I cannot stress enough the importance of going to information sessions when deciding on MBA programs to apply to. Of course visiting campuses is even better wherever possible. Even from information sessions though, you really do get a feel for the differences between the top schools. Lets face it, the real differences in terms of curriculum etc are minimal which means the softer parts of the schools’ propositions become more important. Factors such as school size, location (urban vs remote), and character / culture.
Michael Robinson (MBA 01), Associate Director of Admissions at the Columbia Business School hosted an information session at Justine’s / Four Corners in Zamalek on October 22. Even the choice of location speaks of the difference between CBS and Wharton (who presented an information session at the AUC last week). CBS comes across as a much softer, more informal place that emphasizes ‘fit’ with the school’s culture of diversity. Robinson, who ran his own business in the music industry before his MBA, epitomizes this focus on diversity, which is of course also a reflection and maybe a product of the school’s location in New York City, one of the world’s most diverse global cities.
Robinson talked about CBS’ admissions’ focus on putting together an expressive class with plenty of diversity of thought. He also spoke about CBS’ focus on ethics (read up on Michael Feiner) at length and also covered the importance of student to student learning and the Program of Social Intelligence. He also tols applicants to watch the Master Class videos.
On the actual application, he stressed the importance of not ‘shooting yourself in the foot’! Do not write your own references! Pass the ‘name change test’ (make sure your essays wouldn’t work if you simply replaces Columbia Business School with Stanford – they are really big on fit!).
The Columbia ‘Executives in Residence‘ program was mentioned as well. Every Columbia event I’ve been to has mentioned these always stressing how under-utilized they are.
On closing, he mentioned how impressed he was on Dubai and how he expected much of the hiring growth for MBAs to come from outside of the US moving forward.
Unfortunately the Citigroup loan program that international students were eligible for has been canceled – no prizes for guessing why!
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