Claudia Saunders, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 31
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Stanford University; International Relations & Spanish (double major)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Eight years as a professional track athlete (Brooks, Under Armour, Team France), 5 years part-time in the non-profit sector
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During my career as a professional track athlete, I was sponsored by Brooks and Under Armour, which allowed me opportunities to work closely at times with their marketing and apparel teams. I had a front row seat to the decision-making processes of major sports brands—how they establish and maintain their competitive advantage, how they respond to sudden changes in the market, and how brand identity affects everything from product innovation to storytelling. About seventy percent of my job responsibilities as a sponsored professional athlete centered around my athletic performance, but I was fascinated by the brand strategy side of my role as well. I see business school as an avenue to be in the driver’s seat of these strategic brand decisions. My retirement from track at the end of 2024 made this the perfect time to go back to school.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I’ve always wanted to live in New York City, and the opportunity to pursue a world-class MBA while being in such a special place was too good to turn down. I felt that the vibrance and uniqueness of NYC would also be reflected in my cohort, which would make the experience all the more enriching. Columbia Business School’s location was also ideal for my industries of interest, sports and beauty.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My time as a professional athlete has given me a unique perspective on performing at a high level. High performance requires a dynamic strategy that includes curiosity, attention to detail, and balance. As an athlete, curiosity fueled my work ethic—my goal was to discover just how good I could be. In a sport where you are always toeing the line between peak performance and injury, balance is crucial. You’re never very far from demanding so much from your body that you injure yourself, removing the possibility of competing or even training. My margin between performing at a high level and critical failure is slightly wider now, but I’m using the same calculated approach as I work collaboratively with my classmates on case studies and group projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a huge Washington Spirit fan.
Post-MBA career interests:
Sports Marketing, Beauty/Skincare, Brand Strategy
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely seek advice from other individuals who went through the application process, even if that means sending a cold email or message to someone I don’t personally know. I would also make sure to really understand what makes the MBA programs you are applying to unique, so that you can be clear to yourself and admissions that the school/schools are the right fit.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had spent more time speaking with MBA candidates and former MBA students from non-traditional backgrounds so that I could have understood sooner how my skillset translated into relevant business skills. Those conversations would have helped me articulate my skills sooner and more effectively.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The standardized testing portion of the application. I found practice tests to be very helpful.
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
Columbia Business School students are very open and collaborative. The second-year students are very willing to help and give advice as well.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am planning to join RLG, Beauty Club, CBS Marketing Association, Sports Business Association, BBSA, and the French Connection Club.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
I was surprised to see that the professors are very approachable. I was also surprised by the number of resources that are available to students.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about creating new friendships and living in New York.
