Greg Bragg, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University College London, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: ESG Analyst, Asset Management, William Blair Investment Management, 1 year. Responsible Investing and Equity Associate Analyst, Asset Management, T. Rowe Price, 5 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Business school had always been at the back of my mind, especially since many colleagues at T. Rowe Price, my first employer, had pursued MBAs and spoken highly of the experience. After completing the CFA towards the end of 2023, I began exploring the MBA path more seriously. I started attending webinars and preparing for exams. The more I learned, the more I saw the value: expanding my professional network, gaining deeper knowledge in areas like strategy and sustainability, sharpening skills in areas where I had less exposure, and opening doors for a potential career pivot.
I wasn’t initially 100% set on applying, but after switching roles in mid-2024, I found myself with several weeks off between jobs. It felt like it was the right time to give it a real shot. With five years of experience, it was a “now or never” moment, and there was little downside to applying, as I was excited to start my new role. While I thoroughly enjoyed my brief time at William Blair and would have been happy to stay there, receiving a full ride from Columbia ultimately tipped the scales. The opportunity to pursue an MBA at a world-class institution, with such strong professional and personal upside, was too good to pass up.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
While the full scholarship certainly made the decision easier, Columbia was always my top choice. Location was a key factor – having only lived in large cities like London, I knew I wanted to be in a large city, and there’s no bigger city than New York for access, energy, and opportunity.
Beyond location, the curriculum and breadth of resources at CBS stood out. The opportunity to explore a wide range of electives across consulting, strategy, general management, and sustainability was a huge draw. I was also attracted to the school’s practical focus – term-time internships, impressive guest speakers, and the Executives in Residence program provided hands-on learning experiences that few other schools could match. Finally, the club culture and sense of community at Columbia Business School truly shone through in my conversations with current students.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe my background in asset management brings a unique perspective to the class, particularly because this sector typically represents only a small portion of the Columbia Business School student body. More specifically, my experience spans both fundamental equity research and ESG/sustainability research – an uncommon combination. Given that many of my classmates are interested in entering these fields post-MBA, I’m excited to share my insights and help others navigate the recruiting process in these areas.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
The U.S. is actually the fourth country I’ve lived in – after the U.K., the U.A.E., and Kazakhstan!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speaking with current students was invaluable. I had great conversations with members of the Green Business Club, including one of the Co-Presidents, which gave me deep insight into Columbia Business School’s sustainability offerings. I also connected with students who had consulting experience, which helped clarify the recruiting process and the resources offered by Columbia Business School.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would’ve tested both the GMAT and GRE upfront to determine which was a better fit. I initially chose the GMAT because it’s more common, but later realized the GRE played to my strengths more effectively. I also wish I had started my serious exam prep much earlier, as I had several months where I was half-heartedly studying due to other commitments.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Attending late-night webinars! While they were useful, the time zone difference between the U.K. and the U.S. meant I was often joining calls at midnight or later. What helped was having a clear purpose – I reminded myself that this short-term inconvenience could shape my long-term future.
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
The Columbia Business School community has been incredibly warm and engaging. From connecting with fun, friendly classmates during Hamptons Week to learning alongside some truly brilliant minds in the classroom, it’s clear that Columbia Business School attracts not just talented individuals but also kind and collaborative ones. I’ve also been struck by how global the community is, with students from nearly 50 countries in our year.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Given my focus on consulting, I’ll be joining the Management Consulting Association. I’m also planning to join the Green Business Club, which aligns with my background and interest in sustainability. On the recreational side, I’m eyeing the Football (Soccer) Club and the Run Club to stay active and meet people outside the classroom. And as a bit of a beer enthusiast, the Microbrew Society also looks like a fun way to unwind and connect with classmates.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
The sheer volume of opportunities here astounds me. Every day, I find my inbox brimming with event invites – ranging from speaker series and career treks to club socials and alumni panels. In just the first few weeks, we’ve already welcomed Ben Horowitz as a speaker, and several CEOs are lined up to speak in the coming weeks. The level of access we have is truly unmatched.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really looking forward to the travel opportunities that come with the MBA experience. I visited 11 countries in Asia this past summer and hope to continue exploring during the program. With such a strong South American presence at Columbia Business School, and the fact that I’ve never been to the continent, I’m particularly excited about traveling there. I’ve already signed up for a trip to Columbia in May and have just received details about a potential trip to Ecuador in January!
