Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can join the MMA?
At this time, MMA Membership is limited to current first year and second year students of Columbia Graduate School of Business.
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Who can attend MMA events?
The majority of MMA events are limited to members-only, however we occasionally have events open to alumni and outside guests. Please email the Events VPs to inquire about attendance for specific events.
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Are there any positive synergies between finance studies and media studies at CBS?
The CBS student body is extremely rich and diverse in backgrounds and interests. Students interested in media studies have a wide array of course options and networking opportunities. The MMA is a great source for students with finance and media interests to connect with their peers and establish contacts in the industry outside campus.
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Does CBS accepts graduate students who have a media background without much business experiences?
The Admissions Office at CBS admits students who have de monstrated leadership and excellence in an incredibly diverse range of industries and fields (media, finance, consulting, creative, etc.) The diversity of the student body makes joining different student groups an important part of the CBS experience. For more information visit the school’s Office of Admissions website.
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Is an MBA necessary for a successful career in media business?
That depends on where you want to go in your career and what positions you want to have. Obviously, begin well versed in the business side of your industry of choice is an asset. Whether or not having an MBA is a necessity for you depends on your personal goals.
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What advantages are there to getting an MBA with a focus in media at Columbia Business School versus programs at other schools?
Regardless of your field of study, Columbia offers all students an exceptional academic program, access to an expansive alumni network, a top brand and camaraderie in and out of the classroom. The physical proximity to a major business center (New York) is an added asset of the Columbia Business School program.
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I always hear Columbia is a finance-centered school. Is there sufficient access to interesting opportunities in media?
As with any school or program you enter, you get out of it what you put into it. If you come here focused and work hard toward getting the education, experience and networking opportunities you need, you are likely to be more than satisfied. There are a lot of events and opportunities for students to exploit through their classes, student groups and peers.
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How can students access information on media courses? How are the professors and course offerings?
Everyone’s tastes are different. A useful tool students have at their disposal is the online course evaluations guide, wherein students from past years have rated their classes based on each professor’s performance, the difficultly of the subject matter, the workload, etc.
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How often is the case study method used in the media program?
As far as the case study method in the media program goes, all students are introduced to case studies in the Core program during their first year, and then it’s up to the discretion of the professor as to how much he or she will use that technique. A lot of media courses are more interactive, with speakers from various media industries coming to the school to give first-hand accounts of their experiences and current strategic initiatives. What is the MMA LA Media Trip? How can this trip help my studies/career? Every year, MMA Members are exposed to many different media companies and are able to meet with industry executives and players during an intense visit to Los Angeles. After the trip, it’s up to the students to keep in touch and make the experience work for them. Those interested in media need to remember that their internship search during school will not differ much from a typical job search outside of school. Media companies typically do not recruit on campus as other companies do, and they hire as needed, so timing (and staying in touch) is everything.