PQU Campus Correspondent Alex Grieco (Stern)

Alex Grieco

New York University, Stern School of Business

Hometown: Great Falls, Virginia

Year: Junior

Majors: Marketing and Finance

Track: Luxury Marketing

25 Questions with Campus Correspondent Alex Grieco

When did you know you wanted to go to business school?

Sophomore year of high school. I wanted to go into fashion, but with a business background.

When you found out you were accepted into Stern, what was your reaction?

I am pretty sure I had a smile tattooed on my face for a month straight.

What other schools did you apply to?

Boston University, Northeastern, Fordham, & Georgetown University.

Why should students preparing to enter college consider going into business school?

Post graduation you have the opportunity to go into any industry that you have an interest in. From sports to law to fashion, having a business background gives perspective.

What has been the most surprising thing about B-school?

The diversity of interests among the students.

How many internships have you done and with what companies?

I have done one internship for the past year at a luxury cosmetics company on their Specialty Marketing Product Development team. A lot of students work at multiple companies, but I have had such an amazing experience at one,  so I have stayed! For me it is about loving the brand and its mission, and in the long run, see how it grows and changes in response to the industry.

Have you studied abroad?

Yes!

When, where, and what was the experience?

I studied at NYU’s campus in Florence, Italy (which is located on a hilltop overlooking downtown Florence) for my sophomore Fall semester. I got to learn Italian, eat with local Florentine families, and teach English to young Italians, all while taking some business coursework such as Intro to Marketing and Organizational Communications.

If you had to choose one: an internship or studying abroad?

I couldn’t! Both of my experiences have been so eye-opening. I don’t think I could give up one for the other.

What has been your most memorable moment in B-school?

This is super difficult, but I think it would be the time I climbed the Cupola del Duomo in Florence. I could not only see my apartment, but also NYU’s Campus Villa! It was breathtaking. I will have those images for a lifetime (and might just share some here on P&Q later on this semester!).

Why should students apply to Stern?

The people and experiences! You will feel inspired everyday by accomplished peers and engaged faculty. In addition, you get opportunities not offered to many other students like a free trip to the US Open, tickets to Broadway shows, and intimate talks with some of the world’s leading business men and women, just to name a few!

What are your goals after graduation?

Immediately after graduation I would love to travel to places I didn’t get a chance to visit when abroad and have a job I love that, hopefully, doesn’t feel like a job at all. 🙂

When you’re not studying, where on campus can we most likely find you?

At NYU, we consider all of New York City as our campus! So, most days off you can find me at any new fashion exhibit, art museum (The Whitney is my favorite), or even at Washington Square Park enjoying ice cream.

What are you most excited about for the new semester?

Our class trip to Hong Kong! As part of our International Studies Program, every junior will do a week long in-country immersion in either Hong Kong, Lima, or Lisbon. Nearly every graduating student names it as their FAVORITE part of their time at Stern.

What are your hobbies outside of B-school?

I love watching fashion styling videos and reading makeup and beauty blogs to supplement my internship. I also love to bake! If you have any great cookie or cake recipes, please pass them my way.

What advice would you offer your freshman self?

Be open-minded. Try out different clubs or activities in industries you haven’t thought of. Take advantage of the free time you have.

What is one thing that could improve your business school to make it an even better experience?

I think the only thing that could make NYU Stern even better is the addition of more student lounges for relaxing and bonding among students. That and free coffee.

What is the one class or who is the one professor every B-school student should take?

It is not a business class but it is an elective call the Science of Happiness! It helps you learn your strengths and weaknesses as well as how to effectively manage your life in a way that keeps you happy.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

To be honest, I am not sure where exactly I want to be in 5 years. But right now, I hope to be living in a vibrant city like New York or London while pursuing a career in Marketing or Finance within the Luxury industry.

What is one life changing moment you’ve experienced as a business school student?

I would say a life changing moment I have experienced because of Stern was when I got to listen to a special rendition of Silent Night in Prague’s Old Town Square in the Czech Republic. For Thanksgiving, I visited my friends at the NYU Prague campus and stumbled upon the public concert in the evening. The reason it was so special: everyone was encouraged to sing the chorus in their native language. It was beautiful and eye-opening to see just how many different kinds of people all gathered in harmony to sing.

What one word would you use to describe the professors at Stern?

Accomplished

What word to describe the students?

Driven

What is the culture like there?

Motivating and collaborative  

Who is your favorite professor and why?

Professor Jeffrey Carr has been one of my favorite professors because of his dedication to his students. He always extended a hand out to help students meet professionals that would help them gain experience in an area of interest.

When you graduate what do you think you’ll miss most about business school?

The resources. From the people you meet to the different students that inspire me on a daily basis. The school and everyone in it has become like family.