Vishaka Sriniwasan, CBS MBA Class of 2023
Age: 27
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of California Los Angeles, Class of 2016, Computational and Systems Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years in Biotechnology (at Amgen)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I felt that I was at a point in my career where I needed the business toolkit to complement my scientific and technical foundation. As I discovered my passion for the business side of healthcare and strategy, I knew that business school was the path that could enable this career pivot.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I placed a high emphasis on location and school culture while narrowing down my list of schools. Columbia Business School was top of the list for a multitude of reasons – New York City location, access to the city’s startup ecosystem, renowned adjunct faculty that took time out of their jobs to teach at CBS, and a robust healthcare program. I also have family in the city and wanted to try living in a new region of the US. Two months into school, I definitely made the right choice – NYC is a great place to be an MBA student and leverage what both the city and School has to offer.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I spent my entire childhood in Mumbai, and then immigrated at the age of 18 to California for undergrad and then worked there too – this has widened my perspective on cultures and lifestyles. Additionally, I come from a very scientific and technical background – having worked in research lab settings and in Information Systems at a biotech company. While this means I struggle a bit in an Accounting class, I believe my critical thinking skills and analytical approach to problem solving honed by these experiences has equipped me to share interesting insights in classes.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love being outdoors and hiking – I have hiked Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and most recently, Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA I want to pursue management consulting or strategic roles focusing on the pharma/life sciences sector.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I think the MBA application process is truly such an introspective one. While writing your essays, you really must dig into your career goals and articulate why that business school is right for you at that point in time to tell an authentic story. Going through that journey forced me to consciously reflect; it was eye-opening for myself and solidified the career trajectory I aim for.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would probably start the process of reflection and researching schools by talking to current students and alumni early. Trying to simultaneously tackle it all with deadlines for multiple schools fast approaching definitely got pretty hectic.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wish I could have skipped taking the standardized test – it was a struggle balancing full-time work and studying for a rigorous test. I spent numerous weekends on practice exams aiming to get the score I needed to attend a top business school. It took a village – it was the constant support and encouragement from my friends, and family from miles away that got me through.
What is your initial impression of the Columbia Business School students/culture/community?
I have found the students at Columbia Business School to truly be so supportive, down to earth, and genuine. Having a class size of ~615 students might lead you to assume people will be competitive and cut-throat – this cannot be further from the truth. Even the 2Y students continue to make time for mentoring 1Y students in the midst of their own full-time recruiting process, and plan events like club welcome and kick-off events.
Despite being in a city where many have already lived for years, CBS remains an integral part of our social lives, leading to a close-knit community with opportunities to bond across our clusters. After months in a pandemic, it is so refreshing to get to know my fellow ‘23ers who are intelligent, humble and inclusive.
What is one thing you have learned about Columbia Business School that has surprised you?
The sheer access to faculty and Executives in Residence who make time out of their busy schedules to chat with eager MBA students has been daunting and exciting. Dean Maglaras even taught a Statistics lecture for each of our clusters to get to know the incoming student class. There are more resources available to support us students than there are hours to make use of them all.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Yes, I was originally admitted into the class of 2022. Unfortunately, due to international travel restrictions and embassy closures due to COVID-19 last year, I was unable to go back to my home country and process my student visa in time to matriculate. So I deferred my admission to the Class of 2023 and am honored to be a part of the largest class ever admitted to CBS!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about prioritizing the right things at the right time – between academics, recruiting, campus clubs and getting to know my classmates. Although I had been warned I would be busy in the first semester, the reality of the number of activities drawing on my time has been shocking and overwhelming.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to meet people from diverse backgrounds, industries, and interests and push myself out of my comfort zone. I am nervously looking forward to my first “true winter” experience and exploring NYC. I am eagerly awaiting Columbia Business School’s move to the new Manhattanville campus in January that will offer additional and dedicated facilities for the 1Y and 2Y MBA students to interact and connect!
