In the second part of the Columbia MBA Series for the 2023 graduating class, we cover MBA Functions.
Consulting crossed the 41.50% benchmark as in other strong consulting schools (Tuck, Ross, Duke Fuqua, and Kellogg). The higher representation is driven by a strong consulting curriculum, a median base salary of $190,000, and guaranteed compensation of $30,000.
Investment banking, the strength of New York, ranks as another prominent function, attracting 16.60% of Columbia MBA graduates, the highest among all the M7 MBA programs where the median base salary was the standard $175,000. The median guaranteed compensation of $50,000 takes the total median base salary to $225,000.
Private Equity and Investment Management also found strong representation, with 4.70% and 6.90% of graduates securing positions, respectively. Both sectors offer competitive median base salaries, with private equity attracting a median base salary of $184,140 and Investment Management offering $165,000. The relatively high median guaranteed compensations of $82,000 for private equity and $65,000 for investment management make these functions the highest-paying functions for Columbia.
It is a rarity to find Investment Management offers above 5%. Columbia is in a unique position to facilitate such offers.
Venture capital, although representing a smaller percentage of hires at 2.30%, offers standard compensation packages of $170,000 and an impressive median guaranteed compensation of $65,000.
Brand/Product Management at 6.4%, aligning with the strong agency culture and Technology startups in New York, attracted a $150,000 median base salary that was $15,000 below the benchmark. The bonus of $44,325 compensated for the low base salary and offered some respectability and similarity in the total salary for the function.
Other major functions at Columbia Post-MBA include General Management (3.8%), Operations/Production (3%), Business Development (3.5%), and Asset Management/Investment (2.5%), with a median base salary ranging between $125,000 to $150,000.
| By Function (2023) | % Hired | Median Base Salary | Median Guaranteed Compensation |
| Consulting | 41.5% | $190,000 | $30,000 |
| Investment Banking | 16.6% | $175,000 | $50,000 |
| Investment Management | 6.9% | $165,000 | $65,000 |
| Private Equity | 4.7% | $184,140 | $82,000 |
| Venture Capital | 2.3% | $170,000 | $65,000 |
| General Management | 3.8% | $125,000 | $30,500 |
| Operations/Production | 3% | $150,000 | $25,000 |
| Brand/Product Management | 6.4% | $150,000 | $44,325 |
| Business Development | 3.5% | $151,000 | $35,000 |
| Asset Management/Investment | 2.5% | $145,000 | $20,000 |
Read the previous analysis in the Columbia MBA Salary series for the 2023 graduating class:
• Columbia MBA Salary 2023 By Industry
Read the next analysis in the Columbia MBA Salary series for the 2023 graduating class:
• Columbia MBA Salary 2023 By Region
• Columbia MBA Top Employers for 2023
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