Pursue Careers In Finance, Consulting, Or Entrepreneurship With Columbia Business School

In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Prof. Gita Johar, Meyer Feldberg Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, points out the unique aspects that make the school stand out for Indian students, too. With its interdisciplinary culture and robust industry connections to its increasing emphasis on AI and sustainability, Prof. Johar elucidates how the MBA program at Columbia readies students for top leadership positions in a rapidly evolving global economy.

FPJ: What sets Columbia Business School apart from other top business schools around the world?

Prof. Johar: Columbia Business School has its interdisciplinary approach. Our students gain exposure to a wide range of perspectives, and while many ultimately pursue careers in finance, consulting, or increasingly, entrepreneurship, they benefit from learning across multiple fields. Being in New York City enhances this experience, as our students engage with thought leaders both in academia and industry.

FPJ: Which particular program do you find most appealing to Indian students?

Prof. Johar: Most of the Indian students join us for the MBA program. We do offer a Master of Science as well, but the MBA remains the most popular. Many of these students plan to return to their family businesses after graduation, seeking to bring back the latest trends and best practices in management to apply in India. Others pursue more traditional career paths in consulting or finance. Interestingly, over the past five years, I’ve noticed a growing number of students who aim to start their careers in the U.S. but eventually return to India, recognising the significant opportunities back home.

FPJ: CBS launched a ‘Generative AI for Business’ course in the digital marketing space. Can you tell us more about it & whether it’s seeing any traction in markets like India?

Prof. Johar: The courses aren’t specifically focused on India—or any particular country, for that matter. They are designed to be broad and globally relevant. The "Generative AI for Business" course originally started as a marketing-focused class, aiming to explore how AI can be leveraged in marketing, whether that's creating ads, enhancing personalisation, or reaching target audiences more effectively. Over time, the course has evolved and become more sophisticated, moving beyond just using existing AI tools like Chatgpt to thinking about how businesses can build their own AI solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our faculty stays closely connected to the latest trends and is constantly updating the curriculum to teach students how to harness AI effectively in the business world.

FPJ: Since AI relies on big data, do you think there’s a risk that brands using it for marketing might end up with similar strategies and results?

Prof. Johar: Yes, there is that possibility. As you said, it could bring everyone to a sort of lowest common denominator if competitors are all using the same tools and getting similar outputs. But that’s really where the skill lies—in knowing how to use AI thoughtfully. A big focus of the course is on crafting highly personalised prompts and building AI systems that are customised to your brand. The idea is not just to get a generic response but to ensure the AI reflects your brand's unique identity, values, and customer needs. For instance, instead of deploying a standard chatbot, companies can train the AI with specific data about their brand’s positioning, segmentation, and unique value propositions. This way, the AI-generated content or customer interactions are much more tailored and brand-specific, helping businesses stand out rather than blend in.

FPJ: How does Columbia Business School support job placements for Indian students?

Prof. Johar: We have a very strong and proactive career services office. Most of our students secure jobs by their final semester, and within two months of graduation, nearly all of them are employed. Of course, international students do face some challenges, particularly around work visas, which is an issue across the U.S., not specific to Columbia. However, our MBA program holds a STEM designation, which allows students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and gives them up to two to three years of work authorisation after graduation. This STEM status is a significant advantage, enabling international students to gain valuable U.S. work experience even without permanent residency.

FPJ: There’s often talk of reducing OPT. How vital is it for students, and how does Columbia support international students with practical training?

Prof. Johar: I don’t think the potential cutbacks would significantly affect MBA students. Columbia Business School doesn’t have undergraduate programs; we focus on MBA and smaller Master of Science programs. MBA students typically aren’t in purely technical roles—they’re working in broader business functions. So, the threat of cuts to technical training programs like OPT is less relevant for MBA students. That said, the STEM designation of our MBA still provides crucial work authorisation benefits, and the school stays attentive to any policy changes that could affect international students’ career opportunities.

FPJ: What value do Indian students bring to the CBS community, and how do they enrich the overall experience?

Prof. Johar: I’d say that around 30% or more of our incoming class is international, and Indian students make up a significant portion of that. They—and international students in general—bring diverse perspectives and different ways of thinking, which enrich the classroom experience. In recent years, India’s incredible growth and innovation, especially in the digital space, have provided fascinating case studies. For instance, India leapfrogged straight into digital payments without having a widespread credit card system. These kinds of experiences offer valuable insights for business discussions. Having students who’ve lived through and understand these dynamics adds a lot of depth and richness to the learning environment for everyone.

FPJ: What advice would you give to Indian students planning to join CBS to help them make the most of their time on and off campus?

Prof. Johar: The academics are, of course, very important, and Indian students quickly realise that. But the MBA experience is much more than just coursework. Being at Columbia and in New York City gives you incredible opportunities to explore your interests and meet inspiring people—whether it’s your classmates, professors, or the many guest speakers we host. I strongly encourage students to fully engage in these experiences. What people often call “networking” is really about opening your mind, learning from others, and discovering what excites you.

FPJ: How does Columbia Business School help students expand their professional networks?

Prof. Johar: There are so many events, clubs, and guest speakers all the time. For example, if you’re interested in tech, there are specific clubs that organise talks, panels, and networking events regularly. Each club brings in experts and practitioners from various industries, so there’s an endless flow of opportunities. The key is for students to identify their areas of interest and make the effort to attend these events and engage.

FPJ: What is one key piece of advice you would give to prospective students?

Prof. Johar: My main advice would be to fully immerse yourself in the Columbia experience and make the most of every opportunity it offers.

FPJ: What is the one key factor Columbia Business School focuses on when reviewing applications from Indian students?

Prof. Johar: I wouldn’t say it’s specific to Indian students—our criteria are consistent across all applicants. Of course, we look at the fundamentals: your academic record, work experience, and recommendation letters—that’s standard. But what really sets candidates apart is what they can contribute to the Columbia community. We look for applicants who bring unique perspectives or experiences that will enrich the learning environment. For example, someone who has led a non-profit or has a distinctive professional background brings valuable insights that benefit everyone. So while the tangible aspects of the application are important, we place a strong emphasis on the intangible—what you, as a student, will add to the community culture here.