“I’m in Stern.”
Before coming to NYU, I never thought I would be nervous saying that to someone. All I knew was that I got into my dream school, NYU, and would be studying at one of the best business schools in the country, Stern. I didn’t know much about the social life of NYU because it honestly wasn’t a priority. I thought that I’d deal with that once I got there. And I did. At my first meeting with my RA, he asked me if I had met any “Stern Snakes,” and I was perplexed. My immediate response was, “What are Stern Snakes?” I had a lot of learning to do. But after my fair share of disapproving “oh”s and immediate dislike, I figured it out.
I spent my first semester trying to find friends outside of Stern and disassociate myself with the school. But, as I started attending club meetings and meeting new people, I realized I had been wrong. I met so many amazing people who came from different backgrounds, had interesting passions, and were very friendly. I realized I had become a victim of the stereotype.
I understand the background of the stereotype. I have met Stern students that meet some of the characteristics of a “Stern Snake,” but in the end, it is just a stereotype. Stern students are indeed different. We’ve been working on getting to Stern most of our lives: doing business internships, programs, and other activities way before college. That’s what the field of business demands from you. Even in their freshman fall, Stern students have internships.
I would not be able to do that, but I admire how they can manage school, social life, extracurriculars, and an internship right as they enter college. People have asked me why students are walking around in suits. It’s because Stern students start recruitment for internships or are doing internships almost throughout the year. I used to judge them for doing so, but I’ve come to realize that Stern students are ambitious, hard-working, driven, and talented. They see their goal, and they work hard to get there.
Most Stern students study finance. It’s a practical choice, but it’s not my choice. I’m concentrating on marketing and sustainable business. At first, it was hard finding people who were studying anything but Finance, Data Science, Statistics, etc. But, when I started going to clubs, like Marketing Society, I met people who had similar interests. At times, it feels like you have to study finance like it’s the only right choice. But what’s important is doing something you’re passionate about, whether that be investment banking or luxury marketing.
I have had people look at me funny or act condescending when I introduce myself, and there is no mention of finance in my majors, but oh well. I’m happy with what I’m doing. Stern’s culture is extremely competitive, and it makes sense because most of the students are working towards the same big finance companies (you know, your JP Morgan Chase or Morgan Stanley). Yes, the competitive culture can sometimes be a little toxic, but only if you let it be. I’m not a competitive person by nature, so Stern’s culture helps push me to achieve more.
There’s my experience as a Stern student so far. It’s demanding, but I love it, “Snakes” and all.