Shota Adamia, CBS MBA Class of 2023
Age: 28
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brandeis University – Economics and Sociology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 Years in Media / Publishing
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to join a dynamic MBA environment to further my education and collaborate with a network of diverse peers. Equipped with six years of experience working in sales and product development leadership roles and serving on multiple non-profit boards, I was ready to contribute meaningfully while also acquiring skills that would better position me for long-term success.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Diversity of the CBS community was pivotal in my motivation. Not only do we have access to exceptional education and career advancement opportunities, we are also part of a community of people from dozens of countries, representing breadth of opinion, expertise, and understanding. Commitment to furthering DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives is a core part of the CBS culture and it empowers students to become agents of change.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
Raised and educated with a global mindset, I always strive to create inclusive atmospheres and help form stronger decisions through leveraging the richness of diversity. As I continue to meet many amazing CBS classmates, I can serve as a bridge for initiatives, collaborations, and interpersonal growth by creating spaces for dialogue, empathy, and empowerment through inclusivity.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
In college, I auditioned for the part of the tender-hearted poet Orpheus in the play Eurydice. I was cast as the Lord of the Underworld…
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan to join a media & telecom group at an investment bank.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be myself – I know how important it is to receive feedback from family and friends, but I would advise prospective applicants to make sure that what they end up writing represents their unique selves.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have had more conversations directly with members and leaders of the student clubs and organizations that I was interested in.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Understanding the competitiveness of admissions processes, prospective applicants are incentivized to apply to more schools than what might be ideal. I would have concentrated on even fewer schools if that were not the case. I did find writing each application interesting, however, and had great conversations with schools. Thankfully, I ended up at CBS, a school that is the perfect fit for me.
What is your initial impression of the Columbia Business School students/culture/community?
CBS students are collaborative and focused on academic, career, and personal growth. The grade non-disclosure policy that is universally respected creates a healthy environment for teamwork. The community places strong emphasis on DEI, encouraging dialogue and learning.
What is one thing you have learned about Columbia Business School that has surprised you?
Even in the most competitive recruiting circles, the collaborative culture of CBS shines through. While my expectations did not diverge from such a culture, the universality of it has been pleasantly surprising. The students root for one another, celebrate successes of their peers, and always lend a helping hand.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I asked myself many of the more fundamental questions and had the opportunity to spend plenty of time that had freed up during the lockdown thinking through them. On the other hand, I would have preferred to connect with current students at the time in person to better understand the intricacies of the school culture.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The flood of amazing opportunities at CBS makes prioritization challenging. I would like to make sure that I take every chance to connect with peers, professors, alumni, and other members of the community without missing out on opportunities that are vital for a well-rounded MBA education.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I was elected Cluster Chair by my peers, and I very much look forward to helping make the year successful and enjoyable for every classmate I represent, fulfilling the trust that they have placed in me.
