Steven Bandrowczak, ‘19SPS, was well acquainted with Columbia’s Executive Master of Science in Technology Management program when he decided to enroll. A veteran technology executive who had served most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer of Xerox, Bandrowczak had already served for many years as a mentor and member of the student thesis judging panel.
But he had always aspired to pursue his master’s degree and so returned to the program as a student two years ago, graduating in the spring of 2019.
“I think all of the courses were extremely helpful, even after being at a C-level in my career for over 25 years,” Bandrowczak said. “Each and every one gave me a unique perspective.”
Indeed, it was the variety of perspectives that he found most edifying.
I think all of the courses were extremely helpful, even after being at a C-level in my career for over 25 years. Each and every one gave me a unique perspective.
Steven Bandrowczak, '19SPS
“One of the beauties about the program is the diversity of the students from different parts of the country, from different walks of life, from different economic situations, from different companies,” he said, noting that being a C-level executive at a single company for a number of years can limit your understanding of interdisciplinary issues like data privacy. “You get some very significant and different and unique opinions, which allows you to expand how you think.”
Having been invited to serve as a mentor in the program by the academic director, Dr. Arthur M. Langer, Bandrowczak appreciated the irony of having Dr. Langer as his own mentor.
“One of the greatest things about Art was his continuously pushing me beyond the program, beyond what I’d already known or done,” he said. “It was a great partnership, and I consider him a great friend.”
