Silvia McCallister-Castillo joined Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business (US) in 2023 as the senior assistant dean for graduate admissions. Her previous roles have spanned student recruitment and admissions, student affairs, curriculum innovation, career development, and alumni relations for master’s degree and MBA programmes at IE Business School, London Business School, Yale School of Management, the University of Hong Kong, and the University of California, San Diego.
How does the study destination affect the MBA student experience and career prospects?
The physical location of an MBA programme significantly influences the quality of the learning journey, as well as the level of post-graduation employment opportunities available. Earning an MBA in New York City—the business capital of the world—offers an unparalleled experience.
Students at the Fordham Gabelli School of Business are immersed in a dynamic urban environment where global industries intersect and the world’s high-stakes business transactions occur. From Wall Street to "Silicon Alley," the City offers direct access to Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, startups and venture capital firms, “Big Four” accounting firms, and media industry giants. Guest speakers from top corporations, real-time case studies, unsurpassed networking, and internships provide an educational advantage that few other cities can match.
What makes the US attractive for prospective MBA students today? What are the latest trends in the motivation among international and local applicants?
The US continues to be a top choice for MBA candidates from across the country and around the world owing to its diversity, focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, and high-return job market. In New York, salaries post-MBA are especially competitive, particularly in finance, consulting, and tech. While the City is headquarters to many of the top financial services companies in the world, it is fast becoming a hub for AI-driven businesses, attracting talent and investment on a global scale.
International MBA applicants are drawn by the promise of upward mobility after graduation in the US and in their home countries, while domestic applicants often seek the knowledge and skills to pivot professionally or to prepare to launch entrepreneurial ventures, especially in innovation-driven sectors. Increasingly, students also are prioritising measurable ROI, top-notch career development services, and access to growing and emerging industries, all part of the American and the Gabelli School MBA experience.
How does Fordham’s Gabelli School make the most of its New York City location in terms of curriculum, programme electives, and real business immersion for MBA students? Do you have other campuses?
The Gabelli School MBA curriculum is deeply integrated with NYC’s business ecosystem. Electives are designed to encompass current and emerging market demands—including fintech, AI in business, and sustainable and green business—often taught by industry practitioners. The School’s NYC location also enables applied learning through consulting projects, site visits, and direct engagement with start-ups and corporations.
Beyond Manhattan, Gabelli MBA students also benefit from our international presence: during the MBA Gabelli Launch orientation, the entire cohort travels to Fordham’s London campus and is introduced to global business perspectives and responsible business best practices as a solid foundation for the rigorous learning experience ahead.
In addition to corporate environments, where do MBA alumni make an impact?
Gabelli School MBA alumni move on to highly successful careers in traditional sectors such as finance, management, and accounting. However, there has been a pronounced shift into technology, data and business analytics, private equity, and consulting.
In addition, many MBA graduates are pursuing more mission-driven careers they find meaningful, applying their newly acquired business acumen in educational settings, non-profit organisations, and local government. Employers across industry continue to value the MBA for the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills it teaches, especially as organisations adapt to complex, global challenges.
How diverse is a Gabelli MBA cohort and how does this affect the student experience and career prospects?
Gabelli School MBA cohorts are truly global, bringing together students from Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America. Their diversity enriches the learning experience by encouraging varying perspectives, cross-cultural collaboration, and global networking opportunities. From a career prospective, it prepares graduates to work across global markets, manage diverse teams, and navigate the complexities of international business, qualities that are increasingly essential in today’s interconnected world.
To what extent do MBA applicants' career goals matter during the admissions process?
Student career goals play an extremely important role in the Gabelli School’s admissions process. We seek candidates who demonstrate a clear sense of purpose and direction, whether that’s advancing within their current industry or pivoting into a new one. Applicants who can definitively articulate the ways in which an MBA supports their professional trajectory—and how they plan to leverage the Gabelli School experience to further their career—are well positioned for success.
Can prospective MBA students estimate their ROI before they apply and what must they factor in? What is the market demand for MBA graduates?
Yes, prospective students can and should evaluate an MBA return on investment. Factors to consider include their pre-MBA experience, the target industry in which they seek to focus and find employment, their geographical preferences for work, and the cost of living there. Salaries will vary widely based upon the sector they choose, with finance, consulting, and tech roles in NYC offering especially high compensation.
Market demand for MBA graduates remains strong, especially for those who possess solid leadership skills and data fluency, and who excel in anticipating and managing organisational change.
How do business schools anticipate the knowledge base and leadership skillset of the future and reflect it in MBA programmes?
The Gabelli School’s MBA is designed to prepare students for the future of business. Many faculty members come directly from industry, bringing first-hand experience to their classroom teaching. The curriculum evolves continuously, and is informed by faculty research, employer feedback, and trends identified by our marketing and employer engagement teams.
Courses go beyond foundational business skills, focusing on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive leadership, ensuring graduates gain the competitive advantage and are ready to lead in the rapidly evolving business environment.
What do MBA graduates appreciate most about Fordham Gabelli?
The "Ramily" is an affectionate term that combines the University’s Ram mascot with family. Above all, our graduates value the individuals they meet, the relationships they cultivate, and the deep bonds they form with their classmates and professors. The Gabelli School is known for its tight-knit community, collaborative culture, personalised support, and safe, friendly environment.
All are welcome! The individualised attention from faculty members and career advisors, coupled with invaluable industry connections, and the advantage of a globally minded cohort, create a transformative MBA experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
