Jeff S. McClellan

Columbia Business School

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room…on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Fun fact about yourself: In 2020, I appeared on the Today Show with Hoda & Jenna to discuss my mentor’s impact and paying it forward with my mentee.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Baruch College, BBA

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking Division’s Consumer & Retail Group Talent Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Amazon Web Services, Seattle, Washington

Where will you be working after graduation? Amazon Web Services, HR Leadership Development Program

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Career Management Center Fellow/Peer Career Coach
• Cluster E Chair/President (Class of 2024)
• Consortium Student Liaison
• Hermes Society Ambassador
• Peer Advisor Cluster Z Lead (Class of 2024)
• Peer Advisor Cluster X (Class of 2025)

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? During my time at CBS, I am most proud of my involvement in the Re-Entry Acceleration Program (REAP), particularly in the Justice Through Code (JTC) and Startup Works initiatives. While advising formerly incarcerated people in JTC on career development plans, I humbly witnessed their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives. Furthermore, in Startup Works, I consulted justice-impacted entrepreneurs, sharing insights and best practices in business. These experiences reinforced my commitment to social responsibility, contributing to a more equitable world while practicing my belief in the power of education and community support for positive change.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? My proudest achievement in my professional career is founding my own coaching and consulting practice. Having consulted leaders on talent strategy in my corporate roles, I recognized the value of integrating professional coaching into my skill set. This realization led me to pursue Columbia’s Coaching Certification Program during my time at CBS. Coupling coaching and consulting enables me to advance my mission—which, simply put, is to help people feel happier at work. This achievement represents a culmination of my dedication to personal and professional development, as well as my devotion to making a transformative impact on people’s careers and well-being.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose CBS for several reasons. One of those reasons is because of its large class size, which I believe unlocks a powerful educational experience. The diversity of perspectives within a large class generates dynamic discussions, challenges conventional thinking, and enhances critical-thinking skills. Furthermore, the abundant networking opportunities that come with a large class provide access to a broader community of peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Moreover, the enlarged alumni network offers a wealth of connections and support beyond graduation.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? I have so many favorites for different reasons, but one who comes immediately to mind is Professor Dan Wang. First, his investment in his students stands out prominently. Professor Wang goes the extra mile by actively involving students in case discussions for new perspectives. Second, his teaching approach is strengthened by using contemporary cases, supplemented with guest speakers relevant to the topics, creating an immersive learning environment. Third, his commitment extends beyond the classroom as he carves out time to meet with students individually, showing genuine interest in understanding their backgrounds and aspirations.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA tradition is CBS Matters, which epitomizes the inclusive and diverse culture of our business school. This tradition offers members of the CBS community a platform to share personal stories, experiences, and perspectives that matter most to them. It reflects our business school’s emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and understanding, leading to meaningful connections and dialogue among people from various backgrounds. CBS Matters not only celebrates individual voices, but also highlights the collective strength of our community.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I would have engaged in an independent work study with a professor. While I embraced numerous academic and extracurricular opportunities during my time at CBS, I acknowledge the benefit of collaborating closely with a professor on a research project or study. Such an experience would have given me a unique channel to dig deeper into a specific area of interest like people analytics and strategy, gain hands-on research experience, and establish a new mentorship relationship with a faculty member.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The idea that CBS lacks a sense of community due to its location in the bustling metropolis of New York City does not hold true in my experience. While New York City is known for its fast-paced lifestyle and endless possibilities, it does not detract from the sense of community developed within the walls of the school. In fact, I believe the energetic setting enhances the school’s community by providing a rich backdrop for socializing and networking. Despite being situated in one of the world’s busiest cities, CBS prioritizes building connections among its students, faculty, administration, and alumni. Through various extracurricular activities, I have found ample opportunities to build bonds with my peers, engage in meaningful discussions, and form lasting friendships.

What surprised you the most about business school? One of the most surprising aspects of business school was the depth and breadth of opportunities for hands-on application of classroom concepts. While I expected a rigorous academic curriculum, I was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis placed on practical, real-world experiences. The business school provided numerous avenues for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life business challenges, including projects with industry partners, field trips to companies, and initiatives with local organizations. Experiential learning improved my understanding of business concepts and allowed me to nurture essential skills in problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Wilson Darko is one of the many admirable classmates I have had the privilege to know. As the co-president of the Black Business Students Association at CBS and the co-founder of CHALE, Wilson exemplifies visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. His dedication to his roles demonstrates a combination of ambition, resilience, and a sincere desire to make a positive impact. Beyond his impressive professional achievements, what continues to set Wilson apart is his unwavering positivity. He has a knack for keeping an inspiring quote handy for any tough situation, serving as a source of motivation for those around him. Whether it is navigating the complexities of coursework or facing challenges in our personal lives, Wilson’s uplifting presence and can-do attitude inspire us to persevere and strive for excellence.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? First, I aspire to earn the International Coach Federation (ICF) certification, a credential that further signifies my expertise and proficiency in coaching. Obtaining this certification opens opportunities to work with more clients in their career journeys. Second, I am committed to scaling my coaching and consulting practice. While founding my business was a significant achievement, I now strive to take it to new heights by expanding its reach, increasing its impact, and maximizing its potential for success. I trust that pursuing these goals will help me not only fulfill my professional aspirations, but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through coaching, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

What made Jeff such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Jeff McClellan established himself as a leader early on at CBS by becoming a cluster chair, and since has held leadership positions as a two-time peer advisor and cluster lead, Hermes Society member and as a consortium liaison. As a consortium liaison, Jeff welcomed the second Consortium class and played an active role in helping them through their career journey serving as a force of calm and clarity. Jeff took this inaugural role with great seriousness and supported many students in their journey at CBS. While pursuing his MBA, Jeff also embarked on an Executive Coaching certification offered through Columbia Business School and Columbia University Teacher’s College. Jeff’s commitment to excellence, his ability to listen to understand, and his desire to create equitable organizations will serve him well as he moves into his role at Amazon in June. There is no doubt that he will be transformational in building high-yield cultures that leverage human talent to generate results that shift culture towards a more inclusive, welcoming, and operationally efficient environment.”

Samantha Shapses, Ed.D.
Associate Dean and Dean of Student Affairs 
Columbia Business School

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