Faculty Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Steven Pae
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Management and Technology
Real-World Lessons for Aspiring Project Managers
Fast Facts
- Steven Pae has a background in engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business
- He is the CIO for Prudential International Insurance and travels globally to share his expertise
- Pae emphasizes practical experience and real-world applications in his teaching approach
<p>Steven Pae's career began with a solid foundation in engineering from Cornell University, leading to his first job in NYC at Goldman Sachs. His pursuit of continuous learning led him to earn an MBA from NYU Stern while working. Pae's extensive experience working in various banks and financial institutions in NYC progressed into teaching at NYU in 2017, starting with the Management of Information Systems class.</p>
The Reciprocal Nature of Teaching
<p>Initially drawn to teaching as a way to give back, keep his skills current, and envision a second career, Pae now finds immense value in preparing students for the private sector beyond just theoretical knowledge. His practical experience translates into real-world use cases for students, providing them with new perspectives and insights. "This is why I love teaching…My experience can immediately become practical use cases for students in my class and be able to provide new perspectives." </p>
Student Experiences and Takeaways
<p>Pae's students appreciate being treated as colleagues; receiving real advice on corporate operations, especially in agile methodologies. His approach encourages inquisitive minds and a thirst for knowledge.</p>
<p>Pae finds success in the high levels of student engagement and positive feedback, particularly with team projects and industry guest speakers.</p>
<p>"My students get a lot from my project simulations. I have also been able to bring executives in the industry as guest speakers which they love because of new perspectives they gain." </p>
<p>Pae enjoys teaching Agile Project Management and Capstone courses. Agile is widely applied in his current and previous companies, allowing him to draw on numerous real examples. The Capstone course, designed around a semester-long project, provides students with real-life lessons and practical experience.</p>
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My students get a lot from my project simulations. I have also been able to bring executives in the industry as guest speakers which they love because of new perspectives they gain."
Advice for Post-Grad Professionals
<p>Pae advises students to own their career trajectory, continuously learn, and seek help when needed. He emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative in career development and the value of mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.</p>
<p>As technology continues to rapidly change, Pae's advice for staying ahead is to embrace new assignments, volunteer for projects, and engage with experts. He highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements like AI and quantum computing in the future.</p>
<p>Pae advises prospective students to seek professors who have achieved success in their careers and to choose quality schools that attract top talent. Surrounding oneself with smart and kind individuals in quality firms with compatible cultures is essential for both academic and professional success.<br>
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<p><br>
Join Steven Pae and other forward-thinking professionals in the classroom when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" title="MS in Project Management">MS in Project Management</a>.</p>
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