Isabel Wu, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Hopewell Junction, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard University, Applied Mathematics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Manager at Enova International (2 years), Vimeo (2 years), and Wayfair (1 year)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to round out my technical and professional background with a rigorous understanding of business beyond what I’ve learned through product management. I decided to pursue an MBA at this point in my life because after five years in the professional world, I have enough experience to contribute meaningfully to the program, but I’m still early enough in my career that I can maximize the long-term impact of an MBA.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Columbia was a top choice for me because of the location—I had been in New York City for 2.5 years already and wanted to continue taking advantage of the prominent companies and business leaders that this city has to offer. The large class size, emphasis on core curriculum, and cluster system also appealed to me because of the opportunity to not only connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, but also develop deep bonds with them through the academic experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I have a multi-disciplinary background, having spent my formative years studying quantitative subjects like mathematics and economics in school while also developing my artistic voice through decades of pre-professional classical ballet training. Professionally, I’ve continued to bridge worlds as a product manager, working at the intersection of creative, technical, and business teams. I take pride in being a generalist and a connector, someone who thrives when connecting the dots between disparate spaces, and I hope to bring this integrative perspective to the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love live theater and I’ve seen 21 musicals/plays on Broadway!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m interested in continuing my product management career in a rapidly evolving and innovative industry such as creative tools or fintech.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I took the GRE early, during my senior year of college, while my studying and test taking skills were still fresh. Getting the test out of the way early gave me ample time to think through my essays, recommendations, and application package as a whole, which made the process much less stressful.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have talked to more current students and recent alumni of schools I was considering. Not only do I think it’s one of the best ways to figure out if a school in its most current iteration is a good fit for you, but students and young alums also have invaluable tactical advice about the application experience and business school journey that I wish I knew earlier in the process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Waiting for those decision letters—truly agonizing! Making the most out of my life outside of the application process with work, family, and hobbies helped me remember that applications were not everything.
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
Columbia Business School students are incredibly diverse and accomplished, yet also open and genuine. Even in these first short weeks, I’ve been struck by how eager people are to share ideas, laugh together, and support one another. It’s been a whirlwind just getting accustomed to a new rhythm of life at business school, but meeting such thoughtful and fun classmates every day has been a highlight.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m hoping to join the Arts Society! New York City’s arts scene is world-class and I’m excited to explore it alongside my classmates, and maybe even drag a few of them to the ballet.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many forms of support exist at Columbia Business School—from career to academics to social life. Our orientation was led by second year students called Peer Advisors, who were both incredibly knowledgeable about the resources the school offers and key sources of support themselves during our first few days. From day one I saw how collaborative and supportive the CBS community is: no matter the topic, there is always someone ready to offer guidance or encouragement.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to be back in a learning environment. During my years working full-time, I often wished I had more space for structured growth and education. Beyond CBS’s formal curriculum, I’m also looking forward to the informal learning that takes place at business school, from my classmates’ varied perspectives to the many accomplished guest speakers who visit campus.
