Caroline Marapese

Columbia Business School

“Problem-solver, collaborator, and strategist passionate about using business as a force for good.”

Hometown: Wilmington, NC

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a twin — the source of my competitive-yet-collaborative spirit!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame – B.B.A. in Finance and Master of Education. Go Irish!

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: McKinsey & Company, Senior Business Analyst (Chicago)

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? New York is the intersection of ambition, hustle, and possibility – everyone is on a mission. The fast-paced energy of the city creates a dynamic environment where ideas are tested, connections are built, and leaders thrive.

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? I look forward to learning from outstanding professors and speakers who are often both academics and practitioners. Learning from professors who are active industry leaders means I won’t just study theory and frameworks but instead see how ideas translate into action.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? I have been excited about Chazen Global Study Tours since applying for the opportunity to step into the culture of an international market. There’s nothing like seeing business leaders in action – a crash course in how decisions are made, challenges are tackled, and teams are led.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027? Why? I have a can-do mindset — an instinct to see how something can be done rather than why it can’t. With this perspective, I find creative solutions, rally others around a shared goal, and aim to leave every environment better than I found it.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: After undergrad, I taught middle school math in an under-resourced school in Philadelphia. Despite limited resources, hybrid learning during COVID, and systemic inequalities, they grew tremendously. At the same time, I sharpened my ability to problem-solve under ambiguity, inspire others toward a shared goal, and deliver impact – skills I’ve applied across industries in my role at McKinsey. 

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I look forward to returning to McKinsey with the perspectives, experiences, and connections I gained through my MBA to lead teams through challenges and meaningfully impact our clients.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? Be yourself — your most compelling voice is your authentic one. Show Columbia not only who you are but who you aspire to become. Dream big, and back up your dream with a clear plan that shows how Columbia is the launchpad for your next chapter.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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