Andrea Kaman, CBS MBA Class of 2023
Age: 36
Hometown: Wakonda, SD
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wyoming, Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 13 years, US Army
Why did you make the decision to attend business school?
I pursued business school to broaden my leadership perspective, attain an understanding of data analytics, and enhance my ability to integrate experience and intuition with data.
Why did you choose Columbia Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
No program boasts the same diversity of practitioners and students, or access to non-government industries as Columbia Business School. The exposure to this vast network, the opportunity to understand how they execute manpower management, and to contribute my knowledge and perspective cannot be matched elsewhere. Columbia provides the environment to go outside my comfort zone and grow both professionally and personally.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
While I have little quantitative skill to offer, I do have over 13 years of experience leading in fast-paced, high-stakes organizations. My teams have ranged from 7 to over 250 people and encompass the leadership gamut of managing personnel at entry-level with high-school education, to an experienced team with graduate-level education. On the personal side, being a parent greatly influences my values and decisions, and provides a unique perspective I can share with my cluster.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love sour cream cake donuts.
Post-MBA career interests:
For the three years immediately following graduation I will serve as an instructor at the United States Military Academy (USMA). Following my tour at USMA I will compete to serve as the senior HR director for a two-star general officer command overseeing HR operations for more than 18,000 Soldiers. Post military service, it is my goal to help a community thrive. Whatever the manifestation: as a member of city council, a university professor facilitating the next generation of leaders, or community volunteer, the only requirement is that I am able to help others succeed.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to alumni for both application advice and to have a real conversation about what to expect at the school. Getting an MBA is as much about the environment as the academics. You need to find a place where you will be part of the team.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started studying for the GMAT/GRE earlier. As always, life gets in the way of best laid plans, and you never have as much time as you plan to get ready.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely taking the GMAT/GRE! A very supportive spouse and coworkers willing to supply me with humor and caffeine got me through it (twice).
What is your initial impression of the Columbia Business School students/culture/community?
Thus far, everyone at Columbia Business School is amazingly welcoming and inclusive. There is a profound sense of community, and everyone seems to genuinely care about each other’s success. There is a strong commitment to the network, so individual success becomes group success.
What is one thing you have learned about Columbia Business School that has surprised you?
While I expected the high level of diversity in ethnicity, I was amazed by the breadth of experiences represented in my class. We have everything from finance consultants to professional harpists.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Due to the pandemic, I was unable to do any campus visits prior to submitting my application. Instead, I relied on alumni to provide a “feel” of the campus and program.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting back into qualitative course work.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning from all the unique people in my cluster.
