Columbia Business School (CBS) Thailand Alumni Club – Representation & “Fit” (Personal Experience)
Posting this here for transparency and perspective.
I’m a CBS MBA alum and wanted to share an experience I had with a Thailand-based alumni representative at a new student welcome dinner.
During the conversation, I was told I was “not from a rich family,” and that schools like Wharton might be a better fit. There were also comments about my appearance being “nerdy/geeky,” with the suggestion that MIT would be more suitable.
Separately, in a different group setting, I had an interaction with another alumnus (now a partner at MBB Bangkok office) where I was excluded from a group photo. Given the earlier context, I interpreted this as possibly related to similar perceptions.
To be clear, I don’t believe these remarks reflect CBS, Wharton, or MIT at all. This felt like individual behavior—not the values of the institutions or their broader alumni networks.
What stood out to me is how loosely “fit” can be interpreted when it’s filtered through assumptions about socioeconomic background or appearance. In this case, it felt more reflective of individual perspective than anything about the schools—or about me.
Curious if others have had similar experiences with alumni reps or “fit” conversations that crossed a line.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your experience highlights a recurring theme in alumni interactions: the subjective and sometimes inappropriate interpretation of "fit." While alumni networks can be incredibly valuable for mentorship and career opportunities, they are not immune to personal biases or unprofessional behavior from individual members.
Several threads on WSO emphasize that alumni interactions can vary widely depending on the individual. Some alumni are genuinely supportive and eager to help, while others may project their own biases or insecurities. It's important to remember that such comments often reflect the individual rather than the institution or its broader alumni network.
If you encounter similar situations in the future, consider the following: 1. Focus on the Bigger Picture: One person's opinion does not define your worth or your fit for a program or career path. 2. Leverage Other Connections: If one interaction is negative, seek out other alumni who may be more aligned with your values and goals. 3. Maintain Professionalism: Even when faced with inappropriate comments, staying composed and professional can leave a lasting positive impression.
Your experience also underscores the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful alumni networks. Sharing your story, as you’ve done here, can help raise awareness and encourage others to reflect on their own biases during such interactions.
Sources: An Open Letter to High School Seniors, Alumni just don't care, Lets talk about young people on this site, Numerous Candidates from IU Kelley Lying about Diversity Recruiting
What in the chat gpt engagement bait
Ask Poompong. This representative is responsible for this.
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