Carlie Rutan, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bowdoin College, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Natural Resources Coverage Analyst, Barclays Investment Bank, 1.5 years; Senior Associate, Financial Strategy & Ventures, Hudson River Trading, 2 years; Strategy Associate, Girls Who Invest, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Working with the Girls Who Invest team to elevate women and historically excluded individuals in the financial services sector was extraordinarily empowering. I want to continue to support the reshaping of the industry as a champion for change within the industry itself, in a frontline investing role. I knew that attending business school would provide me with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities to round out the skill set needed to pursue my career goals.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Tuck’s unique value proposition rests in its unparalleled community, experiential learning opportunities, and its location. Most importantly, I wanted to be a part of the small, tight-knit community for which Tuck is known. I attended the Women in Business Conference at Tuck last fall, which gave me the opportunity to speak with current students, alumni, and faculty. I was blown away by the community’s thoughtfulness, spirit of togetherness, and honesty. I left Tuck that weekend feeling like it was “home.”
After five years in New York City, I knew I would get the most out of my MBA experience if I was in an environment where everyone was fully committed to place, people, and experience, which I have found absolutely to be true in my time in Hanover.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I am uniquely positioned with both private and public sector work experience. Starting in natural resources investment banking, working on financial strategy and crypto/blockchain VC at a quantitative trading firm, and then a social impact nonprofit organization has allowed me to experience and learn from a wide range of industry opportunities, team dynamics, and ways of tackling problems.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am newly into the birding scene—it has been so much fun to spot different kinds of birds across the Upper Valley!
Post-MBA career interests:
Venture capital
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to as many current students or alumni as you can; having conversations with Tuckies was the most formative part of my journey to Tuck and ultimately drove me to know that this would be the community where I felt at home.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Stress less and trust the process. Everything will work out as it should. If possible, get any necessary exams out of the way as early as possible. This will free you up to focus on your applications and on attending as many prospective student events as you can.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting period after applying. Try to appreciate all the work that you put into your applications and spend time with family and friends.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
The pledge of community is true, through and through. Tuckies are welcoming, supportive, intelligent, and have a variety and depth of work and life experiences.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
That it is actually true that the majority of our class signs up to play Tripod Hockey, regardless of prior experience. It was heartwarming (and hilarious) to see everyone willing to try something completely new, potentially look foolish, and help each other through it all. Quintessential Tuck energy.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The first year at Tuck is notoriously busy; I worry that I will not be able to do everything at Tuck that is of interest to me. I have learned that this is true—you probably can’t do everything, and that is okay—just make sure to appreciate the experience and the wonderful community in Hanover. Also, Tripod Hockey.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting and learning from my amazing T’26 classmates; our class is filled with people from all different backgrounds who bring their passions and dedication to the Tuck environment. It is the honor of a lifetime to share this experience with them and I am excited for the next two years with Tuckies. Also, Tripod Hockey.
