Full-time MBA | Jason Blake

• Hometown
  San Diego, CA
• Undergraduate
  School: University of San Diego
  Major: Finance
• Previous Employer
  San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Energy)
• Summer Internship
  Summer Associate at Guggenheim Securities
• Specializations at Stern
  Finance, Accounting, Sustainability & Innovation
• Student Clubs
  Association of Hispanic & Black Business Students - VP of Admissions
  Stern Energy & Infrastructure Club - VP of Events
  Graduate Finance Association

My favorite class to date was Modeling with Professor Gode. He really wants you to learn, as shown by the amount of homework he assigns. I hope to take more classes with him in my second year.

I found a sense of community and support through my study group. We will be lifelong friends, and I feel fortunate to have had them by my side throughout the first year. 

The community. You have an entire team behind you rooting for your success from the day you walk in. Professors want to give you the tools to succeed in the workplace. Career Services challenge you to find your unconscious motivators and consider them when choosing a career. And your classmates are by your side, helping you with everything from mock interviews to statistics.

I feel corny saying this, but learning. My first year at Stern is the first time I found classes interesting and engaging. I wish it wouldn't have taken so long, but they say it is better late than never.

Having been out of school for some time, I was worried about the quantitative courses. I took an MBA math prep course to refresh, which helped me get back into the "student" mindset.

A few weeks into Professor Petit's Leadership in Organizations class, we did a listening exercise. The exercise required you to listen to a classmate without interrupting for several minutes. The experience taught me that everyone has a story and that by taking the time to listen genuinely, you can learn something from every one of your colleagues.

Stern's location is second to none. You can meet and interact with professionals in varying industries, from tech to finance, all between classes. And that's just on the career front. You also have access to everything else New York City has to offer!

My girlfriend. She's helped me with everything from admissions essays to interview prep and has been by my side throughout the MBA journey. She's now my fiance. I'm a lucky guy.

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