Smriti Ashok, MBA 2026
Hometown
Cypress, TX
Undergraduate
School: Rice University
Major/Minor: Chemical Engineering
Previous Industry/Company
Manufacturing and O&G/Siemens Energy
Summer Internship
PwC
Specializations at Stern
Sustainable Business and Innovation and Finance
Student Clubs
VP of Programming in Management Consulting Association
VP of Philanthropy in Stern Student Government
What advice would you give your first semester self?
It's okay to not have everything figured out the moment you set foot on campus! You are in a transition phase from work to school again, so it will take a bit for you to calibrate and figure out this new life.
What surprised you the most about Stern?
How Sternies are a cohesive community. Coming in, I thought that Sternies would default to their social circle outside of school since we're in NYC. However, we all make an effort to hang out with each other whether through formal or informal events.
How has Stern prepared you for the recruiting process?
I recruited for consulting, and I feel that Stern gives you many resources. As an MBA1, you have both Careers and student clubs that guide you throughout the process. The Management Consulting Association club (MCA) gave us tangible building blocks such as study sessions, case prep, etc. while Careers helped me by giving me a safe space to ask any questions I had about the process.
How has being located in the heart of NYC set you up for professional success?
Being able to network in person has been so helpful. There are many conferences here in NYC, so you can grow your network beyond Stern too. Many companies host in person networking events given Stern's proximity to their offices. I have a mentor through the EmpowHER program, and I feel that being able to meet in person has really helped me connect with her.
How would you describe the Stern community?
Warm and inclusive! I feel that Sternies always help each other out in all aspects of the MBA, and we bond through the numerous events put on by our affinity clubs and our blocks.