# Ana Laura Aguiar

##  Ana Laura Aguiar, Luxury & Retail MBA 2023

\*NYU Stern's Fashion & Luxury MBA program was renamed to the Luxury & Retail MBA program.\*

![Ana Laura Aguiar](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/assets/images/Final%20AnaLaura.png "Ana Laura Aguiar")

- **Pronouns**
she/her/hers
- **Hometown**
Indaiatuba, SP - Brazil
- **Undergraduate**
Istituto Europeo di Design
- **Pre-MBA Employer**
Fashion, GANNI
- **Specializations**
Strategy, Luxury Marketing, Management
- **Clubs/ Involvement**
VP Fashion & Luxury, Student Government | Luxury & Retail Club (LARC) | Latin American Business Association (LABA) | Management Consulting Association (MCA) | Graduate Marketing Association (GMA)

##  Why did you decide to pursue the focused one-year MBA program?

I am passionate about my industry and I always knew I didn't want to leave fashion. I appreciate that our projects and most of the core classes were tailored to Fashion and Luxury, so that I can continue to grow in my industry.

##  How would you describe the culture and community within your class?

The Fashion & Luxury MBA cohort is very small so we became really good friends very quickly. Everyone is extremely supportive and willing to help, but more than that I have made life-long friendships with many of my classmates.

##  How have the immersive aspects of the program helped you prepare for the next step in your career?

I think the most valuable thing about our immersive experiences has been the networking. In a very easy and smooth way, you're put in contact with so many interesting people, for someone coming from Europe, I don't think I could have built such a strong network in the US market had it not been for Stern and all our immersive courses.

##  What was your favorite class at Stern?

Leadership, with Nate Pettit has really changed the way I think about leading a team. I got so interested that I applied to the longer course, Leadership Fellows, and I am absolutely loving it.

##  What advice do you have for prospective students?

Don't give up! I applied twice before to the full-time program, until I spoke to Prof Serdari over Zoom and she told me more about the Focused MBA. I could not be more grateful that Stern nudged me in the right direction, and I am thankful I persisted and eventually got to join this amazing community.