Drew Rodriguez

Columbia Business School

“Resilient and detail-oriented leader who seizes opportunities and exceeds expectations while doing so.”

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a wedding officiant and have officiated 2 weddings so far.

Undergraduate School and Major: Georgetown University (Major: Government, Minor: Economics)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The White House, Confidential Aide to President Joseph R. Biden

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? New York City is one of the best places to earn an MBA. Columbia Business School captures this perfectly in its motto, “At the Very Center of Business.” Executives at the top of their fields regularly come to campus to speak with students and share their insights, and many go further by serving as mentors through the Executives in Residence Program (EIR). In this program, executives provide one-on-one mentorship and career guidance to students. A program of this scale and caliber simply would not be possible (or as effective) outside New York City.

Beyond the classroom, NYC itself becomes an extension of the learning environment. Students can explore industries firsthand, set up coffee chats in midtown, and immerse themselves in the professional energy of the city. And it’s not only about work—life in New York is fun. CBS students truly get the best of both professional and personal worlds, whether it is world-class museums (many free with a Columbia Student ID), Broadway shows and concerts, and some of the best restaurants anywhere (download Beli to rank and review them all!).

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? When comparing business schools, I was drawn to programs that emphasized developing their students into leaders. Columbia Business School does this the first week of school by having all students take the two-week LEAD course. The program provides students with actionable strategies for making consequential decisions and effectively leading meetings and teams. It has honestly challenged the way I think for the better.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? For someone like me, transitioning from the public sector to the private sector, the Investment Banking Club (IBC) offers more than coaching—it provides a clear roadmap into a new profession. For students pursuing the traditional IB recruiting pathway, the IBC works hand-in-hand with the Career Management Center to guide you every step of the way.

I am also excited about upcoming trips with the Snow Sports Club. Every year there are ski trips planned both domestically and abroad.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? Working in the White House during the Biden-Harris Administration gave me the opportunity to observe leadership in action during some of the most high-stakes moments. While I may not have spent much time with financial spreadsheets, I have witnessed intense negotiations, rapid decision-making under pressure, and the coordination of teams to achieve shared goals. These experiences sharpened my ability to stay calm, think strategically, and bring people together.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Working in Oval Office Operations as President Biden’s aide at the White House was my biggest professional accomplishment so far.

What do you hope to do after graduation? I hope to go into Investment Banking at a firm in New York City.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? Come visit! NYC is easy to get to, the new campus is state of the art, and every student you meet will be happy to chat and convince you that CBS is the best. If you attend an information session for applicants, make sure to take time to tour both Geffen and Kravis Halls.

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