Two weeks ago I attended a Rose Cafe given Cheryl Einhorn about her method for making complex decisions. As a college student, I am making choice almost every day which will have lifelong consequences: what classes to prioritize? what internships to apply for? should I pursue that minor or not? After hearing Professor Einhorn speak about her method, it made me realize how useful a standard decision making process could be for my life. If only to relieve anxiety and give a (however illusory) impression of control, such a method could significantly improve both the happiness and long-term benefits of my college education. The genius of Professor Einhorn’s take, and why, I am sure, she was hired by Columbia, is that it allows one to make decisions both in complex and competitive business setting as well as the more fluid, hazy, and (in a certain sense) high-stakes setting of one’s personal life. As such, I plan to look into her method in greater detail, and see it applicability to my own life.

Want to make more informed and ethical decisions? Well, you could go through the steps of the AREA Method created by Cornell’s own Cheryl Einhorn.

A lot of her talk was about the AREA Method, which she created because she wanted to be more ethical at work as an investigative journalist. I am intrigued by how this method is suppose to make people recognize their biases, in order to make decisions that are ethical and the most beneficial for all parties. I think it would be interesting to read her book about the AREA Method, since this summer I am going to be a Product Management intern at CBS for their streaming site. I know that to be an effective leader I must be able to make decisions with conviction and confidence. Thus, I feel that to be able to go through the AREA Method would be incredibly beneficial. I want to feel confident in my decisions, especially because I am a young woman working in a tech environment in a role that traditionally in industry has been reserved for masters students. But beyond the professional setting, being able to apply the AREA Method in your personal life is beneficial. It allows you to understand your perspectives and to consider the perspective of others.

Also, from talking to alumni I’ve noticed a trend. They all say that they wish they took more classes outside of their major. Cheryl Einhorn even mentioned this herself and says because of that she didn’t fully take advantage of her time at Cornell. This makes me reflect on my classes and makes me feel more appreciative of the classes that aren’t in my major. They definitely do allow me to interact with students in different majors and it gives me more of an opportunity to engage with people with different perspectives.