Caraun Reid, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 32
Hometown: The Bronx, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton University, Sociology with a certificate in African American Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: NFL, Professional Athlete, 9 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had the privilege to play professional football, where I learned the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, consistent daily process and a strong collaborative team to help achieve success in an industry where the outcomes are decided by the smallest margins. To advance in my career and become a leader of consequence, I need a strong business background. I am attending business school to bridge the knowledge gap and expand my professional network. Now is the best time to pursue my MBA. My football career reached a natural conclusion in May 2023 when I suffered an Achilles tear. This injury, while unfortunate, aligned with my long-standing plan to get my MBA upon retirement.
Why did you choose CBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I am from the Bronx, so New York City holds a special place in my heart. What truly set Columbia Business School apart were the interactions I had with current students and alumni. Their willingness to serve as resources, regardless of my final school choice, spoke volumes about the Columbia Business School community. This collaborative spirit was a defining factor in my decision to attend Columbia Business School. It’s not just about individual achievement, but about being part of a network that actively supports and elevates one another.
I must acknowledge a pivotal influence in my decision: my dear friend, Adetola Olatunji, from the Columbia Business School class of 2023. Throughout my application process, Adetola’s guidance was invaluable. Her insights and experiences at Columbia were so compelling that they solidified my belief in Columbia Business School as truly world-class. Her representation of the school’s culture, opportunities, and impact was so authentic and impressive that I could not see myself anywhere else but Columbia Business School.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My experience of growing up in the Bronx, going to Princeton, playing in the NFL, and going to Columbia is quite unique. I am just one of the many interesting people that are currently at CBS. I am looking forward to serving my classmates through my commitment to teamwork and my ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. My years in professional athletics have ingrained in me a deep appreciation for teamwork and the ability to support others’ goals while pursuing my own. I look forward to serving as a source of strength for my classmates helping them to remain poised and focused in high-stakes situations.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to sing. I have been doing it all my life. I sang in an acapella group at Princeton named Old Nassoul and recorded a cover of “A Change is Gonna Come” that is available on all streaming platforms.
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment Banking
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I benefited from taking the GMAT two years before I applied. When it came time to apply to business school, I could focus on learning about the schools and presenting the best version of myself.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would not have applied to as many schools as I did. I am grateful that I got accepted to them, but I devoted too much energy applying to schools based on their rank as opposed to applying to the schools that were the best fits for me.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Maybe just the time between applying and hearing back. I would love to have fast-forwarded through those weeks. I remember not wanting to open the email from Columbia Business School for about an hour when I got the notification.
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
Seeing that diversity was not just a buzzword but it was truly reflected throughout the business school, in both the student body and the faculty. I felt welcomed into an inclusive community and a sense of belonging.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
The amount of support that students get academically has surprised me. They set you up for success.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
This will be my first time applying for a non-football job. There are mild levels of anxiousness surrounding the recruiting process, but the second-years at Columbia are extremely supportive and encouraging.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about being able to travel overseas. I want to take a Global Immersion Program in the spring and not just learn about business in another country but also get firsthand experience.
