Meet Columbia Business School’s MBA Class Of 2026

A PLACE TO START A BUSINESS

And entrepreneurship too! Avery Schonberger, a ’24 alum who launched Rubicon Robotics as a CBS student, praises the resources available at CBS for founders like himself. “Columbia Build Lab, which staffs MBA ventures with engineering student interns, played a critical role in our software development and hardware testing. The interns from the program were indispensable in helping refine the technology. Additionally, the Summer Startup Track program provided valuable co-working sessions and advisor support that was crucial in shaping our go-to-market strategy and business plan. These initiatives provided not only a foundation for product development but also a network of peers and mentors who continue to offer guidance.”

While ’24 grad Giacomo Hopf Preziosi ultimately returned to Bain instead of pursuing a startup, he also participated in many activities that widened his skillset through participating in CBS’ summer accelerator.

“We experienced first-hand the meaning of wearing all hats in a business,” he told P&Q. “We ran customer studies, interviewed talent for our engineering team, wrote code, hosted demos, developed financial forecasts, designed marketing materials, and so much more. Through the program, we met some of New York’s finest early-stage investors, received exclusive training sessions with successful Columbia Business School founders, and were extended the opportunity to pitch for a $10,000 grant.

The most valuable experience the accelerator gave us: learning more about ourselves as entrepreneurs. We were encouraged to Test & Learn, so we tested it ALL out: different product ideas, leadership styles, sales strategies … I guess that might have been one of the reasons for the many “NOs” received. However, we learned to channel “failure” as motivational fuel and discovered what did work.”

WHAT THE CLASS PLANS TO DO

In contrast, Ayodeji Ajuwon has been drawn to CBS’ wealth of resources in Fintech. “A key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum that drew me in was its unique combination of finance expertise with advanced courses in AI and data analytics. I wanted an MBA program where I could master financial strategy, while also diving into cutting-edge tech tools that are transforming the industry. Columbia offers that perfect mix, bridging deep finance acumen with the latest in data-driven decision-making.”

For Brandon Steidley, the Private Equity and Venture Capital program caught his attention. “With its hands-on training, dedicated coursework, and industry-leading mentors, [the program] was a major draw. The chance to engage directly with VCs, craft an investment thesis, and support real-world startups aligns perfectly with my career ambitions in early stage investing and entrepreneurial ventures.”

The class also plans to take advantage of several CBS offerings. Brandon Steidley and Josue Silva are looking forward to Alleycom, a student-led conference that brings together the top minds in venture capital, with last year’s conference featuring Andrew Yang as speaker. The school also offers several legendary classes. For over two decades, Todd Jick’s Organizational Change course has produced long waitlists of students interested in business transformation. Another popular destination is Bridging the American Divides, which includes a week-long trip to Ohio for students to meet with area government, business, and nonprofit leaders on the underlying issues and potential solutions to social and economic disruptions. Karena Yan plans to take advantage of Block Week courses. Week-long classes that take place before semester, they expose students to issues like reducing change resistance or value creation strategies. For Lexa Armstrong, the best experience (so far) has been the opening LEAD course.

“[It is} a whistle-stop tour of areas like decision making, fostering inclusivity, and negotiations. Professor Modupe Akinola made it the most engaging course I’ve ever taken, really opening my eyes to the great depth and breadth of leadership education at CBS. Some classes include The Leader’s Voice – about honing your communication skills for coaching, public speaking, and facing audiences during crises. Another is Napoleon’s Glance – a course on fostering your “creative intuition” in business to recognize or even create opportunities for yourself or your company.”

PREPARING GRADS WHO CAN “STEP IN AND MAKE AN IMPACT”

Misan Bolorunfe intends to participate in CBS’ ReEntry Acceleration Program (REAP), where students work with the incarcerated to develop their interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. Thus far, the Retail & Luxury Goods Club has been an enriching experience for Alyssa Daniel.

“I am constantly impressed with the way the club is managed and the people I have come to meet through it. Not to mention, its members and alumni are connected to some of the biggest names in luxury (i.e., Chanel, Cartier, Hermès, etc.), which has translated to amazing events and networking opportunities. I have also been able to take on a leadership position, which comes with its own perks and unique experiences—making my affinity for the organization that much deeper.”

The same could be said for CBS Matters, where students stand up before their classmates and share their life experiences and perspectives. “Through CBS Matters, I’ve learned so much about my peers, including their ability to tell beautiful stories,” explains Vasudha Mathur. “Listening to them has not only helped me understand their journeys but also fostered a sense of connection and closeness in a short period, leading to authentic and long-lasting relationships. The courage and vulnerability it takes to share one’s story in front of so many people is deeply inspiring. Witnessing my classmates open up has motivated me to embrace my own story.”

Over the years, these journeys have led CBS grads to the pinnacle of business success, with the alumni roll including names like Sallie Krawcheck, James Gorman, Robert Smith, and Artie Minson – not to mention the current CEOs of Land O’Lakes, Simon Property Group, and the Carlyle Group. Such achievements led Ayodeji Ajuwon to conclude that CBS would be the right choice for him.

“I did a deep dive into the organizations I admire most and saw a common thread: Columbia MBA grads were everywhere, holding key positions and driving big decisions. From tech giants to leading investment firms, it was clear that CBS alumni had something these companies needed. This realization made me think. Columbia wasn’t just building graduates; it was developing industry leaders who could step in and make an impact. That kind of influence and credibility was exactly what I wanted in an MBA program, and I knew CBS was where I could gain it.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SENIOR VICE DEAN

What’s happening next at Columbia Business School? Early this year, P&Q reached out to Paul Tetlock, Senior Vice Dean for Curriculum and Programs. Here are his thoughts on the latest developments at CBS.

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

Tetlock: “The past year has been transformative for our MBA program, with several developments to enhance the CBS curriculum and the future of business education for our students.

We reimagined our curriculum with flexible Curriculum Pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals and interests. This personalized approach empowers them to focus on relevant skills and knowledge, equipping them to navigate the evolving business landscape and lead in diverse industries. This initiative is ongoing with 17 pathways to date, which include: Asset and Wealth Management, Climate, Customer Insights, Data Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Family Enterprise, Fundamental Analysis, Healthcare, Innovation, Leadership, Media, Private Equity, Product Management, Real Estate, Strategy, and Venture Capital. Curriculum Pathways will provide students with curated course sequences that align with career goals, simplifying the course selection process and preparing students for the global business environment. The new pathways will help students navigate the extensive course offerings, identify business areas of interest, and acquire relevant knowledge and skills.

The Data Analytics pathway, as an example, begins with a core course in Managerial Statistics, then dives into tools (like specialized courses in Generative AI and Data Analytics) and technical skills (such as programming in python and digital literacy). These – along with industry-related electives in real estate, marketing, and other areas – allow students to obtain the level of technical skills needed for their preferred industry.

As the global business community increasingly prioritizes environmental responsibility, we have expanded our curriculum to include a stronger emphasis on Climate and Sustainability. Our courses and initiatives focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges of climate change and sustainability in business. We offer specialized courses, such as Business & Climate Change, Climate Finance, Measuring and Managing Climate Risk, and Climate Tech (among others). By integrating climate-focused content throughout our MBA program, we are preparing our students to lead with a sense of purpose, enabling them to drive sustainable practices in their future careers. This commitment to sustainability reflects our dedication to educating responsible leaders who will contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.”

P&Q: Every January, P&Q publishes a “10 Business Schools to Watch” feature that highlights how schools are raising the bar and enhancing the student experience through innovation or expansion in programming or resources. What is one innovation that sets your school apart from your peer programs and makes you a business school to watch? Why is it so groundbreaking?

Tetlock: “The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) supports the academic and community explorations of MBA, EMBA and MS students by providing an environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership in co-creating their optimal CBS experience. OSA seeks to deliver a transformational experience, inside and outside of the classroom, by helping students connect to faculty, each other, and the greater CBS community. Below are several innovations that makes us a business school to watch:

* Student Funding: CBS goes above and beyond peer schools to provide community grants that support student initiatives, as well as a structure to support their development, implementation and assessment. Examples include the Community Engagement Grant, Community Response Grant, Student Organization Conference Subsidies, Case Competition Grant, ExBo Student Government Funding, and Community Service Club Funding. These opportunities are matched by numerous other centers and programs at the school including the Chazen Institute, Diversity Equity & Inclusion office (DEI) and Bernstein Center for Leadership & Ethics.

* Student Organization Advising: Fully-developed integrated advising structure for all student organizations that includes high-touch multi-office connection points, mandatory check-ins, signature event prep, and targeted advising to help student organizers achieve their maximum potential.

* Student Leadership & Development: A suite of trainings grounded in our “CBS why” model partnering with subject matter experts in centers and programs throughout the school to offer targeted enhanced training opportunities.

* CBS| Success: A framework for students to consider how they can make the most of their MBA experience built on an equity mindset which asks what resources and community support do students require to thrive at CBS. Students can build a success plan with their academic advisor that scaffolds tutoring, advising appointments, TA office hours and speaks to their unique strengths and opportunities for growth.”

P&Q: What types of programs do you offer to sharpen your students’ soft skills? What areas do you emphasize and how do you instill these skills in your students?

Tetlock: “A core component of the work in the Career Management Center (CMC) is equipping students with skills and mindsets to create impact on the job and advance their careers over time. We accomplish this through robust career education programming, individualized coaching, and AI-powered on-demand resources. Our workshops focus on helping students define their personal brand, develop their professional narrative, build business relationships, improve cross-cultural fluency, and enhance professional communication skills. Industry leaders partner with the CMC to facilitate sessions that help students gain leadership skills and strengthen executive presence.

Students have numerous opportunities to practice networking skills at career conferences, pitch practice sessions, and corporate events. They also engage in real-world problem solving and collaboration through school-sponsored hackathons and a variety of experiential learning opportunities.

Our team of career advisors and industry coaches work closely with students to reflect on their experiences and leverage the skills they are gaining to achieve their career goals. Students continue to refine their skills by taking advantage of asynchronous career courses and AI-powered tools that provide real-time feedback on writing, communication, and presentation skills.”

P&Q: What types of support does your career center and alumni provide to MBA students? How have these services and relationship made your graduates more competitive in the marketplace?

Tetlock: “The Career Management Center (CMC) at Columbia Business School provides comprehensive and customized support to help MBA students achieve their professional goals. In addition to offering individualized career guidance, professional development workshops, and networking events, we engage a dedicated group of 40+ alumni working in industry who provide 1-1 individual, sector-specific career coaching to students throughout the year.

By providing life-long executive coaching and career management support to alumni, the CBS CMC maintains positive working relationships with graduates across industries throughout their career. This results in increased opportunities for our MBAs across sectors.

CBS students have the competitive advantage of pursuing in-semester and part-time opportunities during the academic year through alumni partnerships facilitated by the CMC and the 26 CBS academic centers & programs.

Alumni from the EMBA, MBA, MS, PhD, and Exec Ed programs return to campus as invited speakers and panelists both in and outside of the classroom – at industry and affinity events and conferences, and as recruiters – partnering with the Career Management Center, academic centers & programs, and with faculty. Alumni also host office visits locally, on the west coast, and internationally to promote career education, networking opportunities, and on-the-ground learning.”

Next Page: In-depth profiles of 12 members of the MBA Class of 2026.

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