So You Think You Know...

DANIEL SAAT, MBA1

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: My background is in financial strategy for a large social enterprise. We provide infrastructure services to hundreds of activists, donors, and social entrepreneurs, all focused around social justice work in the US and abroad. I loved that work and wrote about how I see myself doing infrastructure development and financial strategy work for social change movements in the future, both domestically and in the Middle East where my family is from.

In 10 years I see myself: Being a part of creating meaningful impact for communities I care about. I'm not sure where I'll be, but I know that I'll be thinking about sustainability, scalability, technology, and social innovation. Some people work to live, others live to work. While the first is certainly necessary, I aspire to the latter.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: Contemplative.

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: In my grandmother's kitchen—amazing Iraqi-Israeli food. Either that or soup dumplings from Shanghai Cafe.

My favorite CEO is: because: Eric Schmidt (and Sergey Brin and Larry Page) of Google. They lead one of the most innovative, successful, impactful companies of our lifetimes, while making it the best company in the world to work for. Not bad.

I love living in New York because: It's the most exciting, thrilling, challenging, lonely, freaky city I've ever been. When I'm here all I want is to do things.

I hate living in New York because: It's the most exciting, thrilling, challenging, lonely, freaky city I've ever been. When I'm here all I want is to do things.

My first childhood memory is: Loving my OshKoshB'gosh overalls.

I'm glad I decided to come to Stern because: It's a place where people with energy and passion can make things happen.

Something no Sternies know about me: Best adventure of my life: road trip from San Francisco to Loreto, Baja California de Sur. Desert, cactus, beaches, small Mexican towns, cheap tacos and tequila, one highway and no speed limit. Dios mio.

 

JUSTIN MATTHEWS, MBA2

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: An equity research analyst and eventually a portfolio manager. It's what I've wanted to do for a while, so I've kept my eye on the prize in that respect.

In 10 years I see myself: Professionally: working hard, hopefully as a franchise analyst on the sell-side, or a PM on the Buy-Side (see: HNIC). Also I would really like to invest in a clothing store or fashion line with some friends of mine that are still in the business.

Personally: I really hope to stay the same old me… Still reppin' BK to the fullest, still picking fights with Steelers fans, still making outlandish claims, still scaring my neighbors by walking my bulldog through yuppie neighborhoods while wearing a dashiki and dark glasses. Only difference is I'll be driving something fast and European instead of the F train.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: Spottieottiedopalicious

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: In-N-Out cheeseburgers (Double Double Animal Style with fries and a pink lemonade to be exact).

My favorite CEO is:  Mickey Drexler (CEO of J.Crew) because I've always admired his leadership, creativity, and the work he has done with the company and the brand since his arrival.

I love living in New York because: You can literally do anything at anytime… your imagination is your only limitation.

I hate living in New York because: It's 2010 and I still can't get a cab to pick me up at night.

My first childhood memory is: Slapping the doctor the day I was born.

I'm glad I decided to come to Stern because: I love the lifelong friendships that I've established here. I luuuh all y'all!

Something no Sternies know about me: I used to be a child actor… was third in line to play "Bud" on The Cosby Show... true story!