Full-time MBA | Rosely Mateo

Hometown
Brooklyn, NY

Undergraduate
School: Babson College
Major/Minor: Business Administration

Previous Industry
Healthcare

Summer Internship
Citi

Specializations at Stern
Finance, Sustainable Business and Innovation, and Healthcare

Student Clubs
VP of Communications, Graduate Finance Association (GFA)
VP of Alumni Relations, Stern Healthcare Association (SHA)
2026 Member, EmpowHER: Career Development Program in Sustainable Finance

I knew Stern was where I belonged during the first wave of investment banking recruiting. After a string of late-night corporate presentations, nonstop networking circles, and sneaking bites of food between conversations, what I looked forward to most was debriefing with my classmates. We leaned on each other, shared doubts, traded tips, and kept each other grounded. That sense of shared hustle and real support made it clear: we weren’t doing this alone.

I was honored to be selected for the EmpowHER program, which gave me access to a supportive peer group and key resources before classes even began. I also had meaningful conversations with MBA2s who had pivoted into finance and generously shared their lessons learned. They helped me see that my unconventional background was an asset and to let my personality shine!

Professor Damodaran’s Corporate Finance course completely changed how I think about finance and decision-making. His ability to make complex topics both accessible and profound left a lasting impression. He didn’t just teach us how to calculate WACC, he asked us to dig deeper: what story are the numbers telling? That kind of critical thinking is something I carry with me every day.

Don’t count yourself out just because your story looks different. When Stern says it values EQ, they show it in their actions. If you’ve made it here, you’ve already found one of the best places to maximize your potential, passion, and purpose. Your experience, no matter how unconventional, is your edge. Own it. Tell your story. And find your people.

Give yourself grace. Mistakes will happen, and although it’s important to learn from them, don’t ruminate and punish yourself for them. I’ve had moments that were tough to live through while balancing recruiting with academics, but in the end, they’ve made me humble, sharper, and more self-aware. Take the wins with the losses.

Stern’s location in the heart of NYC makes the MBA experience feel like a “choose your own adventure.” Being embedded in the energy of Greenwich Village means opportunities are unfolding all around you, but it’s up to you to pay attention and act. Some breakthroughs come from the smallest decisions you make. One conversation in class, one event you almost skipped, or one happy hour you spontaneously attend can completely shift your path. At Stern, you’re always one door away from a new direction, just make sure you walk through it.

EmpowHER has been the most formative part of my Stern journey. It provided me with a network of brilliant women committed to shaping a more inclusive finance industry, as well as a platform to develop my technical and leadership skills. Through EmpowHER, I was also paired with Lynette Jefferson, an incredible mentor who helped me think more strategically about my career, including pursuing the CFA and connecting with key industry leaders.

My chosen family is a small group chat of women that evolved from my Block 2 cohort. Without them, I’d be lost! We support each other through academics, recruiting stress, and personal wins and losses. What’s special is that we’re all on different paths, including PE/VC, corporate finance, consulting, and media, which keeps our perspectives balanced and honest. They’re my rock.

Being in New York has made everything feel more immediate and accessible, from coffee chats with bankers between classes to attending conferences and networking at firm HQs. The city’s pace forces you to level up, and Stern gives you the tools to match that energy. Additionally, as a native New Yorker planning to start a family here, being based in the city makes perfect sense, as it’s home for me.

Joining the Michael Price Student Investment Fund (MPSIF) was a transformative experience. Managing real capital alongside peers taught me how to analyze companies, pitch with conviction, and make investment decisions with discipline and creativity. I especially enjoyed conducting in-depth analyses of healthcare companies, which enabled me to combine my passion for healthcare with newly acquired financial skills.

In every way. From technical preparation to narrative building, Stern gave me the tools and the confidence to own my story. The Graduate Finance Association (GFA), the Career Center, and MBA2 mentors helped me refine my pitch, sharpen my interview skills, and stay focused on the bigger picture. I came in unsure whether I could pivot into investment banking. I left with an internship offer from Citi.

Emotionally supportive, diverse, and authentic. Stern is filled with people who are ambitious and grounded, competitive, but collaborative. There’s a shared understanding that we’re all here to grow, and we do that best when we lift each other.