Meet Columbia Business School’s MBA Class of 2020 - Poets&Quants

New York City is a melting pot. Home to 200 languages, nearly 40% of the city’s population was born outside the United States. It is a city of outsiders – many starting anew – working feverishly to find their voice and carve out their space. It is also a city of fusions, where people pluck from various ideas, styles, and heritages. In the process, they take everything from music to fashion in stunning new directions.

Columbia Business School taps into this melting pot spirit – just not in the way you might expect. While 42% of the incoming class hails from overseas – and another 33% is comprised of U.S. minorities – the richness of the class mix is based on something altogether different. Here, you’ll find Juilliard-trained pianists and Broadway actors sitting alongside McKinsey consultants and investment banking VPs. Like the city around them, CBS is a place for encounters from every side and every level – where the best practices are often stitched from a pastiche of backgrounds.

FROM BROADWAY STAGE TO BUSINESS SAGE

“Of all the programs I applied to, I felt that Columbia was the one that really saw my unconventional background and the power of diversity as a true asset,” says Edward Kim, a Dartmouth-trained anthropologist turned pianist who joined the full-time MBA program this fall. “Ultimately, I wanted to be at a school that believed in me and what I could bring to the table. Columbia’s location in New York City – the “center of business” – was also a huge pull. There was no doubt in my mind that this was the place to be, to learn, and to thrive.”

Looking for a word to describe the Class of 2020? One might be storyteller. Their stories speak heavily to what you can expect to see at Uris Hall over the next two years. Take Halle Morse, a self-described “Broadway actress, singer, dancer turned producer/director.” A graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Morse has sang and danced her way through 1000 performances in Broadway’s Mamma Mia! as Lisa. In addition, she has served as assistant director of Jagged Little Pill, the Alanis Morisette musical, and helped develop 3/Fifths, hailed as a “Must-See-Show” by the New York Times.

For her, it was in a first-time producing role that put the “business” in “show business. Bringing The Colored Museum to life required holding auditions, managing actors and designers, and then choreographing and directing the show. In the end, the sold-out performances paled in comparison to the other rewards from the show. “It was a leadership experience that solidified my personal mission to utilize the arts as a tool for diverse voices to be heard,” she asserts. “Although I set out to be on Broadway, I realized that my lifelong commitment to the arts was about the pursuit of something far more transcendent than just myself in the spotlight.”

WANT EXPLOSIVE GROWTH? TRY GOING FROM 100 to 2,000 HOTELS

Another word for the class might be trailblazer. Beverly Leon certainly fits the bill. Three years ago, she ditched a cushy job as a Morgan Stanley analyst to play professional soccer. Here, she achieved something most athletes – men and women – only dream of doing. She took control of career and negotiated her own contract to play in the Women’s English Premier League. “A recent FIFpro survey revealed that 50 percent of professional women’s soccer players are not paid to play and that nearly 87 percent of women leave the game early due to lack of financial and job security,” she explains. Given this, I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to even sit at the negotiating table.”

One of many photos posted to Instagram by celebrating Columbia Business School MBA students

Another word? How about entrepreneur? The school ranks 5th over the past five years for VC-backed startup capital. However, entrepreneurial is as much a state of mind as a physical venture. Few students personify that more than Shrey Gupta. Starting out in the seed stage at OYO, one of India’s largest and fast-growing hotel chain startups, Gupta paid his dues in operations, supply chain, market expansion, and product marketing before rising to be a VP. In one year, he led an expansion from 100 hotels in five cities to 2,000 in over 100 locations. Should the hospitality industry be bracing for a game-changing startup after Gupta graduates in two years? Not necessarily, as Gupta plans to channel his knack for systematizing and growing ventures into Asian city life.

“We are seeing signs of a massive wave of transformation hitting urban life,” he writes. “With a huge population migrating to cities in Asia and the developing world, these cities will struggle to support this population. Technology and capital will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of life in the cities of tomorrow and I intend to be in the thick of that action.”

A FIERCE CLASS READY TO ROAR

Then there is Martin Palmer, a Special Forces Detachment Commander with the Green Berets. He represents the penchant for listening and partnering within the class. Serving in Afghanistan, he worked with village elders to build up a police force. Eventually, this 25-man force was able to take the reins from Palmer’s platoon and fend off the Taliban themselves. That wasn’t the only time when his ability to connect with people far different than himself came in handy. During a campaign against ISIS in Syria, Palmer managed to keep a Syrian resistance commander fighting, even after their unit had suffered terrible losses in a bombing. Just a few hundred meters from victory, Palmer helped turn a retreat into an assault that led to what he calls “a major blow to ISIS in the region.”

However, this victory was rooted in something far more enduring than strategy or grit. “This success in our campaign against ISIS was only possible because I and my team had spent the previous four months establishing trust, credibility, and dependability with our Syrian partners,” he explains. “While this event unfolded over the course of only a few hours, to me it signified the success of my tireless efforts to establish this trust and credibility.”

Storytellers…trailblazers…entrepreneurs…listeners. That’s how the Class of 2020 may look from the outside. Among the students, you’ll find several other descriptors. Halle Morse, for example, labels the incoming class as “fierce.” “The students I have met so far possess an insatiable appetite for growth and intellect,” she observes. “While currently scholars first, they are perfectly suited to take on the concrete jungle of NYC as well as the world stage. Witty, thoughtful and dynamic, they are also humble, hungry and focused on their future success. They are, after all, Columbia Lions — roar!”

‘EVERYONE HAS BROKEN MY STEREOTYPE OF A BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENT’

One word Morse neglected: passion. ” That’s OK – a “passion for driving change” is how Michelle Forman, a V.P. from Houlihan Lokey, sees her classmates so far. Then again, says Rona Mattew, just one word is hard to come by for a class this diverse and accomplished. “My CBS classmates are very complex,” she notes. “They are superstar overachievers, from all of the world, ready to tackle a demanding curriculum in a hyperactive city, while somehow maintaining a warmth that makes anything possible.”

Either way, adds Christina Charlery, the class has reinforced one truism that nearly every business student quickly experiences in Morningside Heights. “Everyone I’ve met so far at CBS has broken all stereotypes of “a serious business school student,” she says. “They’ve been wildly charismatic, caring, and open individuals.”

Columbia trekkers at Autodesk in San Francisco, in front of a giant Lego dinosaur. Courtesy photo

That’s just the start. Want to meet a true career transitioner? That’d be Olamide Bada, who went from being a lawyer to a managing director in a food company…when she wasn’t busy being an R&D music producer, that is. Christina Charley broke a few stereotypes herself, founding a mentoring program in Harlem to help high school and middle school girls prepare for long-term careers. If you followed the business pages, you might be familiar with Michelle Forman’s work.

“I worked on the sale of Gawker Media Group, the famous online media company, to Univision for the $135 million purchase price. I managed interactions between Univision and Gawker during the court-approved marketing process and led a team of analysts and associates to manage extensive due diligence from potential buyers.”

WINNING! APPLICATIONS DOWN BUT LOSSES FAR BETTER THAN PEER SCHOOLS

The Class of 2020 is divided into two clusters thanks to CBS’ two term entry system. In January, the school enrolled 204 students, followed by another 552 entering in August. This produced a 756 member class in total, three students more than the previous class. Together, these classes number 1,500 students – making it the third largest business school for full-time MBAs.

Overall, CBS received 6,029 applications for the two terms. On one hand, this is 159 fewer applications than the previous year. That said, it is just a 2.6% decrease in applications – a percentage that pales in comparison to similar programs like Harvard Business School (-4.5%), Wharton (-6.7%), and Chicago Booth (-8.2%). In other words, Columbia Business School’s allure is as vibrant as ever. As a result, it remains one of the most difficult programs to gain admittance. Just 17% of 2017-2018 applicants earned an acceptance. Even more, it ranks just behind Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan and U.C.-Berkeley among the most selective MBA programs.

It also remains one of the most popular MBA programs, with 73.5% yield rate (the percentage of students who ultimately accept an offer). Critics argue this number is abetted by the school’s early decision (ED) process, where applicants are able to certify in their application that CBS is their first choice. However, this is just another piece of the puzzle, says Chris Cashman, the school’s executive director of public relations, in a 2018 interview with Poets&Quants.

“Regardless of when you apply,” he notes, “every student who joins our community shares certain defining traits, such as being driven by a strong work ethic, being ready to build and foster professional and personal relationships, and are determined to make a real impact on the world through their chosen field.”

Go to next page for 11 in-depth profiles of incoming Columbia Business School students. 

Columbia Business School. Courtesy photo

AVERAGE GMATs UP 8 POINTS

This selectivity is also reflected in GMAT scores. This year’s class boasts a 732 average – an eight point jump over the previous class. Not to mention, it is a 15 point improvement compared to four years ago. This 732 average also ties CBS with Wharton, Northwestern Kellogg, and Stanford. Overall, GMAT scores spread from 530-790 during the 2017-2018 cycle, with the numbers tightening to the 700-760 belt in the 80% range.

Demographically, the class is actually less diverse than year’s past. The percentage of women, for example, slipped by two points to 39% — a number that still ranks as the school’s second-best performance over the past ten years. More notably, CBS followed the same curve as their peer programs with international students, experiencing a 10 point drop to 33%. By the same token, the percentage of U.S. minority students rose eight points to 42%.

What’s one secret to getting into Columbia Business School? It doesn’t hurt to have a business background. 32% of the incoming class majored in business-related disciplines – and another 17% hold degrees in Economics. That’s nearly twice as many seats as students who studied STEM, which includes the engineering (17%), sciences (7%), and technology (2%) fields. Social Sciences (15%) and Humanities (8%) account for nearly another quarter of the class.

The role of big finance also continues to wane at CBS. While financial services professionals represent 25% of the class, that rate is actually a four point decrease over the previous year. Consultants continue to occupy nearly a quarter of the seats at 23%, followed by marketing and media (11%), technology (8%), private equity (7%), non-profit sector (5%), and real estate (4%).

A ‘FINANCE SCHOOL?” HARDLY!

The ‘finance school’ moniker has long dogged CBS – a myth that has undercut the program’s rich offerings. The tag comes from the program’s long-time strength in the area. Just eight years ago, finance firms were responsible for half of the hires at CBS. Now, that number is 33.1% — a point below consulting. Take McKinsey, which hired 55 members of the 2017 Class. That haul is actually larger than the class hires made by JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Bank of America combined. That’s not a slap at CBS’ finance program, which still ranks among the five-best according to b-school administrators and faculty surveyed by U.S. News. Instead, it is a reflection of CBS’ deep and versatile bench, which include world-renowned program in management, marketing, and international business.

Columbia Business School – Ethan Baron photo

“I still have applicants tell me, “Columbia is only a finance school,” writes Conor Leary, a May graduate and Adobe hire who was a member of P&Q’s 2018 MBAs to Watch. “Not only is this untrue, finance is now a minority of industries that students enter in to. Columbia is not only geographically close to Wall Street, but also tech startups, VCs, small businesses, major corporations, luxury products, non-profits, and every other industry people can take advantage of during their time here.”

That geography has placed the onus on CBS – and the school is responding in turn. In a statement to P&Q, Amanda Carlson, assistant dean of admissions, heralded new initiatives that are filtering their way into the classroom. “The school has been dramatically expanding its offerings in FinTech, AI, Data Analytics, and even coding like Python. The school has been able to tap into the vast resources of New York City to quickly respond to student demand for these offerings.”

EVERY FORTUNE 500 OFFICE IS A SUBWAY RIDE AWAY

The CBS community is seeing the difference. In the Financial Times student survey, it ranked among the 10-most recommended program. Among employers, it earned one of the five-highest scores among recruiters. Not surprisingly, the 2017 class pulled in the second-highest total starting earnings at $221,036, beating out starting pay packages from classes at Harvard, Wharton, and Chicago Booth.

Still, Columbia is expected to undergo changes in the coming year. In September, Dean Glenn Hubbard, a 15-year mainstay with the program, announced his departure effective June 30, 2019. A prolific fund-raiser, Hubbard has been spearheading the construction of Uris Hall’s replacement, a 492,000 square foot, two building hub just north of campus that’s slated to open in 2022. Over his career, he has also revamped the Columbia curriculum. Notably, he has maintained its rigor, while also carving out a second semester where first years focus almost exclusively on electives to prep for internships. At the same time, he created new degree programs and expanded the executive MBA program.

It’s an intimidating legacy, no doubt. Whoever picks up the mantle will walk into one of the best situations among M7 MBA programs. That’s partially due to CBS’ New York City locale. Nathaniel Franks, a 2018 MBA to Watch, explains the appeal this way: “It’s impossible to separate New York City from Columbia Business School – it was such a powerful draw to earn my MBA in one of the great cities of the world where almost every Fortune 500 company has an office a subway ride away.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Indeed, New York City is something that every member of the Class of 2020 mentions, in one form or another. Networking was one area regularly cited by the incoming class, often under the guise of “access.” Halle Morse, an Ohio native, calls New York the “greatest city in the world,” adding that she hopes to both leverage her previous industry contacts in theater and “build significant relationships with business leaders and professionals” there. More precisely, Shrey Gupta plans to tap into the “deep linkages” with the industries that matter to him most,

“New York is at the core of any innovation and transformative change in real estate and finance and with its fast growing reputation as an epicenter for tech startups, I believe this is the best combination of school and location to give me the exposure and network I can lean on for a career in real estate.”

Carlos Zarazua, a Notre Dame grad, is piqued by how New York includes every industry imaginable, enabling him to pursue more career options. However, he was equally impressed with how CBS structures its curriculum to ensure students can take advantage of all the city has to offer. “With the way our classes and schedules are set (no Friday classes, availability of block week classes every semester), it is easy to take a lighter load certain semesters and have an in-semester internship in the city.”

An artist’s rendering of a student area in the upcoming Columbia Business School complex

THE BEST ADJUNCTS ANYWHERE

That programming features over 200 electives and 100 clubs. This creates one of the most well-rounded educational experiences. That includes an array of “cluster events, accomplished guest speakers from nearby top companies in NYC, industry treks, and professional and affinity club trips” according to Martin Palmer.  CBS’ locale also brings an unexpected advantage to the CBS classroom, says Ryan Ripp, a 2018 CBS grad and Best & Brightest MBA.

“Our Manhattan campus allows the school to attract incredibly accomplished adjunct professors who are leaders in their respective industries, as well as guest speakers who lead some of the world’s largest companies. For example, Columbia’s Consulting Immersion Seminar is taught by Professor Barry Salzberg, the former CEO of Deloitte. The class featured visits to the New York offices of the world’s largest consulting firms and meetings with senior partners at these firms. Additionally, students can easily participate in part-time internships. I have personally taken advantage of this, managing a part-time internship at a credit investment fund, while taking a full course load.”

Michelle Forman, a Bronx native, sums up the Columbia advantage in one word: location. “As the media and technology capital of the world, New York is the ideal location for me to pursue my MBA given my deep interest in those sectors. CBS’ NYC location offers endless opportunities to meet industry leaders at top media and technology companies. Through mentoring breakfasts, speaker events, and office visits CBS allows students to build relationships at top tier firms and gain a first-hand experience of how these firms operate. The combination of academic and experiential opportunities in New York that CBS offers fits exactly with what I am looking for in my MBA program.”

NO GOAL THE SAME

Beyond the vibrancy and diversity of New York, Columbia also offers a few unexpected perks. One is an impressive Executives-In Residence program. Here, senior leaders from various industries provide one-on-one counseling to students, teach classes, and help students with everything from organizing conferences to building their ventures. This year’s crop features two dozen executives, including a former CEO of International Paper, a senior partner at McKinsey, and a former managing director at Lehman Brothers. In addition, CBS houses a one-of-a-kind Family Business program that features faculty research, coursework, and an annual conference devoted to the field.

Not surprisingly, a diverse class is destined to produce graduates who fan out into every conceivable corner. The same is true for the Class of 2020. Beverly Leon wants to boost access for everyone, “transform(ing) the way we teach civic engagement by making it easier for students, teachers, and citizens to participate in civic life.” Christina Charlery also plans to make difference by becoming an executive of color, one who is “fearlessly leading a team that roots itself in the merging of creative prowess and strategic thinking.”

For Rona Matthew, who headed business development for a one of Africa’s fastest-growing branding agencies, the goal is to make the music industry more artist-centric. “I believe, when artists are more empowered, it results in better content, greater demand, increased incentives and a reduced risk of malpractice. Once the music industry moves beyond the fan-first, algorithm-obsessed mindset, we will realize the full potentials of its profits while also protecting its most valuable asset.”

What led these professionals to enter business schools? Which programs did they also consider? What strategies did they use to choose their MBA program? What was the major event that defined them? Find the answers to these questions and many more in the in-depth profiles of these incoming MBA candidates. 

Student	Hometown	Alma Mater	School
Olamide Bada	London, UK	University of London	Jumia Food
Christina Charlery	Englewood, NJ	American University	Live Nation
Michelle Forman	Bronx, NY	Columbia College	Houlihan Lokey
Shrey Gupta	Gurgaon, India	Delhi University	OYO
Edward Kim	Bel Air, MD	Dartmouth College	Salzburg State Theater
Beverly Leon	Wrentham, MA	Columbia University	Sunderland Ladies AFC
Rona Matthew	Las Vegas, NV	Howard University	Bamboo Network
Halle Morse	Shaker Heights, OH	Cincinnati Conservatory of Music	American Repertory Theater
Martin Palmer	Berkley, Michigan	United States Military Academy	United States Army
Nathan Pilkenton	Portland, OR	Davidson College	McKinsey & Company
Carlos Zarazua	Panama City, Panama	University of Notre Dame	VMG Health

Olamide Bada

Columbia Business School

“A London lawyer-turned-businesswoman who dances to the beat of her own drum.”

Hometown: London, U

Fun Fact About Yourself: I used to be a R&B music producer!

Undergraduate School and Major:  Law, School of Oriental and African Studies – University of London

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Managing Director, Jumia Food Nigeria

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading my team to deliver triple-digit topline growth within a year at Jumia Food, by redefining customer experience as the core pillar of the business. The icing on the cake was having my work awarded through the Future Awards Africa Prize for Professional Service in December 2017!

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Kindred spirits. I was in NYC for a weekend in June and messaged the incoming Black Business Students Association (BBSA) group to find out if anyone wanted to meet for drinks. About 15 of us met over beer and the rest was history – I felt like I had known them forever!

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Location. I often joke about the fact that I’ve lived in NYC (in my head) for as long as I can remember, but it was very important for me to be “at the very center of business.” I have diverse interests from media to tech, spanning continents including Europe and Africa – where else would I be able to tap into my many interests, if not NYC?

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school?  The Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Group – I would love to run and scale a business again in my career, but unfortunately don’t have a treasure chest of awesome ideas from which to choose from!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I’ve tried to challenge myself in everything I do for as long as I can remember. Through this, I’ve learned what is important to me as well as the kind of environments in which I thrive. Right now, I intend to solidify my end-to-end business knowledge through an MBA, learning how other companies have tackled their most complex problems and, in turn, apply this to the cross-section of need that I am tasked to solve.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? This is a tough one – it was never (and still isn’t) a guaranteed investment, but ultimately the onus is on me to make it one! I have a list of three things that I want to achieve by the end of the MBA… I can let you know how I did in May 2020!

What other MBA programs did you apply to? None. I knew I wanted to be in NYC, and I identified with CBS alumni the most. If it didn’t work out, then I would’ve continued on in the African entrepreneurship space.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Handing in my resignation letter at the law firm that gave me my first professional opportunity without knowing exactly what I would go on to do next. At that point, I knew I had outgrown the legal profession and was firm in the belief that I had a lot more to gain from, as well as offer to, the world through my career. Coming from an inner-city council housing estate, making it to a profession in the City (of London) was an amazing feat in itself, so I really questioned whether I was making the right decision to walk away from my “big break.” Fast forward three years and it was the battery that powered me to believe in myself, my vision, and my impact on the world!

What do you plan to do after you graduate? In the long term, I would love to build a portfolio of media businesses designed to amplify diverse, lesser-known narratives. I first became aware of the ways in which the world is shaped by the media through my media studies class in college, and dreamed of changing this one day. Emboldened by my CBS MBA, I hope to make this dream a reality!

Where do you see yourself in five years? Starting to specialize, either in industry or through a strategy consulting firm, in the media and entertainment space. Oprah Winfrey is my life and career idol and, through her story alone, I know that the kind of ambition I intend to realize may take time.

Christina Charlery

Columbia Business School

“A creatively driven, culturally curious human, dedicated to positively impacting this world.”

Hometown: Englewood, New Jersey

Fun Fact About Yourself: Three years ago I founded a mentoring program in Harlem called Career Girls, helping middle and high school-aged girls explore various career paths.

Undergraduate School and Major: American University, Journalism

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Manager, Creative Solutions; Live Nation

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment so far was having a part in launching Clairol’s new millennial-focused hair product, at one of the biggest dance music festivals in the world–EDC Las Vegas.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Everyone I’ve met so far at CBS has broken all stereotypes of “a serious business school student.” They’ve been wildly charismatic, caring and open individuals.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I loved Columbia’s wide range of media and entertainment classes—from The Crafting of Celebrity Businesses to Virtual Reality & The Future of Storytelling: How Disruptive Technologies will Transform Media. The course selections at Columbia really spoke to me—touching upon my wide array of interests. Not to mention, Columbia Business School is located in the best city in the world—New York City!

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I look forward to attaining a leadership position in the Media Management Association. I hope to leverage my own network when planning our next Media and Entertainment conference. I’m also looking forward to meeting with various companies during the club’s annual LA trek.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? There are a few reasons in particular that I decided to pursue an MBA at this point. One is realizing the importance of effective leadership. Now that I’ve been in the workforce for about 6 years, I see the impact leadership has on the success of the company. This is something that I feel very passionate about, and I’m dedicated to learning the tools I need to be an effective leader in the workforce. Secondly, I wanted to sharpen my data analytics skills. Although I consider myself to be a creative at heart, I realize more than ever that data has the power to spark creativity and tailor branding in ways that could never be done before. It’s mandatory to embrace data in the world of media and entertainment, and it’s a language that I surely want to be fluent in.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? It’s a huge financial risk. With that said, speaking with my support system of family and friends, I knew that it was ultimately an investment in myself—and there’s no better investment than that.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Michigan Ross, Duke, Kellogg, University of Maryland Smith and NYU

How did you determine your fit at various schools? The factors I prioritized were location, entertainment courses and cultural fit. I wanted to be in a city where I could constantly be networking with the companies I hope to work for. Additionally, I wanted the option to take courses that delved into the intersection of media, entertainment and technology. Lastly, I wanted to be someplace where (as my Management for Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) coach Holly Jackson put it), “I’m celebrated not tolerated.” I felt a connection with the students and faculty I met at CBS from the beginning.

I researched the culture by attending numerous on-campus events, especially the diversity and women’s days. Their tailored programming was exactly what I was craving during my applications process.

In terms of knowing how a school fit my career goals, I searched for current students on Linkedin who were working in fields similar to mine. I reached out, set up calls and asked them questions about what sorts of resources the school provided.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? When I was in high school, I went on a trip to St. Lucia with my father for his brother’s funeral. This was a definitive moment in my life, where I personally witnessed the birthplace of the values that were instilled in me thus far. From the work ethic to the unconditional compassion of the Caribbean culture, this trip really grounded me in my family’s immigrant roots.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I’m hoping to become a product marketing manager in the entertainment technology industry. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself becoming an executive of color—fearlessly leading a team that roots itself in the merging of creative prowess and strategic thinking. In my rise to success, I’m also dedicated to guiding younger generations of color along a path to greatness.

Michelle Forman

Columbia Business School

“Mom to Emily and Jonah. Lover of media and finance. Passionate about balancing career with motherhood.”

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: My son will be three weeks old when I start CBS.

Undergraduate School and Major:  Columbia College (Columbia University); Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Houlihan Lokey; Vice President TMT Investment Banking

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I worked on the sale of Gawker Media Group, the famous online media company, to Univision for the $135 million purchase price. I managed interactions between Univision and Gawker during the court-approved marketing process and led a team of analysts and associates to manage extensive due diligence from potential buyers.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Passion. The common trait amongst all CBS students that I have met is a passion for driving change in each of their respective fields. Everyone has a specific goal and is dedicated to using all their energy to make sure that goal is achieved.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Location. As the media and technology capital of the world, New York is the ideal location for me to pursue my MBA given my deep interest in those sectors. CBS’ NYC location offers endless opportunities to meet industry leaders at top media and technology companies. Through mentoring breakfasts, speaker events, and office visits CBS allows students to build relationships at top tier firms and gain a firsthand experience of how these firms operate. The combination of academic and experiential opportunities in New York that CBS offers fits exactly with what I am looking for in my MBA program. My passion for learning will be served by programs such as CBS’ NYC Media Seminar Series, which will allow me to join in discussions with some of the leading economists working on media topics in the New York area. In addition, applying class-based learning to practical real-life business problems through CBS’ Independent Study Program will prepare me to handle the complex business problems I will certainly face in my post-MBA role at a media or technology company.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Columbia Women in Business (CWIB). Discussing the balance between career and family with CBS’s extensive network of female leaders will be invaluable. As someone who has worked in a male-dominated field for over eight years, I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with other women in finance as well as learning from others about what challenges they have encountered in the workplace.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? An MBA has always been a goal of mine. As I reached Vice President in Investment Banking, I realized I was at a point in my career where leadership and management training were critical components to help me advance and transition to my next career move.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? I ultimately decided that the unparalleled access that an MBA provides, both to top tier firms in the finance and media worlds as well as to a network of peer leaders was worth the investment. The unique ability to leverage this network will provide me with a significant competitive advantage as I progress in my career.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? None, I applied early decision to CBS as I knew it was the right program for me.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? While determining fit at various schools, I focused on access to companies and leaders in the media space as well as academics. As someone who is passionate about media and technology, CBS’ location in the heart of NYC was the perfect fit for me. The ability to integrate academics with real life experiences in NYC solidified my decision to apply early decision to CBS. In addition, CBS’ core curriculum and focus on the cluster system was another key aspect that drew me to the program. The connections formed among students through these core classes is unique to CBS and I am sure will be an asset in the future.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? The defining moment in my career happened early on when I was an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. An associate asked me to build a detailed financial model with various cases for an upcoming pitch. I spent the entire weekend working on it as I was relatively new to excel and financial modeling. By the end of the weekend, I presented my work to the associate, only to be told the pitch had been cancelled. What I learned in that moment in my career was that results come in various forms. While it may have seemed like my work was wasted, in reality this was one of the best learning experiences I had over the course of my career. I had taught myself more about excel, accounting and finance during that weekend than I had learned in all my investment banking training courses.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I plan to seek an operations position at a leading media and technology company.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I want to become the COO of a media or technology business to steer the operational and strategic path of the company. While several sub-sectors within media and technology intrigue me, I am most inclined to eventually land at a children’s-focused digital business.

Shrey Gupta

Columbia Business School

“Curious and Action-oriented learner passionate about shaping the future of cities and city-dwellers.”

Hometown: Gurgaon, India & Varanasi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I found encouragement to make my singing talent known outside of the bathroom by singing impromptu at weddings in India! Hope to get into a studio and record an album someday. In New York, maybe?

Undergraduate School and Major: Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University – Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Finance and Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: I was most recently an Associate Vice President at OYO, India’s largest and fastest growing real estate and hospitality startup with operations in 200+ cities in 5 countries (and growing) with investors like Softbank, Sequoia and Lightspeed. I spent four years, since seed stage, in roles across operations and supply acquisition, new market expansion and most recently in Product Marketing and Growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Working at OYO was gratifying beyond measure given the high degree of ownership the company gives its employees. Tough for me to pick one accomplishment, but I’d consider my role leading new city launches where our team launched OYO in 100+ cities in India in under 10 months as the most successful. Spearheading the growth of the business from 100 hotels in five cities to 2000 hotels in 100+ cities in less than a year was a resounding feat for our business. Realizing that OYO had touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of travelers in such a short span was an unbeatable feeling.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? The classmates I’ve met so far demonstrate a strong ethos of community and humility with a fierce hunger to learn. This is reassuring because I often feel we are living in a time where people are becoming increasingly ‘I’ focused and disengaged from their surroundings and community. I look forward to meeting with the broader group of classmates who, I am sure, will bring a strong sense of community to the school and help each other go forward.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The key reason for my choosing the Columbia MBA is its deep linkages with the global finance and real estate ecosystem in addition to its unparalleled academic reputation. New York is at the core of any innovation and transformative change in real estate and finance and with its fast growing reputation as an epicenter for tech startups, I believe this is the best combination of school and location to give me the exposure and network I can lean on for a career in real estate.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Business School is literally like a buffet meal and I Iove the thought of being able to sample varied opportunities. The CBS Real Estate Association and the Columbia Entrepreneurs Organisation are two clubs I’m really looking forward to participating in. It’d also be great to indulge my love for the performing arts as a member of the CBS Follies group!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I felt that after having gathered deep operating experience in India, working across Real Estate and in Consulting, now was a great time for me to take some time off to reflect on my experiences, learn from the lens of others from around the world, and come back to a career in Real Estate – potentially from the capital markets side. Switching geographies and roles might have taken a few years longer were I to continue in my career as is. All of these factors came together and having spent the last seven years working, I realised I am ready to take a different direction. Call it the 7 year itch!

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? I realised that the potential payoff over both a five and ten-year period – from the career opportunities business school would give me access to, combined with a lifelong network of friends, mentors and supporters that a top global school like Columbia will enable – would easily be several multiples of the cost I would incur on getting an MBA. This is true both in monetary terms and as a function of time. What’s better than investing in oneself and reaping the payoff over a longer period?

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied to a handful of the top US MBA programs, especially those with a strong reputation in Real Estate, Finance and Entrepreneurship. I was clear about wanting to be part of a large class with a sizeable International community and in a metropolitan area. I also used the lens of a robust non-business school infrastructure so I could participate in other areas of study, especially Public Policy and Urban Planning.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I used the following parameters to assess schools and my fit at those schools:

1. Location of the school – I’m a city person through and through and was clear of wanting to be in a big city based school.
2. Depth of the school’s network – the spread of the alumni body across the world (especially in Asia) as well as opportunities to engage with Corporate America.
3. The range of activities & infrastructure – social and industry affinity clubs and the kind of work they do, as well as access to infrastructure in the form of an entrepreneurship center, a venture lab, and a real estate center

To research culture, I reached out to my own network of friends and acquaintances who attended any of my target schools. I also reached out to local alumni (based out of India) and attended the admissions information sessions in India. All of this helped me validate my hypothesis of the schools I must apply to.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I spent the first half of my life so far in one of the world’s oldest cities: Varanasi. An essential on most international tourists’ India travel itinerary, the city had very little new age infrastructure and held on to its millennia old ways for most part.

When my family moved to Gurgaon, previously a suburban village outside of Delhi and now home to many of the world’s largest corporations, I saw a rapid change in both life and the landscape around me. From less than three hundred thousand people in 2002, the city now has nearly two million people living in and around it. This was a stark contrast I witnessed – living in Varanasi and then Gurgaon. I’ve come to truly appreciate the positive impact of urbanization to the quality of people’s lives but am also wary about how countries like India will manage this transition sustainably.

This experience has been foundational to my interest in urban development and real estate.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? On graduating, I intend to work in the Real Estate industry with an international developer or financier, so I can learn how the capital markets and the real estate industry interact with each other.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself in Asia, working towards transforming cities and the quality of life people lead in those cities by working at the intersection of real estate, technology and capital markets. We are seeing signs of a massive wave of transformation hitting urban life, from how we move from point to point to how we work and live. With a huge population migrating to cities in Asia and the developing world, these cities will struggle to support this population. Technology and capital will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of life in the cities of tomorrow and I intend to be in the thick of that action.

Edward Kim

Columbia Business School

“Former professional pianist, lifelong explorer, people connector. Will never say no to good coffee.”

Hometown: Bel Air, MD

Fun Fact About Yourself: I once trained for and participated in a barrel race (as in racing on rafts made of empty oil barrels) off the coast of Kuwait.

Undergraduate School and Major: Dartmouth College, Anthropology; The Juilliard School, Collaborative piano.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Salzburg State Theater, Pianist with Conducting Duties

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Serving as musical director for two productions. Successfully managing a wide array of needs and personalities while staying true to my own musical vision was a formative experience for me, and heavily influenced my decision to pursue a full time MBA.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Open – despite all of their amazing accomplishments and experiences, they all genuinely want to learn from each other and grow to be their best selves in every way.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Of all the programs I applied to, I felt that Columbia was the one that really saw my unconventional background and the power of diversity as a true asset. Ultimately, I wanted to be at a school that believed in me and what I could bring to the table. Columbia’s location in New York City–the “center of business” was also a huge pull. There was no doubt in my mind that this was the place to be, to learn, and to thrive.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I hope to give back to the culture at CBS by becoming a member of the Hermes Society, which has gone out of its way to make me and my fellow incoming classmates feel right at home.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I felt that this was the time in my career to gather up the many seemingly disparate experiences I have accumulated throughout the course of my professional life and refocus them through a business lens.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? I knew that an MBA could give me opportunities and expose me to people I would never have dreamed of otherwise. For me, it was an easy decision.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Harvard, Booth, Stern

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I spoke with several people with an arts background who went on to pursue full time MBAs, and asked about their experiences at business school.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I participated in the first half of a study abroad program in Beirut, Lebanon one summer; the second half was cut short due to the outbreak of the 2006 Lebanon War. It made me begin to understand just how complicated, complex, and simultaneously interconnected our world is.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I hope to go into consulting.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself in New York working to bring people together, in whatever capacity I can.

Beverly Leon

Columbia Business School

“Athlete, activist, and advocate inspired to build community wherever in the world she may be.”

Hometown: Wrentham, Massachusetts (But proudly claim Boston, MA as its 20 minutes away)

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have played for professional soccer teams in 3 different countries (Iceland – Kvk Stjarnan, Italy – A.C. ChievoVerona, and England – Sunderland AFC).

Undergraduate School and Major:  

Columbia University, History and Business Management ‘14

University of Oxford, MSc. Social Policy ‘18

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Currently a student at University of Oxford. However, last employer was Sunderland Ladies AFC – Professional Soccer Player through 2017.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Negotiating my professional contract in the English Premier League (FA Women’s Super League) with Sunderland Ladies. A recent FIFpro survey revealed that 50 percent of professional women’s soccer players are not paid to play and that nearly 87 percent of women leave the game early due to lack of financial and job security. Given this, I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to even sit at the negotiating table.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Engaging. There is instant engagement between everyone I have spoken to and a refreshing curiosity about how all our different passions have led us to CBS at the same time.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The vibrancy of New York City is unparalleled. There is something about studying in NYC that drew me back to Morningside Heights – to be able to develop my personal and professional self in a community as dynamic as NYC is something few other schools can come close to offering.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? CBS Matters. In every conversation with current and former students, the community forum, CBS Matters, has always come up. To have a community space outside the classroom that helps forge connections between my peers that we might otherwise have missed is something that is unique to Columbia.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I realized that applying my particular passions to a number of goals would require me to sharpen a number of business skills in order to contribute my best self to my current and future work.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Fully grasping how the experience would transform most parts of my personal and professional development changed how I viewed the investment. Instead of a two-year investment, I thought about how I would be connected to this community for years to come.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? NYU Stern

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I researched many different MBA programs over the course of applying to business school. Some of the things that I prioritized were conversations I had with students and professors at various schools about their own experience at the university. Additionally, the discussions with admissions officers who went on to connect me to students who shared similar passions and goals as I had were invaluable. Beyond this, I also considered location, size of class, course offerings, and teaching style of the program.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Three years ago, I took a risk that stretched me far beyond my comfort zone: I quit my analyst role at Morgan Stanley to play professional soccer. I gave up a world of certainty in pursuit of the answers to my most personal questions and have been able to connect with people from around the world who share my same passion. I have witnessed how a playing field can transform our relationships with strangers: breaking down language barriers, building effective teams, and inspiring joy.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? You’ll find me working to transform the way we teach civic engagement by making it easier for students, teachers, and citizens to participate in civic life.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Continuing to build the infrastructure to connect people to their local communities, I could be working on this from several different paths (consulting, non-profit, government roles, venture).

Rona Matthew

Columbia Business School

“I’m a brand consultant, artist whisper and global citizen.”

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Fun Fact About Yourself:When I was 13 I broke into a toy store to meet Michael Jackson. Well, technically I didn’t break in, but snuck through back doors, stairwells etc.

Undergraduate School and Major: Howard University, B.B.A. Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Brandpulse, Owner and Brand Consultant

Bamboo Network, Head of Business Development

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Building with Bamboo Network, the fastest growing brand-innovation agency in Africa.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? My CBS classmates are very complex. They are superstar over-achievers, from all of the world, ready to tackle a demanding curriculum in a hyper active city, while somehow maintaining a warmth that makes anything possible.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Location was everything. Due to my commitment to music marketing and artist enterprise, I knew I had to participate in the action by being near NYC or LA.  As I visited schools and investigated various programs, I recognized that CBS had a material emphasis on global citizenship, which deeply resonated with me. Further, my experience with the CBS faculty and larger community of alum created safe spaces that were both encouraging and warm. That balance of maintaining humanity within a highly competitive environment was exactly what I was looking for.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school?I am eager to get involved in the Black Business Student Association. While visiting CBS, I had a number of interactions with BBSA members and even attended an event. The BBSA is much more than a club, it is a support system that invests in creating a culture of inclusion and showcases a diverse and refreshing display of Columbia’s excellence.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? After spending eight years in Marketing within Africa’s economic hub, Johannesburg, I felt that it was time to fully immerse myself into broader business concepts, primarily: advanced analytics, product management and corporate finance.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? After doing a brief cost benefit analysis, all roads lead me to business school. Coming from the world of entrepreneurship and start-ups, the semi-organized nature of business school was key for me to refine and stretch my skills.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? USC and George Washington

How did you determine your fit at various schools? Location. Location. Location. It was critical to place myself at the center of not only business, but also entertainment, music and tech – which is why I was drawn to NYC or LA. Regarding everything else, CBS stood out to me at every interaction, be it with faculty at recruitment events in South Africa, to my campus visit, and numerous conversations with alumni.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? After five years of working in South Africa, primarily as brand consultant, a new client contracted me with an unusual brief, to “create the iTunes (Apple Music) of Africa.” That moment changed my life forever.  Prior to that point, I found myself in an industry that was not directly feeding into my ultimate goal of being a leading woman in music and entertainment. Two years later, after researching in London, pulling all-nighters in Johannesburg, and pitching in New York City, the investor tensions became bigger than the project. Although I walked away devastated that people never experienced the music app we prototyped, I was grateful to have reaffirmed my passion and desire to pursue a career in music tech and artist enterprise.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? Help musicians define, design and sustain their careers using technology. I plan to join a music streaming company within a role that allows me to truly support artists. Streaming platforms harness rich data analytics that provide insight into touring, marketing and general growth opportunities that can dramatically increase an artist’s revenues. I believe artists need more advocates that have the business savvy and genuine desire to enhance their talent, but most importantly, their bottom-line.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Continuing my mission to design an artist-forward music business. I believe, when artists are more empowered, it results in better content, greater demand, increased incentives and a reduced risk of malpractice. Once the music industry moves beyond the fan-first, algorithm-obsessed mindset, we will realize the full potentials of its profits while also protecting its most valuable asset.

Halle Morse

Columbia Business School

“Broadway actress, singer, dancer turned producer/director believes “there’s no business like show business.”

Hometown: Shaker Heights, OH

Fun Fact About Yourself: I played over 1,000 performances as “Lisa” in Mamma Mia! on Broadway

Undergraduate School and Major: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Musical Theatre Major

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

American Repertory Theater, Assistant Director of Jagged Little Pill, the new Alanis Morissette Musical (Directed by Diane Paulus)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Developed and launched (as production manager and associate producer) the world premiere of 3/Fifths by James Scruggs, a large-scale immersive theatre piece exploring race and privilege in America. Staged as an interactive carnival and cabaret, this innovative production enjoyed a sold-out run in NYC as well as critical success; it was selected as a “Must-See Show” by the New York Times.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Fierce. The students I have met so far possess an insatiable appetite for growth and intellect. While currently scholars first, they are perfectly suited to take on the concrete jungle of NYC as well as the world stage. Witty, thoughtful and dynamic, they are also humble, hungry and focused on their future success. They are, after all, Columbia Lions — roar!

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Location, location, location. CBS is the best business school in the greatest city in the world! I am familiar with NYC and felt certain that I could leverage my prior industry connections and simultaneously build significant relationships with business leaders and professionals, all while still in school. This degree of career access and opportunity is simply invaluable.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? One of my goals is to meaningfully engage business leaders in the arts. I hope to be a part of the great CBS tradition of putting on the Follies, as either a producer or director. I am also interested in pursuing activities with the Innovation + Creativity in Business Society, Public Speaking Association, and Media Management Association. I intend to be active with Columbia Women In Business and the Black Business Students Association. I would also love to join the Sailing Club!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? While on a performing hiatus (following a surgical procedure), I began producing and realized that I had a passion for it. I wanted to be able to produce at the highest level and explore the option of running a theatre company someday. I knew an MBA would provide the necessary skills to take my producing and artistic leadership abilities to the next level.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Before completing a year-long pre-MBA program through Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), I was seeking MFA programs in theater management. Through researching and comparing programs, I realized the MBA would be the most valuable, as well as generalized, degree. Particularly when earned at an M7 school, the degree is suitably applicable to all industries.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? NYU, Yale, USC, Purdue Krannert, and Wisconsin’s MBA in Arts Administration

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I visited as many school events as I could, participated in numerous webinars and held dozens of informational interviews. The alumni from CBS consistently impressed me. They had an “edge” that I really appreciated. All were well connected and had personal/career values that seemed to align with my own. I also have an extroverted/outgoing personality — they made me feel as though I would fit in at CBS.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? For my first-ever producing venture, I chose The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe and took steps to obtain the rights, hold campus wide auditions, and assemble a diverse team of actors and designers. I then directed, choreographed, and performed in this colorful satire exploring themes of African American culture. The show was a “sold out” smashing success. Moreover, it was a leadership experience that solidified my personal mission to utilize the arts as a tool for diverse voices to be heard. Although I set out to be on Broadway, I realized that my lifelong commitment to the arts was about the pursuit of something far more transcendent than just myself in the spotlight. To date, even after years of performing of Broadway, this production remains one of my proudest theatre moments.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I hope to gain traditional business experience by working in strategy at an entertainment company. Eventually, through expanding my expertise, I hope to continue producing theatre.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Leadership position (i.e. Managing Director, Executive or Artistic Director) at a National Arts Organization.

Martin Palmer

Columbia Business School

“Passionate veteran committed to finding innovative and creative solutions to significant problems.”

Hometown: Berkley, Michigan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have six brothers (no sisters) and am an identical twin – never a dull moment growing up!

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy, American Politics and Political Strategy

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Army, ‘Green Beret’ Special Forces Detachment Commander

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Frantic, scared, and desperate, the Syrian commander told me he was going to order his forces to retreat.  Minutes before, enemy fighters had bombed the Syrian fighters with whom my team of 12 Green Berets had been fighting alongside and advising for the previous four months. This was a critical moment in our campaign to take a key city in Syria—after weeks of fighting, we were within a few hundred yards of our final objective when the bombs struck the Syrian fighters without warning, inflicting several casualties. If the Syrian commander pulled his forces off the objective, all our hard-fought progress would be lost and we would lose the ability to take the key city from the Islamic State (ISIS). I pulled him aside, stressed to him the importance of seizing the objective and assuaged his fears of losing more fighters. “More than ever, now is the time you have to take this objective,” I said. Finally, the commander agreed. Beyond not ordering a retreat, he rallied his fighters and we rapidly seized the objective, dealing a major blow to ISIS in the region.

This success in our campaign against ISIS was only possible because I and my team had spent the previous four months establishing trust, credibility, and dependability with our Syrian partners. While this event unfolded over the course of only a few hours, to me it signified the success of my tireless efforts to establish this trust and credibility. I was proud of the influence, adaptability, and problem solving I exhibited during the mission and knew that we were well positioned to continue our success for the rest of the deployment.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collaborative. The team mentality of the CBS community has been apparent in every interaction I’ve had with my CBS classmates. Coming from a team-oriented culture in the Army, I learned the importance of approaching problems together and drawing on the unique strengths of every team member. I know this will continue at Columbia. My classmates have repeatedly demonstrated a desire to ensure everyone is successful, sharing tips and advice for getting the most of our CBS experience when we arrive on campus.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The comprehensiveness of the education. In researching business schools, each school seemed to have one facet of the MBA experience that it was renowned for, such as a robust alumni network or a top-notch education, but would not be as strong in the other factors I was considering. CBS stood out because of how well-rounded the education was. Through conversations with students, alumni, and admissions representatives, it was clear that a CBS education consisted of rigorous classroom instruction (as the students were quick to point out!) and collaborative learning outside the classroom through cluster events, accomplished guest speakers from nearby top companies in NYC, industry treks, and professional and affinity club trips. This wholesome education is what set CBS apart and I knew the school would best prepare me for the business world.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Last November, I set foot on Columbia’s campus for the first time for a conference for prospective veteran students hosted by members of the CBS Military in Business Association (MIBA). The MIBA club members gave an honest and candid perspective on the CBS MBA experience and I was struck by the genuine interest they took in helping us navigate through the challenging MBA application process. It was clear that a top MIBA priority is to actively integrate with the rest of their CBS classmates through a variety of MIBA-sponsored events. These events allow club members to share lessons gained from their military experiences and gain insight from their classmates’ unique backgrounds. I look forward to partaking in these events to contribute to my classmates’ CBS experience and to enhance my own education by learning from the diverse backgrounds of my classmates.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?  My nine-year Army career has allowed me to refine my leadership and interpersonal skills in a variety of challenging and unique environments. As I transition to the business world, I know that the skills I gained from my time in the Army will prove valuable in solving complex business problems. My CBS experience will complement these skills with insight garnered from interactions with my CBS classmates, a robust alumni network, unparalleled access to leading companies, and a strong business education. With this well-rounded education from CBS, I am confident I will be able to continue to solve important problems in an impactful and enduring way.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? CBS does an excellent job of working with veterans to ensure they maximize their educational monetary benefits acquired through their military service. I was able to finance my entire MBA through a combination of the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and a CBS scholarship. With the financial assistance and the confidence that a CBS MBA would best set me up for career success, attending CBS was an easy decision.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied to five other business schools that were in line with my selection criteria. All were top-ten programs, but CBS stood out as the school that best afforded me the opportunity to get the most out of my two years in business school.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? As I began researching business schools, I evaluated the strength of academics, community culture, employment opportunities, and geographical location. An abundance of information is available online for each business school and it proved a good place for me to start my research. I read online profiles of each school from as many sources as I could, scoured each school’s website to learn their core values and mission, and came up with a list of schools that were in line with my priorities.

The next step for me was to reach out to members of each business school and ask for a few minutes of their time to discuss their MBA experience so far. Many affinity and professional clubs have contact information on their websites and responded quickly to me. A few ten minute discussions with various current students provided great insight into the unique culture at each school. Many students would even connect me with an alumnus with a similar background to me, and these alumni were similarly able to talk about what the school offered them and how it benefitted them in their professional careers.

Finally, there is no substitution for a campus visit. I visited each of the six schools on my list and took advantage of as many opportunities as they offered for visiting prospective students. Sitting in on a class, chatting with admissions representatives, and attending happy hours with current students all were very beneficial in understanding the true culture of each school and whether I could see myself as a student at that school.

By the time it came to select an admissions offer, I was well informed and confident I had made the right decision in which business school to attend.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? In 2011, I deployed as an Infantry platoon leader to the village of Puzeh, Afghanistan. We were the first Americans in Puzeh in three years and the villagers were skeptical of our presence. This village in Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand Province had long suffered from Taliban oppression, and was attacked daily. To enable long-lasting security, I decided to create a local police force comprised of Puzeh villagers. One month into the program, however, the force consisted of only one villager. The remaining villagers feared retribution from the Taliban. My platoon showed its commitment to them by fighting against the Taliban’s daily attacks and building infrastructure. I also held daily meetings with the village elders, addressing their concerns.

After four months, the police force had grown to 25 villagers, trained by my platoon. As a result, Taliban forces left the area and their attacks ceased. More importantly, we had given the village the ability to resist the Taliban on their own, even after my platoon left. When the village elder thanked me, I knew I wanted to continue making a positive impact in challenging and seemingly impossible environments. I decided to become a Green Beret. The motto of the Green Berets, “De Oppresso Liber,” meaning “freeing the oppressed,” defined my new career goal. Although it meant almost two years of intense training, and an even more demanding commitment as a Detachment Commander, I was able to live out this motto with my team of twelve Green Berets as we partnered with Middle Eastern forces in their fight for freedom. 

What do you plan to do after you graduate? Following graduation, I plan to start a career in management consulting. The skills of teamwork, influence, and leadership I developed in the military and the business skills I will gain from my CBS experience will establish a strong foundation for success in the industry. As a Special Forces Detachment Commander, I commanded a team of twelve Green Berets and we would work together to solve complex and sensitive problems in challenging environments. Often, I was responsible for advising a very senior foreign military commander and my Special Forces team would integrate with his unit, sometimes numbering over 500 soldiers. Working through language and cultural differences, limited resources, and difficult mission objectives, I was able to influence these senior leaders to achieve success. In management consulting, I look forward to achieving similar success by working with a team of fellow consultants to take on complex business problems, influence senior business leaders, and develop actionable and practical solutions for our clients.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Whether it was one of my four deployments to the Middle East or serving on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee, I have made a commitment in my career to never settling for the status quo and using my talents to positively impact those around me. I’ll continue this effort in my post-Army career. Five years from now, equipped with my CBS MBA and with three years of industry experience under my belt, I will have a solid foundation of a world-class education and industry experience. This foundation will ensure I am best suited to continue my goal of positively impacting those around me, be it by advising a large corporation on improving their organization or by my work outside of my professional career, such as taking a leadership role in a volunteer organization. I plan on being fully prepared to take a more senior leadership position in the company I work for, actively playing a role in the direction of the company and constantly striving to better the organization. In this way, I am confident I’ll be continuing to adhere to the ethos that guided my military career.

Nathan Pilkenton

Columbia Business School

“Former consultant from Portland, OR who loves golf, basketball, choral singing, and bagels.”

Hometown: Portland, OR

Fun Fact About Yourself: I drove a 1996 Volvo station wagon for the last 8 years – until I got rid of it when I moved to New York!

Undergraduate School and Major: Davidson College, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: McKinsey & Company, Engagement Manager

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading a team of two for four weeks as a second-year analyst – not only was it a personal challenge which I was able to overcome, but as a team we helped our client succeed with some of their most pressing priorities.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Engaging – they have been interesting and smart people who are easy and fun to spend time around.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The location in NYC, for three reasons: 1) It was important to me to be closer to employers throughout the year; 2) It would make it easier to visit friends and family from other cities, or have them come visit me; and 3) I thought it would be a great life experience to spend two years of my twenties living in New York City, and hopefully make some lasting memories.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Golf

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I knew I wanted to get an MBA eventually, but I felt like if I wanted to take advantage of the full-time experience, I should do it before my life got too settled.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? I was lucky to be a beneficiary of the generous scholarship program at Columbia, which makes it easy to see the ROI.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Harvard, Stanford, Booth, and Yale

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I’ve worked with people who went to many different business schools during my time at McKinsey, so I was able to chat with them to learn more about the culture of each school. I also was able to form a mental picture based on the personalities of people I know from each school.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I think there are several, which all shaped me in small ways. One was deciding to audition for the choir my freshman year of college – that opened up all kinds of friendships and experiences which never would have happened otherwise, and which contributed a lot to my personal growth.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? Find a job in brand marketing, preferably in CPG or tech, or perhaps in the sports industry.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Leading a marketing team somewhere, or having started my own business.

Carlos Zarazua

Columbia Business School

“Goal-oriented Panamanian Texan who is interested in healthcare and enjoys painting, travelling, and eating.”

Hometown: Panama City, Panama / San Antonio, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: I grew up working in my family’s restaurant.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame (Finance and Economics)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Manager – Business Valuation at VMG Health in Dallas, Texas

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I believe my biggest accomplishment in my career was being a successful mentor to the analysts I trained when they would join my previous company. Being able to connect with them and answer any questions they had while watching them grow through the company and become strong performers always gave me a great feeling. I feel that the opportunity to train those who started after me really helped me become a stronger performer as well, and I learned a lot about my management style during my time at VMG.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? I feel like everyone I have met at CBS so far is very goal-oriented and driven, but also down-to-earth and humble. Most people seem to get along, and it has been very easy to connect with my other classmates and learn from them through the few classes we have taken so far. My cluster (Cluster A!) is very active in class discussion, but we are also very respectful of each other’s opinions, creating an amazing culture within our cluster that enables others to participate as well.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The one biggest factor that led me to choose this program over some other programs I was looking at was the ability to explore many different career options in the city of New York. This city has every industry you could possibly think of. With the way our classes and schedules are set (no Friday classes, availability of block week classes every semester), it is easy to take a lighter load certain semesters and have an in-semester internship in the city. The school provides amazing resources to help find internships as well, so it was a no-brainer when I really thought about my desire to explore different career options.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am really looking forward to joining the Latin American Business Association (LABA). I hear they have the best parties, and I am really excited to connect to my Latin heritage while being able to share it with my classmates from other parts of the world.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I always knew I wanted to pursue an MBA at some point. I had a successful run at my previous company and just felt like it was time to make a change before I ran out of time. I had a really close relationship with my director and managing director, so it was hard to tell them I was looking to leave the company, but they were very supportive of my decision and agreed to write my recommendation letters as well.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Honestly, it was a harder decision than I thought it would be because I had a pretty great life in Dallas and worked with some amazing people at VMG. However, pursuing an MBA was something I had always wanted to do, so I really had to step back and look at what was best for me. I spoke with a lot of people who were getting or had already gotten their MBA to get their advice, and all of them agreed that it was one of the best investments they had ever made. When I began to receive some scholarship offers, that helped solidify my decision as well.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, Yale School of Management

How did you determine your fit at various schools? Going to the admit weekends was what solidified my decision for me. I had a preconceived idea of what certain schools were like based on stereotypes and what was available online, but actually being there and meeting your future classmates is the most helpful thing you can do when trying to decide between schools. I was between three schools in the end. While they all have great career centers and would’ve all been great for my career goals, their cultures were vastly different. After visiting all of the schools for their admit weekends, CBS is where I really felt like I connected with my classmates. After my visits, I realized that a lot of the people I had connected with at some of the other schools actually ended up picking different schools, whereas everyone I met at Columbia ended up committing to Columbia, so that really helped me feel like I made the right choice.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I had more of a defining few years. I would say growing up in a low-income household and working with the rest of my siblings in my family’s restaurant really shaped who I am today. It taught all of us the importance of having a strong work ethic and showed us how much our parents worked to give us as much as they possibly could. My mom is from Panama, so moving to the U.S. was a struggle for her originally, but seeing how she had overcome so many obstacles to give her family the best life possible really encouraged the rest of us to strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I am currently taking the first few weeks to really explore different career options because you rarely get a chance like this to take a step back and explore what is important to you. Coming from the health care industry, I am interested in looking at some health care options as well as consulting options.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself successfully moving up in the company I am working for, continuing to mentor and motivate those who come after me to make a great impact on not just the company but those individuals as well.

 

 

The post Meet Columbia Business School’s MBA Class of 2020 appeared first on Poets&Quants.

from Poets&Quants
via IFTTT