Full-time MBA | Alia Hakim

Hometown
Beirut, Lebanon

Undergraduate
School: American University of Beirut
Major/Minor: Economics, Minor in Political Science

Previous Industry
Finance, Rocket Companies

Summer Internship
Alexander Group

Specializations at Stern
Strategy & Brand Management

Student Clubs
Co-President of Middle East & North Africa Club (MENA)
VP of Management Consulting Association (MCA)
VP of Stern Women in Business Association (SWIB)

I realized Stern felt like home during recruiting, when my friends and I were sitting together late one night, clearly exhausted, and our professor stopped by and ended up joining us. We all admitted how drained we were, and instead of it feeling overwhelming, it felt unifying. That interaction captured how supportive and genuine the environment is, and made it clear that I had a strong support system around me, from classmates to faculty.

Prior to starting my MBA, I was unsure what to expect from the program and what social opportunities would be available to me. I knew I wanted to travel and take advantage of experiential learning courses, but I wasn’t sure how to navigate those opportunities. Speaking with recent Stern graduates was especially helpful in understanding how they balanced the program with a busy social calendar. I was also eager to explore different interests, and learning about the range of clubs, helped me better define my direction for the next two years.

I really enjoyed my DBI in Argentina. Beyond the beauty of the country and the experiences we were able to be a part of, I had the chance to meet so many great people outside of my class, some I may never have otherwise met. It was a meaningful opportunity to expand my network while sharing an unforgettable experience with a diverse group of peers.

For prospective students, I would highly recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone. I see an MBA as two years where you get to wear as many hats as you want and explore as many of your interests as possible, without the pressure of long-term commitments or rigid deadlines.

The advice I would give myself for the first semester is not to try to complete everything in one semester or rush to do it all at once. It’s a short time, but there’s still plenty of room to pace myself, so it’s important to slow down and truly savor the experience.

I wasn’t anticipating each Stern program being so small, we’re about 300–400 students per class, while other MBA programs are often nearly double that size. That scale has made the experience much more enjoyable. I can safely say I know most of my peers, and there’s a strong sense of community where people genuinely support one another and want each other to succeed.

I’m most proud of being part of the MENA Club. Although it’s only been around for three years, the organization has already fostered a strong sense of community. I’ve been able to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships, both personally and professionally. The club has done an impressive job of bringing together students, alumni, and industry professionals, creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career growth. Being part of something that has had such a tangible impact in a short amount of time has been incredibly rewarding.

I didn’t expect to form such strong friendships in just two years, but in only a few months I can confidently say that many of my friends and peers feel like family. Being in a small program and seeing each other almost every day as well as navigating the stresses of recruiting, has naturally strengthened those bonds, allowing us to build trust, be open, and be more vulnerable with one another.

Being near Washington Square Park, in the heart of the city, has made the MBA experience even more enjoyable, from networking opportunities to fully experiencing NYC life. Companies can easily access campus, and we’re able to move from one event to another with ease. You really feel part of the city’s energy and can engage with everything happening around you.

My favorite experiential learning experience to date has been the SSP Dialective. During the program, I worked closely with a New York based fashion designer to develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy aimed at growing his platform. Given my interest in the fashion space, this hands-on project felt especially meaningful. It pushed me to think critically, apply strategy in a real-world context, and navigate the complexities of working with a client, an experience that ultimately prepared me well for my upcoming summer consulting role.

I believe Stern offers strong internship and full-time placement outcomes. As a smaller program, there’s a more collaborative environment with less internal competition, and the alumni network is incredibly supportive, with a clear emphasis on EQ. More tactically, the Careers Office and professional clubs are well-equipped to guide students through every stage of the recruiting process. Second-year MBAs also play a huge role in paying it forward; they dedicate significant time to supporting first-years through study groups, casing initiatives, and interview prep. Throughout the process, I consistently felt supported and well-prepared for recruiting.

The Stern community is highly collaborative and supportive. With EQ as a core value, people are not only thoughtful and self-aware, but also genuinely willing to help one another succeed. That mindset shows up in everyday interactions, whether it’s classmates sharing resources, offering guidance during recruiting, or simply checking in on each other. It creates an environment where collaboration feels natural and support is consistent, rather than competitive.