Njairé McKoy, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2025
Age: 28
Hometown: Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Carnegie Mellon University – M.S. Biomedical Engineering; Carnegie Mellon University – B.S. Biological Sciences
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Engineer, Medtronic, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In my previous role at Medtronic, I found myself in a fortunate position being actively involved in global acquisitions as an engineer. Working on-site in Europe and navigating the integration of deals orchestrated by business leaders fueled my curiosity about the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. This curiosity, combined with my aspiration to launch a healthtech startup in the future, prompted a realization: to be a successful leader, I needed to cultivate essential EQ/leadership skills, fully engage in the business realm, and grasp the fundamentals of business acumen. And as they say, there is no time like the present. As someone who’s dedicated to lifelong learning and personal growth, going for my second master’s degree at business school was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made for my professional career.
Why did you choose CBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I can’t think of any other MBA program in the U.S. that offers as much direct access and exposure as Columbia Business School. Whether it’s the CEO of Nvidia dropping by to chat about AI on a random Tuesday or taking the 1 train between class to pop by top-tier NYC firms, Columbia Business School puts you right in the thick of things. What really hooked me though is their STEM designation and their ongoing push to blend technology and business. The dean, professors, and university as a whole are all on board with the notion that staying ahead in the business industry means embracing STEM integration. My unwavering passion for STEM is what truly made Columbia Business School catch my attention, assuring me that this program would seamlessly integrate my quantitative and analytical skills into the business domain.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I see my contribution to the class of 2025 in challenging the idea that everyone fits the same mold. Whether it’s being a former collegiate student-athlete who’s also a plant enthusiast or an engineer showcasing both hard and soft skills as leaders, I aim to inspire my peers on campus to explore the diverse interests of those around them. My goal is to foster understanding and discourage judgments rooted in preconceived notions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In another reality, my passion would lead me to become a fashion stylist. In fact, I held the position of Chair for a fashion show at my alma mater and even modeled in it for a few years. I am in awe of the transformative power of an outfit, how it can boost someone’s confidence or highlight specific features. I’m especially intrigued by the interplay of shapes, textures, and color theory in clothing and how they complement different complexions. Exploring this further is something I look forward to in the future.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the near future, my plan is to work as a consultant, concentrating on addressing some of the most profound challenges in AI, biomedical engineering, and life sciences. Taking on a consulting role will enable me to gain extensive experience with various global companies, leveraging the business acumen skills I’m acquiring at Columbia. Looking further ahead, I see myself founding a healthtech startup with a focus on biomaterials and women’s health.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely keep asking myself “why”. As you write your applications and essays, especially ones about personal experiences, you need to remember your “why” – why business school? Why Columbia Business School? Why now? Why me? Your “why” is your north star, and even though it may change, as long as it still points towards your goal you’re on the right track.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In hindsight, I would change how I channeled the anxiety of business school applications. Throughout my process I kept feeling like I wasn’t doing enough or that admissions wouldn’t see all I have to offer through a few sheets of paper. While it wasn’t the greatest feeling to have, now that I’m on the other side of the process I realize that this is also a part of maturing. Putting forth your best efforts, releasing it, and knowing that you will be where you’re meant to be when you’re meant to be there.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The part I would’ve preferred to skip the most were the entrance exams. I started off trying out the GRE, which I quickly realized was not my cup of tea. Then on to the GMAT, where I studied hard for 3 months then absolutely tanked on the exam. I thought these results were indicative of me not being “good enough” for B-school, which was a horrible feeling to have. It was then that I found the Executive Assessment (EA), which I was way more comfortable with. I managed to navigate through this exam journey by playing to my strengths and not fixating on just one test. It was only by not being successful with the GMAT and GRE that I was even able to discover that the EA was an option. Moral of the story – the line to success is not always linear!
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
The people at Columbia Business School are driven, humble, and catalyzing. It’s impossible not to feed off of the NYC atmosphere and the incredible diversity of current students, professors, and community alike. My classmates inspire me to do more, but also remain authentic. And yes, it sounds incredibly cheesy. I initially expected Columbia to have this tough and gritty culture, and while the academics are indeed challenging (as they should be!), it’s the people that make the journey much sweeter.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
There is a new mandatory course on leadership that all first years must take called Lead: People, Teams, and Organizations. To be honest, I had no idea what I was in for. I was pleasantly taken aback by how relevant, eye-opening, and incredibly important this course is. I remember coming out of the classes feeling like I wanted to know more – I wanted to become a more inclusive leader, someone who would be proud to call me their CEO (one day ☺ ).
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
In my first year, I’m most anxious about building connections. It’s not just about meeting people; I want the connections to be meaningful and last. I’m surrounded by future game changers and disruptors at Columbia Business School, so my focus is on spending time cultivating friendships and building influential connections. I aim to contribute positively to the network of innovators at CBS and make a lasting impact on both my academic and professional journey.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Embarking on global group excursions with my fellow classmates. I’ve always had it on my bucket list to visit Asia, and now through connections at Columbia Business School I’m going to two Asian countries within a few months of each other. Within the Columbia Business School community, the global diversity makes it feel as if the world is at our fingertips, and that exploring other cultures should be encouraged and imperative. The welcoming nature of individuals from all backgrounds serves to shrink the perceived vastness of the world. I’m eager to broaden my horizons and gain new insights as I navigate this global network at Columbia Business School.
