Anna Liedtke, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany
Undergraduate Institution and Major: ESB Business School & Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Double Degree in International Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Head of Digital Banking, Fuerstlich Castell’sche Bank (5 years of work experience)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue business school because I wanted to get back into a truly international environment. Studying abroad in Mexico showed me how much I enjoy working across cultures, and since then I’ve been eager to return to that kind of setting. In my career so far, I’ve been working at a private bank in Germany, where the industry is still quite traditional. Coming to New York feels like the right step. I want to experience how the financial capital of the world operates and push myself into a more dynamic environment. I chose to do this now because I wanted to build a solid foundation before the MBA. Having my first leadership experience under my belt gives me the perspective and confidence to get the most out of the program and contribute meaningfully to my classmates.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Columbia because I knew I wanted to pursue investment banking, and being in New York puts you right at the center of the industry. Columbia Business School has a strong track record in banking and an alumni network that spans every major firm, which made it the perfect fit for my career goals. Beyond that, the people I spoke with really stood out. I reached out to students from different MBA programs, but everyone I connected with at Columbia Business School was open, genuine, and eager to help. In fact, one of the students I cold-messaged on LinkedIn while deciding on a school met me for coffee during my first week in New York. That kind of support showed me that Columbia Business School isn’t just about location and opportunities, it is also about a community where you can start building your network even before you arrive.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
In my last role, I led a team whose average work experience was more than 20 years – much more than my own. That experience taught me how to balance leading with humility – learning from people who know more than you, while still setting direction and creating impact. I think that ability to lead and learn at the same time is something valuable I can bring to the Columbia Business School community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My family is completely obsessed with Karneval, so every year we all go to Cologne together; grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins; dressed up in costumes to celebrate. It is a full family tradition and one of my favorite times of the year.
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment Banking
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely reach out to current students and alumni. An MBA is a huge investment of time and money, and those conversations helped me figure out not just which schools had strong reputations, but which ones felt like the right fit for me personally.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started studying for the GRE much earlier. If you know that an MBA is in your future, give yourself plenty of time for the test so you don’t end up cramming and stressing as deadlines approach.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I applied to six schools, which was a lot of work. Looking back, I probably could have cut my list down to four. What helped me push through was setting up a clear schedule for essays and deadlines as well as reminding myself of my long-term goal when it felt overwhelming.
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
I was a little worried about the size of the class before I arrived, but orientation week and even a student-organized trip to the Hamptons made it easy to connect. Everyone has such unique stories, and it has been exciting to instantly have so many new people to spend time with and learn from.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Investment Banking Club to prepare for recruiting and secure an internship, the Brazil Club because many of my closest friends here are Brazilian, and the Outdoors Club, which I am especially excited about since they are organizing a diving trip to Latin America in the spring.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
How close-knit the community is. Especially in the Investment Banking Club, second years take so much time to answer questions, share advice, and calm our nerves, even though they do not get paid or receive any credit for it. It really shows how committed people are to making CBS stronger for everyone.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Going ice skating in Central Park. I love Christmas, and skating under the lights in New York has always been a dream of mine. Now I finally get to do it while the city is decorated for the holidays.
