A good way to determine whether the MBA path is right for you, as well as how to go about it, is to hear from graduates who were in your shoes a few years ago. This is what Grad Interviews is about, bringing you tips and insights from graduates of various business schools and industry backgrounds. Our current interviewee is investor, ex-management consultant and Columbia Business School MBA 18′, Eli Dubnov.
A: I am currently working on the investment team of a global VC, based in Israel, covering Israeli startups from pre-seed to series B.
A: Prior to my MBA, I spent a couple of years at PwC Tel Aviv, working as a management consultant, focused on Performance Improvement and corporate finance. Then I joined an impact investing Private Equity fund, investing mainly in Africa. I was overlooking the Ghanaian market (splitting my time between Ghana and Israel), where I was sourcing new investments, managing portfolio companies, and serving as the CFO of a local real estate venture. Additionally, I was responsible for several pro-bono projects.
A: I heard great things about the experience from friends. The mix of people from different backgrounds (social and professional), the exposure to many industries and professional events, and the ability to rethink what I want to do when I grow up (and where), seemed like an experience I couldn’t miss.
A: I knew a few alums who spoke highly of the school. I really liked what I heard about how international the school was, the great access it provides you with, and how amazing the social experience is. Finally, knowing that I would spend only two years in the US, I wanted it to be in NYC.
A: Totally exceeded my expectations, especially the social and personal development aspect. It’s hard to know what to expect (especially if you haven’t been schooled in the US before). It doesn’t happen too often in adult life where you dedicate 2 years only doing what you really like – people you meet with, courses you take, events you attend, trips you do, etc.
A: It’s very international and it’s located in Manhattan, which gives you incredible access to many people, companies, events, nightlife, etc.
A: They say it’s a business camp more than a business school. There is an endless amount of activities, both social and professional, that every student navigates according to his personal interest. Everybody is curious, socially open, and there to learn and improve. Also, the atmosphere was very collaborative as we were all “in the same boat”.
A: It’s Manhattan – what can go wrong?
A: Columbia is only finance – WRONG. Every student chooses and builds his own MBA path.
A: Once you are in – enjoy the ride! Everything else will come. Do things you would never do otherwise, meet people that are not your “natural” friend, explore new areas of interest. People focus on how to get in, and what to do when they get out and forget about the most amazing thing about all of this – the process – two amazing years full of different experiences, where you will meet many of your best friends.
A: I spent 2 years at McKinsey and am now at a VC firm. I would probably not make it to McKinsey without the MBA, but I could make it to VC.
