Wow, it’s hard to believe I’m writing this just after graduating from Columbia Business School (CBS). The past two years have flown by, filled with intense learning, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. I wanted to share some of the critical lessons and memorable moments from both inside and outside the classroom that shaped my journey.
Inside the Classroom
Academic Rigor and Intellectual Growth
One of the cornerstones of the CBS experience is its robust core curriculum, designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in business management. Courses such as Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Strategy were instrumental in solidifying my understanding of essential business principles. In Professor Andrew Hertzberg’s Corporate Finance class, I learned to analyze complex financial structures. I also gained the ability to make strategic decisions that maximize shareholder value. His real-world case studies and rigorous financial modeling exercises honed my analytical skills and prepared me for high-stakes decision-making in the business world. Professor Daniel Guetta’s Business Analytics I & II were deeply rewarding courses. Students learned the art of LLMs as Generative AI became a top priority for businesses worldwide. What’s even better? Both of these whip-smart professors wrapped up the semester with students in a class at SoulCycle.
Electives and Specialized Learning
CBS offers a plethora of electives, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. I took advantage of this by enrolling in courses such as “High-Tech Entrepreneurship” with Professor Kivetz and Professor Singer, two besties who we deemed as having a “bromance for the ages.” Additionally, I took data-centric courses such as “Behavioral Economics & Decision Making” with Professor Vicki Morwitz and “Leading in a Data-Driven World: Developing Quantitative Intuition (QI)” with Vice Dean for Research Oded Netzer, to name a few. At the risk of boring you with my class schedule, feel free to reach out if you’re looking for my POV on other coursework!
Experiential Learning
One of the unique aspects of CBS is its Global Immersion Program. This program offers students the opportunity to study business practices in various international contexts. I participated in the Global Immersion course in South Africa, where I explored Africa’s consumer market. Visiting multinational corporations, engaging with local business leaders, and collaborating on projects with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened my global perspective and enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills.
Career Management Representative
Community support was vital for our class, and I was granted the privilege of being elected to serve as a representative for my cohort. As the Career Management Representative, I supported workshops and events that connected our cohort with industry professionals and alums. These initiatives aimed to enhance their job search strategies and broaden their professional networks. I also collaborated closely with career advisors. Together, we ensured our cohort felt empowered to pursue their aspirations with confidence and clarity.
Pitch Competitions
I was honored when Professor Sheena Iyengar, whose class I had previously received top marks in, nominated me to mentor students in “Think Bigger,” a course focused on fostering creativity and innovation for our most promising ideas. This opportunity not only allowed me to apply classroom knowledge but also underscored the learnable nature of creativity skills. As part of a select panel of industry experts, I had the privilege of evaluating numerous student groups. They presented disruptive business ideas for our review.
The various pitch competitions at Columbia were both rigorous and immensely gratifying. They challenged me to think quickly and collaborate effectively under pressure. Whether receiving winning feedback from a panel of investors in “High-Tech Entrepreneurship” or securing the opportunity to speak in front of my class and high-ranking Executives in “Organizational Leadership,” I am immensely grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime exposure. I sent many enthusiastic texts to the family group chat over the last two years.
Outside the Classroom
Risk Tolerance
Moving to New York City from California during the week of orientation was a whirlwind. To say that I experienced culture shock would be an understatement. Learning to navigate one of the busiest cities was more challenging than I could have imagined. At the same time, adjusting to a full-time work and school schedule added another layer of complexity. That said, I now know that the human spirit is relentless. With patience, grace, and the kindness of a community that I can never share enough gratitude for, I was able to learn the ropes. New York City became home, and its inhabitants began to feel like one big, albeit dysfunctional, family.
Building Lifelong Connections
At CBS, I was surrounded by a community of ambitious, talented individuals from all over the world. The friendships I forged during my time here are among my most cherished takeaways. These relationships extend beyond mere professional connections; they are bonds built on shared experiences, late-night study sessions, and collaborative projects. I expect holiday cards for years to come.
Networking and Mentorship
The CBS alum network played a crucial role in my journey. Engaging with alums through mentorship programs and networking events provided me with valuable insights and guidance. Memorable experiences include connecting with executives-in-residence, a unique value prop of attending CBS, and coaches who have been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations and helping me to navigate my transition upon graduation.
Putting Growth Mindset to the Test
The rigorous academic environment at CBS, combined with the diverse array of extracurricular activities, challenged me to embrace a growth mindset. Whether it was tackling a particularly challenging finance problem set or leading a team through a complex consulting project, I learned the importance of tenacity, adaptability, and continuous learning. I knew that I signed up to be surrounded by brilliant minds, and this constantly kept me challenged and learning. You don’t need to be the best to apply. You have to commit to your humbling growth.
Work-Life Balance and Well-being
Balancing the demands of business school with personal well-being was another crucial lesson. Engaging in activities such as yoga and meditation helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage stress effectively. This is always easier said than done, and I have learned to have a lot of grace for myself and others as we navigate difficult times.
Leadership and Extracurriculars
I had the chance to step into leadership roles, like serving as the VP of the West Coast Society and the Career Rep for my cluster. These roles were incredible learning experiences, allowing me to organize events and foster a community of like-minded peers. It wasn’t just about the resume plug; it was about building something meaningful and connecting with others who share my passions.
Looking Ahead
Graduating from Columbia Business School marks the end of an incredible chapter in my life, but it’s also the beginning of an exciting new journey. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained, along with the relationships I’ve built, have prepared me to tackle what comes next with confidence and purpose. I’m eager to apply the lessons I learned to new scenarios in the real world and make a meaningful impact in my chosen field. Cheers to the future and all the adventures it holds!