in between.”
A standout education
For Nickolas Sneed, also a Stern Executive MBA program student, parenthood was a consideration for him too when planning his next steps. Sneed’s rich and varied career experience in everything from product management to marketing and consulting led him to his current strategy management position, a fulfilling role in which he gets to wear many hats.
But, like Truong, Sneed wanted to diversify and elevate his skillset. “I have always wanted to earn an MBA of some kind,” he explained. “In my previous work experience in tech and strategy consulting, I’d always found those that were able to distinguish themselves from their peers had this kind of polish that having an MBA gives you, and that’s something I wanted for myself.”
Sneed discovered the life-changing news that he was about to become a father as he was researching MBA programs, and the Stern schedule was the perfect fit for the next exciting stage of his life. “I needed a program that would allow me to continue my career and provide safety and security for my then very young family. Stern gave me all of that.”
NYU Stern in D.C.
For both Truong and Sneed, getting a prestigious Stern education in the city they live in was a massive draw to the Executive MBA program.
“There’s the global reputation with Stern, and this entrepreneurial side to the program, which is something I have always been interested in,” said Sneed, going on to explain that the entrepreneurial spirit is a crucial tool for anyone, whether looking to start their own endeavor or add value to their company.
Though D.C. is best known as a political powerhouse of a city, Sneed believes the Stern program can act as a catalyst for other areas of growth within the city.
“There’s a lot of New York and Los Angeles and Atlanta missing from D.C.’s ecosystem in terms of media, entertainment and even venture capital here. There’s not enough education around those industries. The NYU program will help students grow the foundational expertise required to build thriving industries in those domains,” he said. “It’s a platform for people to step into those arenas, bringing the New York hustle, knowledge and experience to a new market.”
A lasting network
The NYU Stern alumni network is known the world over, and features luminaries in business, banking, marketing, politics and beyond. It’s a global network that extends well past its New York City base, and now has roots in D.C.
Sneed is quick to praise the program’s diversity of perspectives. “For me, adding the finance and accounting skillsets to my tech foundation gives me a unique perspective on the marketplace,” he explained. “You feel sharper being around these incredibly talented people from all different industries and backgrounds.”
Truong echoes these sentiments. “You learn just as much from your classmates as from the professors. We’ve gotten to know one another’s family and friends by extension,” she said, describing the closely knit Stern community. “Some of us have even gone to our children’s birthday parties.”
A weekend in the life
Both Truong and Sneed are local to the D.C. area and spend one weekend per month working toward their MBA from Friday through Sunday.
“On Fridays we come in before 9 a.m. to grab breakfast and catch up with classmates. A lot can happen in a month, so there’s plenty to discuss. Then we head to our first class at 9 a.m.,” Truong said.
“The cohort is strong. While you have the flexibility to go and work out or head home for lunch, we often spend our breaks together. Our second class for the day starts at 1:45 p.m.”
On Saturdays, students can often expect to hear from inspiring guest speakers, ranging from industry experts to Executive MBA program graduates who share their experiences, knowledge and expertise. Sundays are when the bulk of teamwork takes place for Truong and her classmates.
“Everyone in the program is self-motivated and accountable, so a lot of groupwork can get done individually, then the group comes together to fine tune,” Truong explained. “We even have a group chat to stay in touch on group assignments and make sure everyone is on track outside the classroom.”
A deeper insight
Through the Executive MBA program, Truong says she has gained knowledge and skills across a wide variety of business areas and a deeper insight into what truly great leadership looks like, adding, “I’ve been able to instantly apply concepts I was learning in school at work. The Executive MBA program has already helped me do my job better.”
For Sneed the program has given him convenience paired with an exceptional reputation. He added, “You don’t have to compromise on things like your career or spending time with your family, but you still get an amazing education, network and experience to carry forward with you.”
If you’re open to excellence without compromise, the NYU Stern Executive MBA program in Washington, D.C. could be the perfect platform for you.
Discover more about the program in Washington, D.C.
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