Nathalia Rodriguez, MBA 2027
Hometown
San Francisco, California
Undergraduate
School: UC Santa Barbara
Major/Minor: Political Science
Previous Industry
Information Services / Research Services
Summer Internship
Global Procurement at PepsiCo
Specializations at Stern
Strategy, Global Business
Student Clubs
Follies: Co-VP Marketing
What moment made you realize Stern was the home for you?
Attending Preview Admitted Students Weekend in 2025 was the moment Stern really started to feel like home. I had the chance to connect with current students, and they were so open, honest, and generous in sharing their experiences. Community was one of the most important things I was looking for in an MBA program, and I remember feeling almost immediately that Stern had the kind of environment I wanted to be part of. And if that was not enough, meeting Beth Briggs, the Dean of Students, sealed the deal. She brought such warmth, care, and genuine commitment to supporting students, and it was clear that she truly wants every person in the community to thrive.
How did you prepare for the program before you began it?
Before Stern, I tried to prepare both practically and mentally. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my “why,” my story, what I wanted out of business school, and the kind of person I wanted to become through the experience, not just professionally but personally. Beyond that reflection, I had coffee chats with current students and alumni, attended pre-MBA Stern events, and tried to get comfortable with the idea that business school would involve a lot of ambiguity, growth, and saying yes before I felt fully ready.
What class/professor has made the deepest impression on you?
One class that has made a deep impression on me is Difficult Conversations by Professor Wynn. It pushed me to think more intentionally about how I communicate, and why I communicate the way I do. The class made me realize that strong communication is not just about having a point of view, but about creating space for other people to feel heard while still being honest about what you think. Before Stern, I tried to prepare both practically and mentally. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my “why,” my story, what I wanted out of business school, and the kind of person I wanted to become through the experience, not just professionally but personally. Beyond that reflection, I had coffee chats with current students and alumni, attended pre-MBA Stern events, and tried to get comfortable with the idea that business school would involve a lot of ambiguity, growth, and saying yes before I felt fully ready.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Don’t attend business school just to check a box. Be clear on your “why” -- what you hope to get out of the program, but also what you hope to contribute to it. An MBA is a big investment, but the right program can genuinely enhance your life both professionally and personally. Do your research, understand the community, cohort, and environment you are joining, and choose a school where you can see yourself growing and giving back.
What advice would you give your first semester self?
I’d tell my first semester self not to sweat the small stuff so much. Go to events, say yes to things, and stay open even when something doesn’t seem perfectly aligned with your “path.” You might learn something new, meet someone great, or realize you’re interested in something you didn’t expect. I’d also remind myself to protect time to recharge, because business school is such a fun but busy time and you can’t pour from an empty cup. You don’t have to do everything perfectly; just be present, build real relationships, and give yourself room to grow.
What surprised you the most about Stern?
What surprised me most about Stern is how authentic the community is. From my peers to the faculty, I’ve found myself having interesting, thoughtful conversations with people from all over the world and from so many different backgrounds. Stern talks a lot about the balance of EQ and IQ, but I did not fully understand how real that was until I started the program. People here are incredibly smart and ambitious, but they are also open, curious, and genuinely willing to connect.
What club or organization are you most proud of being a part of?
I’m most proud to be part of Consortium, LABA, and AHBBS because they were some of my “day one” communities at Stern. Before classes even fully started, these groups helped me feel supported, seen, and connected to people who understood different parts of my identity, background, and goals. They’ve given me spaces to build genuine friendships, learn from classmates and alumni, and feel like I had a foundation at Stern from the very beginning. For me, they represent the kind of community that makes business school feel bigger than just academics or recruiting.
How has being located in the heart of NYC set you up for professional success?
Being located in the heart of NYC has made professional opportunities feel incredibly accessible. Whether its being a subway ride away from networking events, down the street from company offices, or surrounded by people working across industries, Stern makes it easy to stay connected to what is relevant in the world. New York is also such a cosmopolitan city, with diverse perspectives that reflect the broader global business environment. Overall, being located in NYC has helped me build my network while also becoming a more thoughtful, globally minded professional.