MBA
Prepare to be a dynamic leader in today’s changing business world with a Columbia MBA.
Columbia Business Insights
AI@CBS
Columbia Business School is committed to preparing students for the future of artificial intelligence. Through cutting-edge curricular innovation, our MBA, Executive MBA, MS, and PhD programs introduce new courses and research that seamlessly integrate AI into the student experience. From exploring the impact of AI across industries to developing hands-on experience with the latest tools, students can build confidence in using the latest tech in their chosen fields.
Explore how our students, faculty, centers and programs are engaging with AI at Columbia Business School.
Columbia University Giving Day is October 1, 2024
Columbia Business School is committed to developing leaders that will transform the world! As we continue to build on our rich legacy, we are preparing CBS students to solve increasingly complex challenges of the modern business era. With our cutting-edge curriculum, groundbreaking research, and real-time connection to industry and practice, both within New York City and around the world, CBS delivers unmatched insights and learning across key areas of business. Your support makes all this possible.
Why Political Debates Are More Constructive Than You Think
Work by Professors Modupe Akinola, Sheena Iyengar and their co-researchers shows that political disagreements in America are characterized by more civility, engagement, and hope than many perceive.
Business & Society
Leadership
How Companies Are Cashing In on Nationalism
New work by Professor Lori Yue and her co-researchers quantifies the nationalism of companies and sheds light on how ideology impacts businesses.
Economics & Policy
Finance’s Path Forward
AI is increasingly being applied across the business landscape, and the financial industry is no exception. In the latest issue of Columbia Business, explore our insights on what industry leaders need to know about adopting this rapidly evolving technology.
Artificial Intelligence
Finance
Academic Programs
Executive MBA
Earn your MBA while making an immediate and lasting impact at your job.
Master of Science
Earn your MBA while making an immediate and lasting impact at your job.
PhD
Guided by renowned faculty, the Doctoral program instills the highest level of scholarship and research for students to help shape new business ideas and practices.
Executive Education
Columbia Business School Executive Education provides executives from across industries and sectors with the tools, frameworks, and learnings needed to lead and excel.
In the news
The Hill
Why Tech Companies Are Laying off Thousands of Workers
Are tech job cuts a sign of what's ahead for other sectors as AI grows?The rise of AI is reshaping the tech landscape and major companies are shifting their focus and restructuring their teams. In an article from The Hill, Columbia Business School Associate Professor Daniel Keum weighs in on why big tech is laying off thousands of workers despite a strong overall job market. Keum says that tech firms are prioritizing AI development and it’s leading to job cuts in areas not directly tied to this emerging technology. As tech companies experiment with AI integration, they are repositioning their workforces and letting go of roles that don’t align with their new AI-driven goals. This shift reflects the industry's need to stay competitive in a market that’s constantly evolving. Read the full article to learn how AI is driving big changes in hiring and firing decisions and signaling a reorientation that could extend beyond the tech world.
Mentioned Faculty
The Washington Post
AI Professional Headshots Are Quick and Easy. But Should You Use One?
With AI tools, users can erase physical imperfections with the click of a button, creating the perfect professional headshot. The creative liberties that many of these tools take in altering appearances, however, leave many questioning the morality of the practice. In an article for The Washington Post, Olivier Toubia, Glaubinger Professor of Business, joined other AI experts in discussing the newest AI headshot craze. Toubia, who has contributed to previous articles about AI for CBS Moneywatch, Quartz, Marketplace, and Quirks, explained how some industries might perceive the use of an AI-generated headshot. “If you’re the type of person who was willing to completely edit your image or how you looked, maybe you lied on your GPA or your credentials,” Toubia said.Read more about how professionals can determine whether or not to use an AI-generated headshot.
Mentioned Faculty
Insider
Remote Workers and Middle Managers Are Most Likely to Get Let Go during Layoff Season, Experts Say
As layoffs sweep through major companies, remote workers and middle managers find themselves most at risk. In a Business Insider article, Columbia Business School’s Associate Professor Daniel Keum offers a clear message: showing up matters. Keum stresses that the era of remote work is fading, and those who want to keep their jobs should be prepared to show their commitment in person. He argues that if work can be done remotely, it’s often just as easy for companies to outsource it abroad.This perspective is crucial as businesses look to streamline operations and cut costs, often starting with roles that lack direct, daily interactions. His advice highlights a shift in workplace dynamics that could redefine how professionals approach their careers, especially in roles that are most exposed during layoff season. Read the full article to learn more about how to stay visible and valuable in a changing work environment.
Mentioned Faculty
Bloomberg
Who Is Most Likely to Get Fired? Remote Workers, Middle Managers
Daniel Keum, an Associate Professor of Management at Columbia Business School, offers advice for handling today's uncertain job climate in an insightful Bloomberg piece. As industries from technology to finance announce layoffs, many employees are left wondering about their job security—especially remote workers and middle managers who are particularly vulnerable.Keum highlights the declining trend of remote work and stresses the significance of being physically present at the office. He advises professionals to "Show up, show commitment," and points out that being seen can be key to retaining one's position. This advice is crucial during a time when the ability to quickly adapt to new working conditions can significantly affect career paths.This article not only explores the underlying factors of current layoffs—such as economic adjustments and strategic overhauls—but also provides tips on how employees can protect their positions. Keum’s input is particularly relevant as it sheds light on the necessity for individuals to continually prove their worth and adjust to new office dynamics.For those in the business community, especially those facing uncertain employment situations, this article offers a look at job market trends and practical advice for staying relevant in a job market that’s constantly evolving.
Mentioned Faculty
Wired
The Stark Realities of Posting Your Layoff on TikTok
As tech layoffs continue to dominate headlines, a new trend is emerging among younger workers: posting their layoff experiences on TikTok. In a Wired article, Columbia Business School’s Associate Professor Daniel Keum shared his thoughts on why this shift is happening. Keum suggests that tech workers, many highly educated and strategic, are using these videos to push back against corporate culture and reclaim control over their narratives. With so many layoffs occurring, workers feel safer sharing their stories without the fear of being judged.This trend reflects deeper changes in the workplace, including the growing disconnect between employers and employees. These videos aren’t just about venting—they reveal how workers are responding to layoffs in an age of remote work and economic uncertainty, and new realities of job security and how social media is reshaping professional boundaries.Read the full article for more on how AI and social media are reshaping work culture.
Mentioned Faculty
ABC News
Big Tech Layoffs Are Back. Are Other Workers at Risk?
Are the recent job cuts in tech a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the workforce?In an ABC News article, Columbia Business School Professor Daniel Keum discusses the impact of AI on the recent wave of tech layoffs. As companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple make cuts, Keum explains that these changes are not just about cost-cutting—they are driven by the shift toward AI. Keum notes that AI is spreading unevenly across different industries, and this transformation may take up to a decade. He suggests that while tech companies are adjusting to new AI technologies, other industries could soon feel the ripple effect. Keum’s analysis explains how AI is reshaping the workforce, influencing jobs beyond the tech world, and altering the landscape of job security across the economy.Read the full article to learn more on how AI is driving change across industries and what it means for the future of work.
Mentioned Faculty
CNBC
Now Hiring: ‘New-Collar’ Workers, No Degree Necessary
Tania Babina believes AI can empower workers, especially those with data analysis and IT expertise, to grow and expand their skill sets. The Assistant Professor of Business in the Finance Division at CBS, Babina was quoted by CNBC in an article discussing how the future of work will benefit highly skilled employees with nontraditional educational backgrounds.In the article titled “Now hiring: ‘New-collar’ workers, no degree necessary,” personal finance writer Jessica Dickler describes how artificial intelligence is helping companies reimagine the role of the average worker. Dickler taps into the research of Tania Babina, who teaches the Entrepreneurial Finance course at Columbia Business School, and explores drivers of entrepreneurship and factors predicting entrepreneurial success, specifically within AI and Business Analytics, Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Labor Markets.Learn how individuals in key industries such as health care, engineering, technology, and software, despite their education, are poised to benefit and become highly employable thanks to AI in the workplace.
Mentioned Faculty
Reuters
Tech Layoffs Continue after 'Year of Efficiency'
As leading tech companies manage extensive layoffs alongside substantial AI investments, will their financial strategies pay off?In a Reuters article, Assistant Professor of Management at Columbia Business School, Daniel Keum, discusses the impact of generative AI on the tech industry. As tech giants like Google and Amazon continue to announce layoffs alongside significant investments in AI, Keum offers his perspective on the long-term profitability of these technologies.Keum highlights the potential delays in financial gains from AI technologies and suggests that it might take longer than expected to see substantial returns. His analysis is rooted in historical examples where new technologies took a decade or more to become profitably integrated into business models.Read the full article to understand the economic effects of AI investments and the strategic decisions influencing the future of tech companies.
Mentioned Faculty
Harvard Business Review
The Best Leaders Can’t Be Replaced by AI
AI technology is continuing to advance, but leadership is one area where human qualities still stand out. In this article from Harvard Business Review, research involving Columbia Business School shows that while AI excels in handling complex tasks with speed and accuracy, it struggles with the human side of leadership. The research highlights the importance of balancing AI’s strengths with human qualities like empathy, wisdom, and authenticity. While AI can provide valuable support through data analysis and unbiased feedback, it cannot replace the connection that human leaders build with their teams. This article serves as an important guide for leaders looking to embrace AI without losing the human touch that defines effective leadership. The findings point to a future where AI supports leaders, but human skills remain at the core of inspiring and motivating others. Read the full article for more.
View the Media Mention about The Best Leaders Can’t Be Replaced by AI
Wired
No, the Great Tech Layoffs of 2023 Aren’t Happening Again
Is the tech industry still at risk of mass layoffs? In this Wired article, Columbia Business School Associate Professor Daniel Keum shares his perspective on the evolving nature of tech job cuts. Keum explains that the current layoffs are not the sweeping downsizing seen in 2022 and 2023 but rather a “rebalancing” as companies adjust their focus towards automation and generative AI.It is mentioned that as firms like Google and Amazon streamline operations, they are shifting priorities rather than eliminating large swaths of jobs. While generative AI job postings surged last year, the industry still faced significant job losses, indicating that the tech landscape is rapidly changing. This article highlights the importance of staying agile as the sector adapts to new technologies, which are reshaping roles and creating fresh opportunities. Today’s tech layoffs are driven by strategic realignment rather than an industry-wide crisis. Are tech layoffs a cause for concern or just part of a bigger shift? Read the full article for more.
Mentioned Faculty
Inc.
Jobs Are Changing in 2024: How Experts Predict Roles Will Fade, Shift, and Grow in the New Year
Is your company prepared for the future of work? The job landscape is shifting fast, and businesses need to be ready. In an Inc. article Columbia Business School Professor Stephan Meier discusses how AI and other technologies are reshaping roles in today’s workforce. Meier says that the future of work is not just about roles disappearing; it’s about understanding the tasks within those jobs. Breaking down roles into specific tasks allows leaders to better identify what should stay human, what can be automated, and what can be enhanced by AI. This allows companies to prepare more strategically and adapt to the quick pace of technological change.Meier stresses the need for businesses to rethink their strategies as AI continues to redefine traditional roles. He suggests that companies should start analyzing their workflows to determine how AI can be used effectively without sacrificing human value. The future may bring new opportunities and entirely new jobs, but it will require forward-thinking leadership to make the most of these changes.Read the full article for more on how AI is transforming the workforce.
Mentioned Faculty
AI@CBS Courses
Technology Strategy
This course provides an introduction to the strategic management of technology. Technology Strategy has three goals, which relate to the three modules of the course. Specific topics and questions include but are not limited to the following: - How do firms leverage network effects to build sustainable competitive advantage? What are the optimal strategies for building multi-sided platforms? How should an incumbent firm respond to "disruptive" innovations? How can firms commercialize and protect new innovations or scientific discoveries? How do new technologies change the way we interact, and how should businesses respond?
Generative AI for Business
This course is for all business school students interested in leveraging Generative AI (GenAI) in their professional lives. It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of GenAI, its wide range of applications, and the value it can generate for businesses. This course discusses both the potential benefits and challenges stemming from business applications of GenAI.
Events
Monday, September 23, 2024
AI in Healthcare: A Fireside Chat with U.S. Senator Bill Cas
A fireside chat with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D.
6:00 to 7:00 pm ET
David Geffen Hall, Cooperman Commons
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
DFI Product Management Lunch and Learn
DFI invites industry experts to campus to share their perspectives on topics relevant to aspiring product managers, covering career guidance, PM best practices or timely hot topics. Speakers present over lunch. These lunches are moderated by Chris LaSala.
Join Phil Duong for an open discussion on unique product considerations PM should manage when designing, developing, and delivering successful AI/ML products.
Participate in the Product Management Discussion!
Friday, November 22, 2024
DFI AI Conference
Join us as we explore the future of business by examining AI’s profound impact on businesses, people, purpose and growth. Our focus will center on innovation, workplace adaptability, the dynamics of human capital and machine interaction, regulatory consideration, and the outlook for the coming years.
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM EDT
AI@CBS
Columbia Business School is committed to preparing students for the future of artificial intelligence. Through cutting-edge curricular innovation, our MBA, Executive MBA, MS, and PhD programs introduce new courses and research that seamlessly integrate AI into the student experience. From exploring the impact of AI across industries to developing hands-on experience with the latest tools, students can build confidence in using the latest tech in their chosen fields.
Explore how our students, faculty, centers and programs are engaging with AI at Columbia Business School.
Columbia University Giving Day is October 1, 2024
Columbia Business School is committed to developing leaders that will transform the world! As we continue to build on our rich legacy, we are preparing CBS students to solve increasingly complex challenges of the modern business era. With our cutting-edge curriculum, groundbreaking research, and real-time connection to industry and practice, both within New York City and around the world, CBS delivers unmatched insights and learning across key areas of business. Your support makes all this possible.