Over the next few weeks, we will post here interviews we conducted with alumni from top MBA programs about their programs and studies. We will start with a Columbia MBA graduate:

What is special about your school? In your eyes, what differentiates your school from others?
Being in New York is a key differentiator, as Columbia students have close access to interesting class guest speakers, innumerable career opportunities, and diverse extracurricular and cultural opportunities around the city.

Can you share some details about the atmosphere in the school? between students, between students and faculty? How do you spend your free time?
The CBS cluster structure creates an extremely social environment.  Any free time is filled with events for students to spend time with each other, both on campus and around the city.

Can you share some details about the area/city?
CBS is located in Morningside Heights, away from the bustle of downtown, but easily accessible by subway. There are endless restaurants, bars, shows, and museums at your fingertips—every evening out is a new experience.

Can you share some details regarding job opportunities and summer internships for students in your school? How strong is the career office? Did the school name/brand give you any advantage when looking for a job? Are there any specific recruiters who mostly recruit from this school?
Recruiting is a very central part of student life, prioritized above all else.  The career office is well-organized and supportive, staffed by highly experienced professionals.  All of the top consulting firms, investment banks and CPGs recruit on campus.  Given the proximity, CBS students are often invited to events at the offices of potential employers, giving them far more exposure and closer relationships than they would have at schools outside of New York.

What did you like about the school/program?
I really enjoyed the opportunity to get global exposure while at CBS.  I studied abroad for a semester in Argentina, I did a pro bono consulting project in Mexico, and I took a class that studied global business in Costa Rica. I also traveled with clustermates to Russia, Israel, and Southeast Asia.

Who will especially enjoy this school? who will be a good fit to the school?
CBS is great for anyone interested in consulting or banking, anyone who thrives in a big city environment, and anyone who lives by “work hard, play hard.”

Any tips for someone who is considering applying to your school?
Being a CBS student is a 24/7 lifestyle, so think about not only whether the academic opportunities interest you, but whether you envision yourself in CBS’s active social environment and whether you thrive in a big city like New York.