Great school with great people, difficult coursework for people with non-traditional backgrounds

Experience during the program

CBS is big on CBS. If you want to go here, you have to be very clear about why. The career resources are excellent, students and alumni are so happy to help, and just using the Columbia name can get you a call or coffee chat with anyone in the industry of your choice. The world is your oyster here. Take advantage of everything New York has to offer, and the huge (40,000+) alumni database.
The social life here is unparalleled. It's been three months and we've already gone to Cancun as a class, had a Gatsby themed Fall Ball and gotten together for dinners, potlucks, sushi and various other gatherings. Columbia's greatest strength is it's awesome, friendly people!

About professors, classes and curriculum

If you are not from a business or "traditional" background and are recruiting for banking or consulting, the first semester is EXTREMELY difficult and overwhelming. I would take online courses before school, especially in Excel (if you did not use it in your previous job) so you can feel like you are somewhat on par with your classmates. While CBS has grade non-disclosure, this means you want to fall somewhere in the middle to make sure you are in good academic standing. The "curve" makes this very difficult for people who are new to the rigorous core curriculum. Do your best to prepare before school; there simply isn't enough time when you start classes and recruiting to do it all.

About job placement process

Recruiting is extremely well run and CBS will walk you through the process. Join any professional club that is geared toward an industry of interest. They have incredible resources at your disposal. It may be hyper competitive, but everyone will get a job in the end - and a great one at that!

Overall BSchool experience (4.0)
Schools contribution (5.0)
Classmates rating (5.0)

Strengths of the program:

Alumni Network
Career opportunities provided by school
Culture & Student Support

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Marketing
Investment Banking
Tech
Entrepreneurship
Management

Can be improved:

Curriculum, Classes, Professors
Facilities
Specialization in a particular area (e.g. Finance, Consulting, Healthcare, etc)