Grace Linhares, MBA 2027
Hometown
Mystic, CT
Undergraduate
School: University of Chicago
Major/Minor: Global Studies & Environmental Studies
Previous Industry
Executive Search / Ferguson Partners
Summer Internship
EY-Parthenon
Specializations at Stern
Sustainable Business & Innovation, Management, Business Analytics
Student Clubs
Management Consulting Association (MCA), VP of Casing Initiatives
Social Impact & Sustainability Association (SISA), VP of Admissions
Stern Women in Business Association (SWIB), VP of Admissions
What moment made you realize Stern was the home for you?
I was really excited about Stern after visiting for admitted students weekend, but I felt especially happy about my decision after attending the Forté Conference as a Forté Fellow. Getting to meet so many incredible women, form early bonds, reconnect with people I met at admitted students weekend, and feel that sense of community before the semester started made a huge difference. By the time classes began, I already felt like I belonged, and that feeling has only grown stronger since.
How did you prepare for the program before you began it?
I spoke with a handful of current students and alumni, and I got a lot of advice to make sure I knew what I wanted to prioritize. So, before the program started, I made a list of experiences I didn't want to miss like DBIs or specific career paths I wanted to explore. That said, I don't think there's a rigid checklist for preparation, but it can be helpful to think about your goals and what you want out of the next two years because they really do fly by.
What class/professor has made the deepest impression on you?
It's hard to choose just one, but Firms & Markets with Professor Maher Said stands out. I didn't have much of an economics background coming in, and he had a remarkable ability to make the subject feel approachable without dumbing it down. He encouraged us to ask questions and consistently pushed us to stretch beyond what we thought we knew, which was the kind of intellectual challenge I came to Stern for.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Don't feel like you need to have everything figured out before you arrive! So many people come to Stern to pivot and try something new in their career. It helps to have some goals in mind, but an open mind will also serve you well. Take full advantage of everything Stern has to offer, and don't hesitate to reach out to professors, alumni, or fellow students - the resources here are vast, and not all of them will come to you.
What advice would you give your first semester self?
Trust and be confident in yourself! Imposter syndrome is real, but you were admitted for a reason and you are more capable than you realize. Remember to invest in yourself outside of school. It's easy to say yes to everything in the MBA bubble, and while leaning in is great, knowing when to slow down and recharge is just as important.
Who makes up your chosen family at NYU Stern?
Without a doubt Block 5. Spending the entire first semester taking classes alongside the same group of people helped us form a community that has lasted well beyond fall semester. I'd also add the incredible group of women I went through consulting recruiting with; navigating such an intense and stressful process together really forged a strong bond. Both groups have become my anchors at Stern, and I feel so lucky to have them.
What Experiential Learning opportunity has been your favorite and why?
I was recently accepted as a Board Fellow for next year! The chance to work directly with a nonprofit organization on a real governance challenge is the kind of hands-on learning I came to Stern for.
How has Stern prepared you for the recruiting process?
Stern has so many resources to offer, but the student clubs in particular were invaluable in helping me understand the ins and outs of recruiting from timelines and networking to interview prep and everything in between. I also found that reaching out to second-year students, even with the most basic questions, was really helpful and encouraging. I'm looking forward to being on the other side of that and helping the next class through their recruiting process.
How would you describe the Stern community?
Ambitious and genuinely supportive. Sternies come from such diverse and impressive backgrounds. I feel like I’m constantly learning something new and interesting from my peers’ past experiences. It’s easy to assume that it’ll be a competitive environment, but I’ve found it to be a community of people that truly roots for each other.