Corey Fowler, Tepper MBA Class of 2021
Age: 26
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Pennsylvania State University – Industrial Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years in the manufacturing sector (chemicals, plastics and metals) working primarily in commercial operations and corporate strategy
Why business school? Why now?
Going back to school for my MBA was always something that I thought I would do eventually. I chose to go to business school because I knew I wanted to become a strong business leader and be able to contribute in a more holistic way.
Choosing 2019 as the year to start this journey was the result of having had enough unique work experience to give me a strong foundation and also recognizing that I would be able to greatly expand my impact to a company in the long term by returning to school.
Why Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Tepper offers a very analytical curriculum that emphasizes quantitative methods in decision making, which is something I think it going to become even more valuable as companies continue to gather unprecedented amounts of data.
Additionally, I wanted a smaller class size because of the strong sense of community that it naturally builds within a class.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I come from a family of blue-collar workers and was actually the first person in my family to graduate from college. This gives me a unique appreciation for the opportunity that b-school presents.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love all things food and wine; I’m always trying new recipes during the week and cooking for friends on the weekends.
Post-MBA career interests?
Management consulting with a focus on strategy and operations
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Set up one-on-one meetings with current students early and as often as you need to make a decision.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Visit more schools in person because it’s really the only way to know exactly what you want.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The long wait time between application submission and decision day. During that time, I stayed focused on exploring post-MBA career options and thinking about my goals for the next couple years.
What is your initial impression of Tepper’s students/culture/community?
Beginning with my initial campus visit and continuing through the whole process, Tepper students were extremely welcoming and humble.
One thing you have learned about Tepper that has surprised you?
The first computer on Carnegie Mellon’s campus was in the business school.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The need to focus on only a subset of the opportunities that are available to me during this year in order to maintain my sanity and ensure success.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building strong relationships with all my new classmates as we go through each major milestone this year.
