Her GMAT was certainly on point. And so was Srilekha’s strong academic background. She entered the professional world with a role at Goldman Sachs in Data Science and Strategy within Retail Banking. Over four years, she demonstrated significant growth and impact, particularly in areas critical to business operations and strategic decision-making. M7

 GMAT Score: 750

 EXPERIENCE – 4 years
Golman Sachs, Capital One Financial Services

Srilekha’s contributions included the development and implementation of first-generation models to reduce fraud and improve customer experience at the onboarding stages of credit card products. These initiatives led to a 15% reduction in customer friction and a 10% decrease in fraud losses, highlighting her ability to integrate technical solutions with business objectives effectively. Her role expanded to include leading data and modeling initiatives across various financial products such as personal loans and savings accounts.. 

Srilekha’s academic journey is marked by exceptional achievements and a solid foundation in engineering from one of India’s premier institutions, IIT Kharagpur, where she graduated in 2018 with a CGPA of 8.6. 

Notably, Srilekha secured an All India Rank of 2 among 1.5 million candidates in the JEE Mains 2014, underscoring her exceptional intellectual capabilities and her preparedness for the rigorous engineering program at IIT.

Challenges and Weaknesses

Despite Srilekha’s impressive academic and professional background, she encountered several challenges in her journey to secure admission to Columbia Business School. One of the primary challenges was her need to translate her technical expertise into a narrative that emphasized broader business leadership potential. While her achievements in data science at Goldman Sachs were remarkable, she needed to demonstrate how her skills could drive strategic business outcomes beyond technical implementations. M7

Next in line was lack of international exposure. M7 Admit, with no international exposure, not that it’s not possible as we could see, has to be managed and worked upon in your narrative and essays in a positive way. 

Moreover, Srilekha initially struggled with confidence in public speaking and interview settings, which are crucial components of the MBA application process. Her ability to present her story and aspirations compellingly was essential for success. She worked diligently to improve her communication skills, engaging in mock interviews and seeking feedback to refine her narrative and presentation style.

By addressing these challenges head-on and demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth, Srilekha was able to present a well-rounded application that highlighted her potential as a future leader, ultimately securing her admission to Columbia Business School.

Application Strategy and Admission to Columbia

Navigating the path to Columbia Business School required a meticulous approach that leveraged Srilekha’s unique qualifications and professional accomplishments. 

Our team, with its deep understanding of the nuances of top-tier MBA admissions, played a crucial role in refining Srilekha’s application materials, ensuring that every component—from her essays to her interviews—was strategically aligned with Columbia’s values and expectations.

Furthermore, our consultants prepared Srilekha for the crucial video interview component of Columbia’s application process. We identified key pressure points in her profile and conducted mock interviews, which helped her articulate her achievements and aspirations confidently and coherently. This preparation was pivotal, ensuring that Srilekha presented a compelling and cohesive narrative that stood out in a competitive applicant pool. M7

Impact and Future Aspirations

As Srilekha embarks on her MBA journey at Columbia, she carries with her a robust background in data-driven business strategy and a clear vision to enhance her skills in business leadership. The MBA from Columbia will not only allow her to deepen her understanding of global business dynamics but also equip her to explore new areas and industries where her analytical skills can be applied to broader business contexts.

Her story is a testament to the power of merging technical expertise with strategic business acumen and highlights the transformative impact of an MBA for professionals looking to elevate their careers to new heights. Srilekha’s journey from the classrooms of IIT Kharagpur to the financial strategies of Goldman Sachs, and now to the halls of Columbia Business School, is a narrative of continuous growth, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Columbia MBA Program Overview

Located in the heart of New York City, students benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to a diverse range of industries. Columbia Business School offers two distinct entry points for its Full-Time MBA program: August Entry and January Entry. Each has unique features tailored to accommodate different career aspirations and professional backgrounds.

August Entry

• Duration: 20 months
• Features:
  • Summer internships
  • Ideal for significant career switches
• Objective: Provides students with a comprehensive experience, including opportunities to engage in internships that facilitate career transitions. M7

January Entry

• Duration: 16 months
• Features:
  • Four consecutive semesters
  • No summer internship
• Ideal Candidates: Those in family businesses, entrepreneurs, or company-sponsored students
• Objective: Offers an accelerated program for students who do not require an internship for career progression.

Financial Considerations

Columbia Business School provides a detailed budget for the 9-month academic year, ensuring students are aware of the expenses involved and can plan their finances accordingly. This budget covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Student Budget (2024-2025)

*Students should be prepared for additional costs such as relocation expenses, study tours, medical expenses not covered by insurance, and other personal expenditures.

Employment and Salary Statistics

Columbia MBA graduates are highly sought after by top employers, with impressive placement rates and salary packages.

Employment Profile (2023)

Top Employers

Graduates from Columbia Business School find opportunities in leading organizations across various industries, including:

• Consulting: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company
• Finance: Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Technology: Google, Meta, Microsoft
• Others: Amazon, Pfizer, BlackRock

Industry-Specific Salaries (2023)

Also Read:

Columbia University (NY) [ Executive MBA ] – Best MBA Admissions Consultants in India | GyanOne | MBA Abroad