Jim Kromka, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Carnegie Mellon University; Double-major in Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Mechanical Engineer at Smith+Nephew Robotics for 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In my previous life, I developed a real passion for medical robotics; however, I wanted to learn more about non-engineering sides of industry and leave a broader strategical mark. On top of this, I have always prioritized continuous learning throughout my life, and I always knew I would attain my MBA at some point. This journey led me to make a career pivot into management consulting through my MBA. I chose now because I have gained fantastic experience these last 5 years, and the Tepper School will help me to create momentum to launch into a new career phase.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a Pittsburgh native, I already knew of the great things that Carnegie Mellon University is putting out for our city, and my school pride made me want to return. The Tepper School curriculum places a strong emphasis on STEM, and it stresses making data-informed, human-driven decisions. Additionally, the Tepper School is across the street from Carnegie Mellon’s world-renowned schools of computer science and engineering, resulting in strong connections. I’m excited to work with them through coursework and projects.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the CMU Tepper Class of 2026?
Growing up in a large family, I learned that it was important that each person contributes to the success of the whole. I have unique experiences that form my personal brand, and I hope to bring these in to strengthen the Tepper School network. Specifically, I think the most valuable of these is my commitment to excellence. No matter what the subject might be (engineering, peer connections, or even fly fishing), I am dedicated to being the best that I can be for others.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your CMU Tepper Class of 2026 application:
I am one of eight children. We form a tight-knit family circle, and we enjoy sports, the outdoors, and spending time with each other. There are six boys, and I’m by far the shortest one at 6’1”. As you might guess, we all played basketball!
Post-MBA career interests:
After graduating, my goal is to transition into management consulting or product management within the tech industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely visit my target schools and attend any other prospective/admitted student events. I had a hard time taking time off work to visit, but I got the chance to meet with admissions, sit in on classes, and connect with current students. Even though I had to take vacation, those days were some of the most valuable in my decision-making process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Personality fit is such an important part of the admissions process, and I wish that I would have reached out to current students before I applied. It wasn’t until after I was admitted that I connected with Tepper School students, and it would have been great to hear from them earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have gladly skipped the application essays. With several applications to complete, I got a little worn down from so much creative writing. I think that my relatively steady pacing throughout applications (and not procrastinating) is what got me through.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I have been amazed at how diverse and helpful the community is. We have people from across the globe and from a variety of backgrounds. Despite these differences, my classmates and I immediately clicked, and we started helping one another through what might have been a difficult transition. This is a result of the broader Tepper School culture, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
Entering my MBA, I was slightly concerned I would have to fend for myself, but that is not at all the case. The Tepper School and Carnegie Mellon have incredible resources to help us along the way. These resources include industry-sharpened career counselors, the Accelerate Leadership Center, and inclusive clubs, among others. So far, I have felt exceptionally supported by the Tepper school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about time management. In this first year, I need to handle rigorous classes and intense recruiting while maintaining my personal and social lives. So far, I have been flooded with opportunities (both school-related and extracurricular), and I know I have the tendency to spread myself too thin. I hope I can maintain my clear priorities to keep a time balance. In the case that I do get stressed out over time management, I know that I can turn to my personal prayer life to recenter myself.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to create an awesome network with my peers, and to learn all that I can from them. It’s amazing to me that we can come together in August as total strangers, and by the end of the year, we will have established a well-connected cohort of friends. Learning has always been a passion of mine, and I expect that my classmates will teach me everything from software to accounting to consulting. At times it will feel like drinking from a fire hose, but even small lessons will contribute to my knowledge bank. My hope is that this network will stay connected for the rest of our lives.
