Kate Thomson, MBA 2026
Kate Thomson, Luxury & Retail MBA 2026
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate
Vanderbilt University, Civil Engineering
Previous Industry
Finance & Strategy at Georgia-Pacific
Specializations at Stern
Finance, Strategy, & Luxury Marketing
Student Clubs
VP of Community, Luxury & Retail Club
VP of Focused MBAs, Stern Student Government
Makhoul Leadership Fellow
Member, Stern Women in Business Association
Member, Arts, Culture, & Cuisine
Member, Stern Cellar club
One sentence quote about your experience at NYU Stern so far:
Between the invaluable career resources, fantastic professors, and amazing community, Stern has unlocked so many opportunities for me—I feel so lucky to be here!
Why did you decide to pursue the focused one-year MBA program?
I had been contemplating an MBA for quite a while but was hesitant to actually take the leap. What initially drew me to Stern’s Luxury & Retail MBA program was the industry focus, one-year expedited timeline, and NYC location. I ultimately said yes though because I knew Stern would broaden my perspective on career opportunities, help me make an informed decision about my next move, and unlock an alumni network to support me in breaking into the luxury & retail industry.
What has been your favorite class at Stern? Why?
It’s so hard to choose, but I especially loved Dean Pettit’s Leadership class! As one of the very first classes in the summer, it set the stage for business school so well—I felt like I could apply the learnings instantly. I won’t give away any of his secrets, but you can always count on Dean Pettit to add an unexpected twist. He keeps you on your toes with his creative activities, and that’s exactly why the lessons stick with you.
What has been a highlight of your Stern experience?
The summer term is jam-packed—we cover 18 credit hours of core business classes in just a few months! While it’s definitely busy, it’s also such an exciting time to kick off a new chapter alongside so many incredible classmates. After our last final, the Luxury & Retail and Tech MBA programs threw a French Soirée–themed party to celebrate. It was so fun not only to have the summer courses behind us, but also to realize how close we’d grown in just a few short months!
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Have as clear a vision as possible for what you want to get out of your MBA! That vision will not only help you decide whether now is the right time to pursue it, but also ensure you make the most of your time once you’re here. Opportunities for student leadership and club involvement start right away in the summer, so it’s important to dive in with intention. And finally, try not to get caught up in the comparison game—everyone comes in with different experiences and goals, and that’s exactly what makes the MBA journey so meaningful.