Business

Mendelson Center for Business Initiatives

The Mendelson Center operates jointly between Columbia College and Columbia Business School, offering students a specialized concentration in business management. Funded by the Mendelson family, this initiative bridges academic theory with practical application, allowing participants to develop business acumen while maintaining the liberal arts foundation that characterizes Columbia’s undergraduate education.

Tailored Business Education

This collaborative program combines finance and economics principles with marketing concepts rooted in psychology, creating a curriculum that extends beyond traditional coursework. Rather than simply acquiring knowledge, participants develop leadership capabilities and entrepreneurial thinking. They’re encouraged to approach problems innovatively, applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios in ways that demonstrate both analytical rigor and creative problem-solving.

Engagement in Learning

Beyond classroom work, the center provides access to Columbia Business School lecture series, industry panels, and networking events. These co-curricular opportunities facilitate informal mentorship with MBA students and alumni, while research collaborations with faculty allow undergraduates to explore business questions through guided investigation. This integration of formal academics with practical engagement creates circumstances where students build professional relationships alongside developing analytical skills.