Tatiana Imler, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025
Tatiana Imler, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025Age: 36
Hometown: Miami FL, but living in Pittsburgh for last 6 years
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Carnegie Mellon University- Double Major Chemical Engineering, Engineering and Public Policy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Manager, Technology Solution Owner at ABM Industry (2 years); Manager, Customer Supply Chain and Demand Planner at Kraft Heinz (3 years); Supply Chain Leader (multiple roles) at Colgate-Palmolive (9 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
To expand my knowledge in technology strategy and product management in order to be a decision-maker and leader in the tech industry.
Why did you choose CMU Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose CMU Tepper because of the strength in its quantitative approach and technology strategy track coursework. I was also evaluating a part-time option, but attending a full-time program to form connections with others and in-class coursework was a priority for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Unique perspectives from work experience in supply chain and technology.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I worked at NASA in an internship during college supporting the international space station; it was an amazing experience and a goal after studying engineering in undergrad.
Post-MBA career interests:
Working as a leader in technology strategy, emerging technology development, and applications, or consumer tech.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take time to reflect and really understand why you want to pursue an MBA. Reflecting is important before starting the application process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Connect with others in the process early on; we are all in this MBA application process together and have similar thoughts and concerns.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Essay writing for the application, what helped me get through it was reflecting and being committed to being my transparent self throughout the process.
What is your initial impression of the CMU Tepper students/culture/community?
CMU Tepper students, culture, and community all help each other and are very supportive of each other. The environment at Tepper is collaborative and fun! The diverse community at Tepper has been a second home for me since before starting this Fall, the second-year students supported us with pre-MBA recruiting at the Consortium conference in July.
What is one thing you have learned about CMU Tepper that has surprised you?
The application of the business topics learned in class and the high caliber of the professors, even within the first few weeks of the semester, is really strong.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Being immersed in all of the activities available for MBAs, but also prioritizing those that are most important to me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Connecting with other students, staff, and faculty at Tepper while getting involved in Diversity Admission initiatives. Getting immersed in all things tech and looking for an opportunity to work part-time as a product manager in a local tech startup by the Spring.
