Brandon Steidley

Columbia Business School

“Curious problem-solver with a strategic mindset, committed to fostering innovation and inclusion.”

Hometown: San Diego, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was ordained as a minister to officiate my sister’s wedding in Mexico… my family now jokingly calls me “Father Steidley.”

Undergraduate School and Major: Penn State – Supply Chain & Information Systems Major; Real Estate Valuation & Analytics Certificate

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s Strategy & Analytics practice

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? NYC is the heartbeat of business innovation and a global hub for venture capital, finance, and tech. Here, I’m surrounded by leaders and disruptors across industries, creating endless opportunities to expand my network, dive into real-world ventures, and stay on the pulse of emerging trends. The city’s unparalleled access to high-growth startups, influential VC firms, and consumer tech giants makes it the perfect place to build my career and test my ideas.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? CBS’ Private Equity & Venture Capital Program, with its hands-on training, dedicated coursework, and industry-leading mentors, 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.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School I’m especially excited about Alleycon, Columbia’s premier student-led venture capital conference. This event brings students face-to-face with industry leaders, fostering discussions on emerging trends and innovations in venture capital. The chance to connect with top investors and entrepreneurs at Alleycon is an invaluable way to gain insights into the VC landscape and build a network within the industry, making it a standout opportunity for anyone pursuing a career in venture capital.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Columbia Business School was the right program for you? Why? At a Veteran Student Spotlight event, I connected with current students and alumni who shared their experiences navigating CBS and transitioning into new careers. Hearing their stories of success in VC and entrepreneurship, along with their strong commitment to supporting each other and giving back to the school, resonated deeply with me. The collaborative, supportive culture I saw at CBS aligned perfectly with my values and ambitions, confirming that this was the ideal environment for my growth and future success.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During the largest bank merger in over a decade ($66B), I led the integration of over a dozen treasury service products, supported go-to-market strategies, and executed a successful go-live that impacted tens of thousands of treasury service clients. Coordinating 12 cross-functional workstreams and working with hundreds of key stakeholders, I ensured a smooth transition and alignment throughout the organization. This experience demonstrated my capability to manage complex, large-scale transformations in a high-stakes environment.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Post-graduation, I want to join a dynamic investing team at a New York City venture capital firm. I’m drawn to VC because it allows me to work hands-on with visionary founders, helping to bring groundbreaking ideas to life and make a tangible impact across industries. The chance to support early-stage companies as they scale, pivot, and grow is both challenging and rewarding, and I’m energized by the fast-paced, forward-thinking environment of venture capital.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? Be clear about what drives you and why CBS is essential to your journey. Columbia values applicants who are not only ambitious but also authentic, so focus on how your unique experiences and goals align with the resources and community at CBS. Reflect on how you’ll contribute to the school’s culture, and don’t be afraid to let your passion and individuality shine through—CBS looks for applicants who bring a unique perspective and a genuine commitment to making an impact.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026