Keyon C. Powell, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025
Age: 27
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Delaware State University, Criminal Justice and Pre-law
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting, five years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
For the past five years, I had the pleasure of providing impact for clients across multiple industries and practitioners within my firm. Pursuing my MBA was a natural inflection point in my career to continue matriculating professionally and personally. Fortunately, I built a network of people who provided me valuable insight and overall support in my decision to accelerate my expertise and hone in on my growth opportunities.
Why did you choose CMU Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When it came time to narrow down potential schools to attend, prominent factors weighed in my decision to attend Tepper. The most notable element was Tepper’s academic impact. Coming from a consulting background, I’m no stranger to utilizing the power of data and business acumen to drive impact for my clients; however, I knew Tepper would take me to the next level of expertise. Tepper stands at the forefront of utilizing emerging business technologies to drive the “Intelligent Future” of business. Its proven mini-semester approach, which includes several tracks and entrepreneurial programs, will be vital to my development and long-term career goals. Also, there is an emphasis on developing my self-awareness, empathy, and understanding of how to motivate through the Accelerate Leadership Center (ALC), which all Tepper MBAs work with throughout their two years here.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My class is quite impressive, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with them! A large portion of my cohort is interested in a career in consulting post-graduate school. With my experience, I plan on being another tool in their case prep and answering any questions they may have on best practices.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m an AvGeek (aviation geek). In my free time, you can find me plane spotting and working on the next steps to obtain a private pilot certificate.
Post-MBA career interests:
After graduate school, my short-term goal is to transition into a customer and marketing role within the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely visit campus again! I had the pleasure of attending Tepper’s Diversity Weekend, which gave me phenomenal insight from admissions on how to succeed in the application process, faculty who conducted a simulated class, and candidly interacted with current students in the program. I highly recommend prospective applicants attend to learn more about the program, seeing that it’s open to all student communities, including underrepresented minorities, women, LGBTQIA, and military veterans.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
The admissions process is rigorous and can take a toll on many going through it. In the months comprising studying for the GMAT/GRE to submitting my application, I didn’t give myself much grace for adhering to my well-being. I suggest prospective students start early in the application process and put time in their schedules to adhere to your well-being.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Without a doubt, I would have skipped the GMAT/GRE. Although a part of the application, there’s more to me beyond the score that makes me an exceptional candidate within the Tepper community.
What is your initial impression of the CMU Tepper students/culture/community?
Simply put – I’ve been blown away by every aspect of the Tepper community thus far! I’m impressed by the caliber of my classmates and look forward to collaborating with such an accomplished and diverse group. I’m genuinely honored to be a part of such an impressive and inclusive community.
What is one thing you have learned about CMU Tepper that has surprised you?
One thing that still surprises me is how integrated the Tepper Quad is with other colleges in the CMU ecosystem. Most of my lectures are held within the Tepper building, and my interactions with robotic designers, computer scientists, and creative entrepreneurs make it so unique. Seeing past and present innovations standing up within this space is truly remarkable.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about overextending myself in my first year. Tepper offers several clubs, tracks, concentrations, speaker series, and social activities within a close-knit 2024 and 2025 cohort class. Primarily to alleviate this anxiety, I plan on acting on the advice from my second-year colleagues who have been through this program. Time management and prioritization of action items are keys to success in this program.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to interact with my classmates and the 2024 cohort. Tepper has many opportunities to connect with peers in the Tepper School of Business and other campus colleges within the CMU ecosystem. David Tepper’s vision of the Tepper quad truly encompasses the intelligent future for sustainable growth. It is an actual intersection of business, technology, analytics, and the arts collaborating to create something remarkable.
