Nellie Podokshik
Gabelli School of Business
Raised in Brooklyn, Podokshik trained from an early age for a professional ballet career, completing much of her schooling online while pursuing this demanding path. By the time she was contemplating life after high school, she was performing with elite ballet companies and was expecting to accelerate her rise in the arts. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which abruptly changed this carefully planned trajectory.
As theaters closed and ballet companies struggled, faltering due to weakened business infrastructure, Podokshik witnessed firsthand, the widening gap between artistic excellence, creative potential, and the sound business acumen and solid management practices required to sustain arts-related institutions in good times and in bad. “I decided that I wanted to fill that gap and become a leader in a creative field who understands both artistry and performance, as well as the business knowledge that is needed for these organizations to thrive,” she noted.
At the Gabelli School, she found a learning environment and community that matched her drive and helped her to focus on building the skill sets—and the mindset—she needed to succeed. Small class sizes and project-based learning allowed her to develop her analytical skills, find her professional voice, leverage her unique perspective, and build her confidence. “We were constantly presenting, getting feedback, and then refining our viewpoints and improving our communication. Now that I am ready to begin my career, speaking to groups and articulating ideas feels completely natural,” she reflected.
With support and guidance from dedicated faculty mentors and members of the Gabelli School’s undergraduate Personal and Professional Development team, Podokshik completed internships at Empire Realty Trust and Morgan Stanley, exploring industries while gaining hands-on experience across the business functions. She co-founded the Blockchain and Fintech Club at the Gabelli School of Business and has received multiple job offers. While she is considering a future in arts management, she also has developed a growing interest in fitness technology and innovation.
Podokshik credits the Gabelli School with instilling in her the discipline and discernment to succeed, while encouraging her to explore all options and find her personal and professional place. “The Gabelli School pushes you to think deeply about what you’re meant to do and how you can make an impact on the world,” she concluded.