Full-time MBA | Sri Pooja Ravipati

Hometown
Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, India

Undergraduate
School: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Major/Minor: Electronics and Communications Engineering

Previous Industry
Financial Services

Summer Internship
Amazon

Specializations at Stern
Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Student Clubs
International Committee, Stern Student Government 
Member, Private Equity & Venture Capital (PEVC)

Coming from India, I was eager to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. What truly drew me to Stern, however, was its strong sense of community and its commitment to fostering a business school culture that values both intellectual rigor (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ).

Before starting the MBA, I felt the need to prepare across multiple fronts from figuring out where to live in New York City to understanding the various resources available to me as an international student. I quickly realized that being intentional was key. I spent time reflecting on what I wanted out of the MBA experience and set clear goals and priorities. Having a sense of direction early on helped me stay focused once the program began, especially when so many exciting opportunities started coming at once. Stern’s student-led clubs were an invaluable resource even before day one whether it was reaching out to current students, attending pre-MBA webinars, or using shared guides, I felt supported and informed. Looking back, the most helpful thing I did was carve out the time to plan ahead, be clear on what I wanted, and prepare to stay flexible along the way.

I’ve deeply admired all my professors, making it hard to choose just one. That said, two stand out: Adam Alter and Sonia Marciano. I took Marketing for the first time with Professor Alter, and his engaging, participatory teaching style combined with thought-provoking cases made the class both enriching and memorable. Professor Marciano’s Strategy course completely reshaped how I think about decision-making, offering powerful frameworks applicable beyond business.

Be intentional. Set your North Star, but stay agile on the path. Before school starts, take time to define your goals and priorities for the next two years. Once you're in, things move fast, events, classes, and opportunities will compete for your attention. Having clear intentions will help you focus and make meaningful choices. And most importantly relax. This journey is challenging at every stage, but trust yourself, trust the process, and know that amidst the difficulty, there’s a lot of joy and growth waiting for you.

Nothing is ever as serious as it seems. Don’t waste energy worrying about what you can’t control, trust that things will work out. Most of all, slow down. Business school goes by in a flash, so be present. Take it all in. Try everything, explore freely, and don’t forget to pause and appreciate the little moments.

Being part of a small class means you get to know nearly everyone, which fosters a close-knit community. What surprised me most was the strength of the Stern network. Stern alumni are everywhere, especially in New York City, having access to such a robust and supportive professional network was incredibly valuable while navigating new paths and internship opportunities.

I’m most proud of being part of Stern Student Government. It’s been an incredible opportunity to represent my peers, help shape the student experience, and contribute to a more connected, inclusive community.

Nothing brings people closer than navigating a tough recruiting cycle, tackling a rigorous case prep, or pushing through a challenging group project together. These shared experiences, often stressful, forge the strongest bonds. I'd say my chosen family at Stern is made up of those I’ve gone through these moments with. The support, resilience, and laughter we shared in those high-pressure environments created connections that go far beyond the classroom.

Professionally, there was no better place to be than New York City, making Stern the perfect choice. The city’s energy, diversity, and pace create an unmatched environment for growth and exploration. Stern is deeply connected to nearly every major firm in NYC, offering daily opportunities to engage with alumni and industry professionals. Most recruiting events take place either on campus or just a short walk away at company offices, making networking a natural part of the experience.

Tech and the City,' taught by Professor Arun Sundararajan and Albert Wenger from Union Square Ventures, was one of the most impactful learning experiences I’ve had at Stern. The class felt less like a lecture and more like a series of live TED Talks dynamic, engaging, and full of real-world insight. It offered a practical lens into the tech landscape, helping me understand how emerging firms approach product-market fit, value creation, and their overall value proposition. One key takeaway was the vital importance of listening to customers—how ongoing, thoughtful engagement with users can shape better products and drive sustainable growth. The course reshaped how I think about innovation, strategy, and what it truly takes to build something meaningful.

I had no idea what 'casing' even meant before coming to Stern. Now, you could throw the most unexpected case question at me, and I’d know how to approach it with confidence. That transformation didn’t happen in isolation, it was fueled by the incredible support of the Stern community. From structured prep sessions and Career resources to peer coaching and alumni just a call away, I always felt like I had a team rooting for my success. The collaborative culture made even the most intense parts of recruiting feel manageable, and I never had to navigate it alone. Stern not only gave me the tools but also the network and confidence to approach recruiting with clarity and resilience.

From day one, I felt like I was part of a group that genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. Whether it was classmates sharing interview prep resources, second-years offering advice over coffee chats, or alumni responding to emails within hours—there’s a real sense of generosity and mutual respect. It's a place where people work hard, lift each other up and everyone is truly rooting for your success!!