Trip Werd, MBA 2026
Trip Werd, Andre Koo Tech MBA 2026
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Undergraduate
University of Michigan
Previous Industry
Product Management, Blerp
Student Clubs
Stern Technology Association
One sentence quote about your experience at NYU Stern so far:
Coming from a music background with no formal business or technology training, Stern has been transformative. I can now navigate both those worlds much more confidently, and I feel thoroughly prepared to keep building my career in product.
Why did you decide to pursue the focused one-year MBA program?
I wanted to build a strong foundation in business and technology while staying close to the technology industry. The one-year program offered the intensity and focus I was looking for, allowing me to quickly deepen my knowledge and accelerate my path forward. It’s been the perfect fit for someone like me—coming from a nontraditional background but aiming to continue in product management with greater confidence and impact.
How would you describe the culture and community within your class?
Our class is extremely close. We’ve built a tight-knit community both inside and outside the classroom. We collaborate and push each other academically, but we also spend a lot of time together socially, whether that’s going out in the city, working out, or just supporting each other through the intensity of the program. The mix of camaraderie and ambition has made the experience really special.
What has been your favorite class at Stern? Why?
It’s a popular answer among Sternies, but my favorite class has definitely been Professor Nate Pettit’s Leadership course. It taught me a tremendous amount about human behavior and emotion, and pushed me to become a better version of myself. The lessons I learned are ones I know I’ll continue to reflect on throughout my life.
Why did you choose NYU Stern?
When I was deciding on schools, I connected with a Tech MBA Grad Ambassador from the Class of 2025. He invited me to a happy hour with his classmates, and I immediately felt how welcoming, impressive, and tight-knit the community was. That experience—seeing the kind of people I would be learning alongside—ultimately convinced me that Stern was the right place for me.