Columbia Business School

[westay]

This is in the nature of a public service announcement. If it's not Kosher, delete it and I will understand.

I know some of the guys on the forum are at an age where they are deciding whether to go to business school or do something else. If you are curious, Columbia Business School will be in town on Sept. 25th to promote the school. If you would like an invitation, let me know.

There is some good fly fishing on Long Island and out in the Adirondacks. You might have enough time to hit a stream or two while you are in school.

Ave GMAT 708
5 years work experience
Leadership potential/experience
Diverse experience
Ave starting salary $160K+

[Raff]

Key words are a stream or two. From what I've heard, you'll only have time to fish twice during the two years! :)

Thanks for the heads up. I'll see you there.

[mike9880]

Don't forget how little time you will have to fish once you're an Investment Banker. And any money you would use for equitment will be eatten up by paying off your six digit school loans.

Just kidding, Columbia is a great school. And you will make your money back.

[westay]

Contrary to popular belief, they don't force you to become an investment banker (they've found water-boarding to be ineffective). There are ways to lower the cost as well. Most students get an internship between the first and second years. It can pay well enough to pay off your first year expenses. Many of them offer to pay for your second year if you agree to accept their offer.

So, if the stars line up you can come out debt free. Then you can pursue your own muse. I work for a not-for-profit and have never been on the high salary track. But I get to fish in some of the most beautiful country in the world. Small trade-off.

But, if you want to make a fortune, the cachet of the school certainly gives you more opportunities that you might otherwise get. It could be thought of as broadening the set of choices that are available to you. Retire in 10 years and spend the rest of your life fishing among the Kamchatka, Alaska and Argentina.

[mike9880]

That sounds like a reasonable plan. I unfortunatly do not have a mind for business. I only have an idea about MBAs from my brother. He is an investment banker, came out of school with some debt, and now made out well on his investment. But he has put in a lot of time and work to get where he is. I admire those able to find the best of both worlds as you did.