Meet Columbia’s MBA Class of 2017

Saskia Chanoine-Columbia-PoetsAndQuants-Classof2017

Saskia Chanoine

Columbia Business School

Hometown: Potomac, MD

Undergraduate School and Major: Tufts University; International Relations and Community Health with a minor in Africa and the New World

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Académie Française (The French Academy- the pre-eminent council pertaining to all things related to the French Language), English Teaching Assistant; Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Corporate Paralegal; PBS/WNET, Producer

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Coming from a background that is not traditionally associated with business, I learned that a “slow and steady” approach wins the race or in this case the GMAT. Once I decided to apply to business school, I committed myself to studying and took my time to do it. Even though I had created a study schedule for myself, if there was a concept I did not get, I did not hesitate to break it down and spend the time necessary to master it. So even though it sounds counterintuitive, since it is a timed test- take your time studying and on test day!

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? When looking at schools, all I did was talk. I talked to anyone who would give me a minute of his or her time from the aunts of alumni to current students. Talking, and most importantly listening, gave me outside perspectives that were not manufactured by schools. While exploring schools, my priority was the “fit.”  I had a series of questions I asked myself: “Could I see myself being part of this community for 2 years? Did I feel I had something to add to class discussions? Would I be challenged?” While in business school, studying hard is a given, but I also wanted to make sure that I would be able to enjoy my future friends and colleagues. I know it is difficult, but don’t just target a name. Target a culture that you know will challenge you, will make you grow, and will turn everything you thought you knew upside down.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Start early! Be yourself! Admission Officers are trained to detect BS. Do not think that you must be an Olympian or an award-winning scientist who found the cure to a rare disease to get accepted to business school. Be genuine, because there is only one of you; let your personality shine through. As for recommenders, do not go after the most senior person at your company, who has only met you once or twice; ask a direct supervisor or a colleague with whom you’ve worked closely and who can speak honestly about you, your skills, and ambitions. When someone knows you well that can be the difference between a good recommendation letter and a glowing recommendation letter. Believe it or not, recommendation letters are one of the few times that tittles do not matter. Also, do not compare yourself to others! A story or activity that may have worked for a friend to get in may not work for you. I can’t stress this enough- be yourself!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose Columbia Business School because when I stepped on the campus it felt right. I knew I wanted to pursue an MBA at a place that gave its students the opportunity to innovate while learning. And CBS provides that kind of atmosphere. Also, I am a person who learns by doing, so it was important to me to have the option to do internships while at school. I want to apply the knowledge and skills I learn in the classroom immediately in the working world. Since CBS is at the center of New York City, I will be able to do it. Throughout my tenure at CBS, I am looking forward to participating in Master Classes- classes that are taught by professionals at the top of their field, but with a quick subway ride bring their expertise to the Columbia Business School classroom for a semester. And my most obvious reason for attending CBS – it is in New York City; a place where everything and anything is possible, especially in business.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? Before graduating, I want to make sure to leave my mark at Columbia Business School. Regardless, if that is helping a classmate with a homework problem, connecting with an alum or leading a student club. I want to immerse myself in school and learn as much as possible and hone my tech and business skills, so that eventually I can have the ability, the network of contacts, and confidence to start my own media company. I also want to make sure to take the time to meet and talk with as many of my classmates as possible. My peers hail from around the world, and I am certain will teach me things I never knew and make me consider things I did not even know existed. Bring on the excitement, adventure and learning! 

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