Full Name: Mengmeng Zong
Program: MSDABC
Hometown: Hubei, China
Undergraduate school: Shanghai International Studies University
Undergraduate major: Accounting
Previous work/internship experience (if applicable): 4 internships in total, 1 in auditing, 1 in investment banking, 2 in equity research
Full Time offers received: 2, PwC-Consulting & adidas-Finance Management Trainee
Favorite restaurant near NYU Stern: Saigon Shack
Favorite restaurant near NYU Shanghai: Beef noodles near school gate
What led you to apply for and enroll in this program?
My interest in coding began during a summer program and through self-study. I discovered a passion for it and was eager to enhance my skills further. I wanted to explore how to apply these skills in business scenarios. Additionally, I plan to work in Shanghai, so this program, which is partially based in Shanghai, would allow me to find internships and job opportunities more conveniently.
Which course(s) and/or professor(s) stand out from this past year?
Revenue Management and Pricing by Professor Yossi Aviv and Optimization Modeling by Professor Jiawei Zhang. They revealed how problems such as setting hotel room prices, purchasing products from multiple suppliers, and even playing card games can be turned into optimization problems. I found these courses intellectually stimulating as they taught me how to transform vague questions into specific, logically clear tasks. These courses are highly relevant to real life and have provided me with a new perspective on systematically and rationally solving problems through mathematical modeling.
What was your favorite part of the capstone project experience?
I really like the discussions with mentors from the sponsor company. They provided practical suggestions for our project and general advice on problem-solving in a professional setting. This guidance has helped me better adapt to a work environment and prepared me for future challenges in my career.
What are some favorite memories from your time in NYC and Shanghai this past year?
In NYC, one of my favorite memories is visiting the Met and seeing a cheerful security guard beside a Van Gogh painting. He was secretly making winning gestures when people took photos of the artwork. I found it amusing and endearing, so I asked to take a selfie with him. In Shanghai, I enjoyed the various activities for festivals and before finals. I collected some lovely postcards and leaf stickers, which made the experience even more memorable.
If you could go back in time to Orientation at Stern, what would you tell yourself as you were just starting the program?
I would tell myself to be brave and ask questions. Initially, I was a bit shy, but I soon discovered that the professors are very nice and helpful. They are willing to listen to my questions and discuss solutions. Often, our discussions led to more answers and feedback than I expected, as we explored relevant topics together.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m starting my career in the clothing industry with a two-year rotation. During this time, I plan to explore different areas within the industry to discover where my skills can provide the most value. After my rotation, I aim to dive deeper into the area that aligns best with my strengths and interests.
