Cedoni Francis, Columbia Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 25
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Vanderbilt University, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Associate Product Marketing Manager, Google, 2.5 years; Independent Content Creator, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always believed in the mantra that you should study what you like, so when I was at Vanderbilt I studied political science because I loved politics. After starting a marketing role at Google, I realized how much I didn’t know. That lack of knowledge compounded with independently running my own business as a content creator showed me that I had large knowledge gaps in the core foundations of business. I applied in this past cycle because I knew it was the right time for me. I had spent almost 3 years in corporate, followed by a year of being self-employed. I knew that I couldn’t scale my content business or other ventures without further education.
Why did you choose CBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I grew up in Brooklyn, so Columbia has always been the bastion of achievement in my eyes. For me, choosing Columbia Business School came down to three things – location, curriculum, and the people. As a Native New Yorker, I wanted to stay in my hometown but with a slight change. Leaving Brooklyn and heading uptown is definitely a new challenge for me. Secondly, Columbia’s curriculum was unparalleled. Knowing that I’d be able to get the foundational knowledge I was seeking via core, but that I’d also be able to explore courses in all of my interests like entrepreneurship, marketing, and retail was a huge selling point to me. Lastly, the people at Columbia reinforced my decision. My application was initially moved to “further consideration” and I didn’t interview at Columbia Business School until the end of April. In the few months where I was hoping to be admitted and when I finally got an interview, my first point of contact was the Black Business Students Association and other Consortium Students. I reached out to one of the BBSA AVPs of Admissions and we did a mock interview (in the middle of finals). Knowing that someone would be so helpful to me during what was already a high-stress time for them showed me that at Columbia Business School people truly want to see others succeed. All of that combined made my decision a no-brainer.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I’d be hard-pressed to find another full-time social media influencer in my class! My work experience is incredibly varied. From IB internships at bulge bracket banks to leading marketing strategy for products at Google and now running my own business as an influencer – I’ve seen multiple industries and functions in a short four years. We’re barely into the school year, but I’ve been able to draw on my professional experiences multiple times in the classroom setting and add new perspective to our discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I once had to get airlifted down a fjord in Norway because a blizzard started!
Post-MBA career interests:
Entrepreneurship or Luxury Retail Strategy
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely do MLT MBA Prep again! I’m a loyal MLTer! I’m also an alumna of their Career Prep Program. MLT gave me the resources to craft an excellent application, but also gave me friends who I get to experience Columbia Business School with! I truly recommend all underrepresented applicants apply to MLT.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d finish testing earlier! I have a learning disability and unfortunately didn’t receive testing accommodations, so I was testing until New Year’s Eve. I was writing essays, reaching out to admissions officers, and testing all at the same time. Would not recommend!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would skip getting waitlisted/having my application moved to further consideration. Waiting is nerve wracking and I was on pins and needles the entire time. As a Type A person, I was struggling to relinquish control to the black box of MBA admissions. Thankfully, my friends and family were incredibly supportive and helped me stay calm while I thought my world was crumbling. Also, major credit to my MLT coach, James Frick. I called James consistently in this process and he always gave me actionable advice to help reiterate my interest to Columbia Business School. Shoutout to him because it worked!
What is your initial impression of the CBS students/culture/community?
I first noticed that the Columbia Business School community is collaboratively competitive. People are always willing to help each other, but we’re also pushing our fellow students to be better and take the stretch opportunities. CBS students are obviously some of the best and brightest, but we’re also some of the kindest. From club-sponsored academic review sessions to meetings with my learning team where I’m able to share openly about my learning disabilities – CBS students have shown me that there’s never a shortage of kindness on this campus.
What is one thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
I’m most surprised by the work hard, play hard mentality. Many nights, I’ve finished my homework and have somehow made it outside to a happy hour, party, or fashion show. NYC is truly our oyster and Columbia Business School students are making sure they enjoy every second they’re in the city.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Stats. I wouldn’t wish statistics on my worst enemy.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to build community with my classmates! I’m beyond excited to join clubs, go on trips, and forge deep bonds with my fellow Lions.
