Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Sarah Callaghan, Cornell University (Johnson) by: Jeff Schmitt on December 05, 2024 | 340 Views December 5, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Sarah Callaghan Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business “Resilient, hardworking, empathetic and creative — always pushing boundaries while supporting others and finding innovative solutions.” Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland Fun Fact About Yourself: I saw the Northern Lights for the first time this year! Undergraduate School and Major: Robert Gordon University, Bachelor of Laws; University of Edinburgh, Master of Laws in international law Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Scottish National Party at Westminster (UK Parliament), Senior Economy Researcher Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Cornell’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I wanted to find a program that offered a strong core curriculum and the ability to take sustainability-focused classes, and Johnson’s MBA was a clear winner. Cornell offers students a solid foundation through core courses, coupled with the ability to undertake a sustainability-focused immersion. The Sustainable Global Enterprise Immersion was a huge draw for me and a unique feature of the Johnson MBA. The immersion prepares students to respond to the social and environmental issues that are impacting how businesses operate across different sectors. It’s also clear that Johnson doesn’t view sustainability as separate from the core curriculum, which was another important factor. Ensuring students develop an understanding of how environmental and social factors affect business functions is very much built into the curriculum. I think this kind of approach is incredibly important for any business school in 2024 that’s trying to equip business leaders with the skills needed to deal with 21st-century challenges. What excites you the most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region? I’ve spent the last few years living in cities, so I’m excited about living in a place where nature is on your doorstep. I’m looking forward to exploring Ithaca’s hiking trails and spending a lot of time outdoors. I think the size of Ithaca is also perfect for attending an MBA program. It’s small enough that you don’t need to spend a lot of time commuting to-and-from campus, but large enough that there are plenty of things to do and explore. I’m also a big coffee drinker, so I’m eager to try out the cafes and coffee shops around campus. What course, club or activity excites you the most at Cornell? I’m looking forward to joining the Sustainable Global Enterprise Club. They organize some interesting community events and seem to have a very positive impact on the Johnson community. I’m also planning to join the European club. I spent the first five years of my career working in policy in Brussels, and I took for granted at the time how cool it was to be working in such a multicultural setting. I’m excited to get involved with the international community at Johnson. Studying for an MBA is still less common in a lot of European countries than it is in the United States, so it’ll be great getting to hear about my classmates’ experiences and why they decided to pursue an MBA. Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Johnson was the right program for you? Why? Speaking to current students solidified my decision that Johnson would be the best fit for me. After every call with a Johnson student, I felt more convinced that Cornell was where I was supposed to be. The people at Johnson are so willing to help prospective students and answer any questions you have. I think this willingness to support others really speaks to the kind of culture Johnson has fostered among students and faculty. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I spent the last couple of years working in the House of Commons in London as a senior economy researcher for the Scottish National Party during what was a very turbulent time for the UK economy. Having the opportunity to work closely with members of Parliament to navigate this challenging period was incredibly fulfilling. In my time at Westminster, I worked with some very talented people who were truly committed to improving the lives of people in Scotland and playing a part in this has been my career highlight to date. Undertaking this role as a young woman who didn’t grow up thinking a career in politics was a viable option for someone from my background was particularly rewarding. Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Ultimately, I want to leave the Johnson MBA feeling like I got the most I could possibly get out of these two years. Getting an MBA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I don’t think it’s a decision anyone takes lightly. I want to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from my classmates and the world-renowned faculty at Johnson. What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Cornell’s MBA program? Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a traditional applicant. The admissions team at Cornell Johnson clearly strives to build a class with diverse experiences and professional backgrounds. If you have a clear vision of why you want to pursue an MBA and what you can contribute to the class, there’s no need to feel nervous about the application process. I would also encourage applicants to reach out to current students. This is extremely helpful, both in terms of demonstrating your interest in the program and figuring out if the Johnson MBA is right for you. During the admissions process, I had the opportunity to chat with other European students and those who had completed the sustainable global enterprise immersion, which was beneficial. Lastly, trust your gut instinct about whether pursuing an MBA is the right decision for you; it’s probably accurate! Before applying to Johnson at the beginning of this year, I had contemplated getting an MBA on and off for about three years. If an MBA has been on your mind for a while, there’s no harm in applying! DON’T MISS: MEET CORNELL JOHNSON’S MBA CLASS OF 2026