I have one question for Columbia students, alumni and applicants?

I think you'd be better off with a few more years of work experience but your profile looks strong for Columbia. What are your post-MBA goals?

Agree with deerhunter here. Even if you plan to stay in your field, waiting an extra year will definitely help you present yourself as someone who has a clear understanding about his career goals.

I decided to leave my job (my recommendations will address the fact that I left voluntarily and that I was a stellar employee), to help a friend launch an advocacy group concerned with addressing criminal justice reform (unpaid but with real achievements such as connecting with policymakers on Capitol Hill. I am the "business strategy" guy). During this experience, I was awarded a consulting opportunity with an international development organization that strives to provide market-based solutions to address global poverty (i am currently continuing to help out my friend as I await project and country placement).

A little about me: As a second generation member of the african diaspora, my 1.75 years at the public consulting firm really solidified my belief that issues of development and public health in Africa and across the global South must be addressed organically. I want an MBA to expand my understanding of international finance, and specifically how to leverage the rise of digital money transfer organizations to facilitate the flow of capital from diaspora communities towards social impact investments in their respective home countries. Post-MBA I want to transition into economic development consulting with (MBB hopefully) or public finance with top 3 IB. In the longterm I hope to run the largest firm that serves as a conduit between the capital of diaspora communities and profitable ventures in their home countries.

Reasons why I want Columbia: Since i want to work in an international level, I want to be at the center of international business. in addition, as NYC becomes a leading center of fintech, columbia would allow to gain both the theoretical classroom understanding and practical application.

My only concern about my app is the fact that I left my firm (i should have stayed because I was on the verge of promotion, but honestly what my friend was doing was very important and I wanted to play a role), but my recs will address that.

Any additional advice you can give is welcomed and appreciated.

I think you have a really strong story. The one question I would ask if I was adcoms is why you can't get a job at MBB right now. You clearly already have both consulting and international development experience. You really have to nail the "how Columbia will help me hone the skills I need" part, preferably with reference to specific courses/programs.

If you are 25 or younger, I think there might also be some hesitation around your maturity since most of your classmates will probably be at least a couple years older. Your application should convey that you are emotionally mature enough to handle a graduate degree so soon after finishing undergrad.

Essentially the reason why I want an MBA is because of this: By nature I am a "poet"; I am able to look at the picture and craft a story (business plan, governance strategy) over the details and data. Academically, I want a rigorous program that will complement my innate abilities. The maturity question I think I can handle by the clarity of my story, the level of responsibilities in my resume, and by the words in my recommendations (they will hone in on the fact that I was the most trusted junior employee in terms of responsibilities and independent work). The only thing that really worries me is the fact that the current side projects that I am doing are unpaid and "unofficial"(my buddy's organization is not incorporated though i can point to its achievements). But I think I can address this properly by stating that I want to spend a year working domestically and abroad to broaden my understanding of how to support emerging social impact organizations.

And once again, thank you for your responses and guidance. Much appreciated.