Sydney Wade

Columbia Business School

“A diligent and organized individual who remains curious about the world and people around me.”

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Fun Fact About Yourself: I once held my high school track and field record in the 400-meter race and 4×400 relay.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Michigan, Major: Communication Studies, Minor: History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, Corporate Communications Manager

What word best describes the Columbia Business School MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far and why? Gracious. An email has never gone unanswered and the opportunity to set up meetings and ask questions is always encouraged. Coming from a non-quantitative background, I was nervous during the application process about not being qualified enough. My fears were assuaged with each conversation and I was assured the CBS community was ready to support me during this journey.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The Media and Technology Program. The courses match well with my interests and the chance to cross register for classes in the film, law, and journalism school is a unique opportunity.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? I’m extremely excited to get involved in the Black Business Students Association. The Class of 2022 has already been so welcoming to us and having a supportive community to lean on this early in the MBA program is special.

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? I’ve always been drawn to the limitless possibilities New York City has to offer. From art museums to concerts and amazing food, there is always something to explore.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: There really is nothing like making the NFL playoffs, and I’ve been fortunate to have been part of two teams that have done so. Once you’re in, everyone has a fighting chance and the energy around the football facility leading up to the game is unmatched. Winning a Super Bowl is still a lifelong dream!

How did COVID-19 change your perspective on your career and your life in general? During the pandemic, I got to spend a lot of time at home with my parents and younger twin brothers. We all have summer birthdays, so decorating the house for each one is probably my favorite memory. COVID emphasized for me that you should make it a priority to spend time with those that matter most to you.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I was fortunate to have some great mentors who encouraged me to apply to MBA programs and further develop my business acumen. I began to realize just how invaluable an advanced degree is as well as the relationships you form over two years. After graduation, I hope to return to the sports and entertainment industry in a business development/strategy role.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? HBS, Kellogg, Ross, Stern and Wharton

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? Use the third essay to show the admissions committee your heart. It can be tough to write about yourself, but I think so much can be garnered about what matters most to you and it gets you to dig deep and open up.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2023