Misan Bolorunfe

Columbia Business School

“Resourceful. If it comes down to it, I’ll learn how to fly a plane.”

Hometown: Warri, Nigeria

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve loved writing short stories since I was a kid and, for a while, was fully convinced I’d be the next J.K. Rowling or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Though life took me down a different path, I still flex my storytelling skills as a consultant and I’m definitely leaving the door open to return to writing someday.

Undergraduate School and Major: Baylor University – BBA Management Information Systems & Social Entrepreneurship

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Strategy& – Strategy Consultant

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? One of the best parts of studying in New York City (NYC) is the direct access to companies, networking events, conferences, and speaker sessions with top industry professionals. This proximity is a huge advantage. While peers from other schools make special trips to the city for these opportunities, for us, it’s just a subway ride away.

New York City is also one of those rare places where almost anyone can feel at home. There’s genuinely never a dull moment. Having lived extensively in other major cities like London, Houston, and Lagos, I can confidently say that NYC is unmatched in its sheer variety of things to do. Where else can you wrap up a negotiation class, grab lunch from a Michelin-worthy food truck, and then go to a Broadway show, all on the same day?

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? A key reason I chose CBS is its hands-on commitment to social impact, which aligns perfectly with my ambitions. Programs like those offered by the Tamer Institute and the Bernstein Center provide students with the resources to explore where profitability meets purpose. This focus resonates deeply with me, as I’m passionate about using business as a tool for positive change, and CBS offers practical ways to deepen that commitment.

One of the programs that I’m excited about is the ReEntry Acceleration Program (REAP), where Columbia students work directly with incarcerated individuals, helping them develop skills and confidence for a successful transition back into society. Programs like REAP exemplify Columbia’s dedication to using business as a force for good and give me a unique chance to apply my skills in ways that truly matter.

In my application, I also shared my desire to be part of the Student Leadership and Ethics Board to support CBS’ culture of ethical, community-minded leadership and now that I’m here, I’m thrilled to be a part of this board and actively contribute to the values that drew me to CBS in the first place.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? The course I’m most excited about at CBS is Food Entrepreneurship. I have big aspirations to launch a company in the food and beverage space, so this class feels like the perfect stepping stone. It’s taught by Professor Stephen Zagor and includes guest speakers like the founders of brands such as Blank Street Coffee, Pip Snacks, and Siggi’s Yogurt, who share what it’s really like to grow a food brand from scratch.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Columbia Business School was the right program for you? Why? When I applied to business school, I had clear, non-negotiable criteria for what I wanted from a program: a strong focus on consumer and social impact, especially with opportunities at their intersection, and mentorship that could truly guide my career. I was certain that if I couldn’t find these resources through my research or conversations with students and alumni, I simply wouldn’t apply.

CBS checked all my boxes and then some. The mentorship resources also exceeded my expectations, particularly through the Executives in Residence program, which I’ve already tapped into. I’m also excited about the Summer Startup Track at the Lang Center, where I’ll gain one-on-one mentorship and potential grant funding as I work to build something meaningful in the consumer space. There’s still so much to explore, and each day reaffirms that CBS is exactly where I’m meant to be.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My greatest achievement has been building the adaptability, courage, and openness that have driven my career. At 16, I left Nigeria to attend college in Texas just a week after finishing high school, and at 21, I moved to London on my own, with no network or safety net. These experiences stretched me far beyond my comfort zone and set the stage for even bolder steps. I’ve been the only Black woman at a firm and spoken up when things didn’t feel right, pursued roles I initially thought I was underqualified for (and landed them), and held my ground in rooms where I was the youngest and least experienced. Each of these moments took courage I didn’t know I had, and I know my 16-year-old self would be incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I’m hoping to land a role that will allow me to innovate within the consumer space while addressing larger social challenges. My goal is to make a meaningful impact and I’m open to endless possibilities!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? Make your application as personal and authentic as possible. If you’re not a finance person, there’s no need to pretend you are or that you aspire to be. There are hundreds of people here with different interests and career paths and no one is considered “non-traditional” per se. Focus on what genuinely drives you, showcase your strengths, and tell your own story.

Also, be sure to dedicate ample time to preparing for the GMAT, GRE or EA. Consistent, focused study can make a real difference.

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