Natalie Cieslak, MBA 2026
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Undergraduate
School: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Major/Minor: Information Science: UX Design
Previous Industry/Company
EY/ digital & product strategy consultant
Summer Internship
Visa Consulting & Analytics MBA Summer Intern
Specializations at Stern
Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Management of Technology and Operations
Student Clubs
Incoming Co-President of Stern Technology Association (STA)
What class/professor has made the deepest impression on you?
Tech & the City (TATC) with Professor Arun Sundararajan and Albert Wenger has been one of the most impactful courses I’ve taken at Stern. Through this class, I had the unique opportunity to work hands-on with a New York City startup to tackle real-world product-market fit challenges. I gained practical experience in identifying user needs—not just through interviews, but by learning how to listen, observe, and truly understand user behavior.
What made the class especially memorable was the dynamic pairing of Professor Arun’s academic insights with Albert’s venture capital expertise. Their combined perspectives created engaging, thought-provoking discussions that deepened my understanding of both sides of the startup world—raising capital and making investment decisions. TATC not only broadened my knowledge of the startup ecosystem but also shaped how I think about building and scaling products.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
My biggest piece of advice for prospective students is to view this as an investment in you. The MBA experience at Stern goes far beyond the classroom; it's about the people you meet, the opportunities you're exposed to, and the things you learn about yourself along the way.
This is truly a transformational experience. Stern gave me a supportive environment to explore areas I had been curious about but hesitant to pursue, like startups. Through hands-on experiences, incredible peer support, and access to founders, investors, and mentors, I was empowered to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways I didn’t expect.
What makes Stern most special though, is the people. You’ll meet classmates from all different backgrounds who challenge your thinking, expand your worldview, and cheer you on. The incredible Stern community, paired with NYC’s unmatched access to industry, makes for a one-of-a-kind journey that can’t be replicated anywhere else!
How has Stern prepared you for the recruiting process?
Stern prepared me for the recruiting process through a combination of structured resources, supportive mentorship, and hands-on opportunities. Early on, the Careers team hosted workshops that helped me clarify my recruiting goals and identify the industries and roles that aligned with my values and interests. These sessions provided frameworks that helped me focus my job search—ultimately narrowing in on the tech industry.
With that clarity, I was able to leverage Stern’s extensive network. Through the Alumni and Executive-in-Residence programs, I had 1:1 coffee chats with tech industry leaders, gaining insight into different companies and best practices for tech recruiting. Many of these conversations evolved into ongoing relationships that led to referrals and invaluable career advice.
Equally impactful was my career mentor, a second-year MBA who had gone through the same process just a year before. Their advice on resumes, networking, and interview prep helped me fine-tune my recruiting strategy and avoid common pitfalls.
Finally, professional clubs like the Stern Technology Association (STA), Entrepreneurship and Startup Association (ESA), and Private Equity & Venture Capital Club (PEVC) offered targeted workshops that deepened my knowledge of the industry and sharpened my interviewing skills. Altogether, Stern’s recruiting ecosystem gave me the confidence and tools I needed to navigate the process successfully.
How has being located in the heart of NYC set you up for professional success?
Location, location, location. Being in the heart of NYC is one of the biggest advantages of being a Sternie, and I can best illustrate this through a snapshot of a day in my life this past spring semester.
I started my morning at the Union Square office of a software startup, where I worked part-time as a product intern, an opportunity I landed through a fellow classmate. After a productive morning, I made my way to Bryant Park for a ""Tech Trek"" at a major SaaS company. There, I had the chance to visit their office and hear from current employees (who are all Stern alumni!) about their post-Stern journeys and roles within the company.
Following the trek, I headed to campus for afternoon classes. To wrap up the day, I joined classmates at a nearby bar for a Sternie happy hour allowing me to unwind, catch up, and continue to build the strong community Stern is known for.
While jam-packed, the ability to move seamlessly between hands-on work experience, professional networking, academic learning, and social connection all in one day is something that’s only possible because of Stern’s central location in the city.