By Dave DeFusco
Yoav 鈥淎vi鈥 Adlerstein views his MBA from 麻豆区鈥檚 Sy Syms School of Business as a defining step in his professional development. He earned the MBA in finance in January, intentionally pursuing the degree as an early investment in building long-term business expertise, leadership capacity and strategic clarity.
鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful to 麻豆区 for the rigor of the program and the faculty who made the experience so impactful,鈥 said Adlerstein. 鈥淭he Sy Syms MBA gave me a framework for how to think, analyze and make decisions in complex business environments.鈥
When Adlerstein began exploring MBA programs in mid-2023 while working full time in the SaaS sector, he prioritized curriculum quality, faculty engagement, flexibility and return on investment, especially as someone early in his business career.
鈥淲hat mattered most was whether the program would genuinely support professional growth while allowing me to continue performing at a high level at work,鈥 he said.
The Sy Syms School of Business stood out for its fully online, asynchronous format, which enabled Adlerstein to balance demanding professional responsibilities with graduate study. The structure allowed him to engage deeply with coursework during evenings, weekends and short breaks without compromising performance in his role. While the program is still building formal rankings, Adlerstein believes it compares favorably to more established MBA programs based on academic rigor, faculty quality and curriculum depth.
Academically, the MBA delivered precisely what Adlerstein sought. Coursework in finance, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship and real estate significantly strengthened his business literacy, analytical confidence and ability to interpret organizational performance. He credits the program with sharpening his understanding of financial statements, performance metrics and strategic trade-offs鈥攕kills he applies daily in a SaaS environment.
Several faculty members played a particularly meaningful role in his development. The course, Leading with Emotional and Moral Intelligence, taught by Dr. Pablo Hernandez-Lagos, director of the MBA program, shaped Adlerstein鈥檚 understanding of leadership as both a strategic and ethical responsibility, encouraging a more deliberate approach to decision-making and long-term impact. His MBA capstone project further integrated learning across disciplines.
鈥淪tudents like Avi elevate the MBA experience for everyone,鈥 said Dr. Hernandez-Lagos. 鈥淗e brought unique intellectual curiosity, professionalism and real-world experience, the elements that define the Sy Syms MBA program.鈥
Choosing to analyze Wix, a cloud-based SaaS company closely aligned with his professional environment, Adlerstein evaluated financial performance, competitive positioning and strategic direction under the guidance of Professors Sharon Poczter and Mark Finkel. Comparative case studies involving companies such as Costco, Netflix and Disney provided additional insight into scalable business models and operational strategy. He also credits Student Success Coordinator Natasha Vale for ensuring thoughtful course sequencing and providing consistent academic support throughout the program.
Professionally, Adlerstein has already seen the impact of the degree. While working at GoTo, he progressed from an inbound sales role to an outbound position, a transition he attributes in part to the confidence, communication skills and business fluency developed through the MBA. Although the finance concentration exposed him to advanced financial concepts and potential career pivots, he views the degree鈥檚 greatest value as strengthening his effectiveness within SaaS, particularly in cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and performance analysis.
Looking ahead, Adlerstein plans to continue leveraging his MBA as he advances within technology-driven organizations and explores broader leadership opportunities. He sees the degree as a foundation for sustained growth rather than a single career pivot.
Before entering the technology sector, Adlerstein built a multifaceted professional background in fitness and coaching. After graduating from HAFTR High School in 2018, he earned his NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential and worked at New York Sports Club in Woodmere and later at Equinox, where he developed strong client relationships and refined his skills in motivation, communication and sales. He later earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology with a minor in communications from Baruch College, graduating magna cum laude in May 2022 while managing a full client roster. These experiences continue to inform his people-centered approach to leadership and business.
Today, Adlerstein balances his full-time role at GoTo with his online coaching business, Induced Fitness, which provides remote training, accountability and mentorship. Notably, the asynchronous delivery model of Induced Fitness closely mirrors the structure of the Sy Syms MBA, reinforcing the practicality and relevance of his graduate education. The MBA strengthened his ability to manage this balance by improving his financial discipline, strategic planning and communication skills.
For other working professionals considering an MBA, Adlerstein emphasizes alignment and value. With tuition reimbursement and scholarships, he noted that earning a fully accredited MBA from Sy Syms, while gaining access to a strong professional network in New York City, can be comparable in cost to a single year of out-of-state undergraduate tuition.
鈥淭he MBA wasn鈥檛 just a credential,鈥 said Adlerstein. 鈥淚t gave me confidence, clarity and a long-term framework for growth that I鈥檒l continue to rely on throughout my career.鈥
