Beth Barnard, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2022
Age: 27
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Boston College, Communication
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Three years of sales in the technology industry and two years of financial consulting.
Why business school? Why now?
Coming from a liberal arts background, I wanted to expand my business knowledge and build a quantitative skill set. With five years of professional experience, I felt I built a foundation of corporate business knowledge that I could bring to the classroom and I was ready to make a career pivot post-MBA.
Why Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Tepper because of its curriculum focused on the intersection of business, technology, and analytics. The program has a reputation for taking a deeper dive into the technical aspects of business and this was my biggest priority when choosing a school. Additionally, Tepper has a small class size and a leadership center that offers one on one leadership coaching, these were also priorities when making my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I aim to be a person who both encourages and challenges my classmates. I believe it is important to rise to the occasion and develop into the best version of oneself while doing so in a positive, enthusiastic way.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
One of my goals is to visit all 50 states and all 62 of the US national parks. I am currently at 48 states with North Dakota and Alaska left to visit and have been to 18 national parks.
Post-MBA career interests?
I would like to be in a role where I can utilize both my interpersonal skills as well as my quantitative skills in an environment that challenges me daily to continuously learn and develop as a professional.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak with current students and alumni at the schools I am interested in, they were very helpful in understanding the strengths and differentiators of each program. I would also encourage students to reflect on what is most important to them in their business school experience and use that to identify what schools are the right fit for them personally.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would worry less about the application process and the GMAT, everything happens for a reason and falls into place at the right time.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT was rough but it was a great learning experience and honestly, it helped me get back into study mode after being away from school for several years. I was patient and over time the small improvements turned into huge gains.
What is your initial impression of Carnegie Mellon Tepper’s students/culture/community?
Welcoming, diverse, and selfless. Everyone is excited to be here, willing to take time out of their day to help each other with interview prep, and eager to build new skills together inside and outside of the classroom.
One thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
Throughout the application process, my interactions with Tepper representatives were extremely personal. Once I began my application, a student called me to see if I had any questions, during the weekend I visited people knew my name, and once I was admitted, alumni, students, and staff continued to reach out to me. This close-knit community has only become more prevalent since I have started as a first-year.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The virtual environment and missing out on traditional business school experiences such as career treks, international trips, and in-person networking events. So far, our class has been eager to meet each other and I am hopeful that it will continue.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to learn and be challenged as a professional whether it is through interview prep, understanding my strengths and my potential in the workplace, or building new technical skills in the classroom.
