Claudia (Shiyu) Zhang, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2025
Age: 22
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Macau University of Science and Technology, Accounting
Pre-MSM Work Experience (role, company, years, if applicable): I’m a passionate enthusiast of startups, having been part of founding teams in the gaming, education, and new media industries.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Since every industry is tied to business, I see “business” as my gateway to exploring any field. Through my entrepreneurial and internship experiences, I realized the need to strengthen my quantitative analytical skills, which led me to join Tepper.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
On one hand, I’m interested in the technology industry, and CMU is globally renowned for its expertise in computer science. On the other hand, I love startups. CMU fosters creativity, and Tepper students often collaborate with CS peers to establish tech startups. Being at CMU Tepper increases my chances of joining a tech-focused startup compared to other schools.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
One of my key strengths is my ability to review, reflect, and establish SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). I excel at quickly summarizing reusable workflows. For instance, in group meetings, I quickly adapted to my teammates’ personalities and strengths to create an effective meeting process, significantly improving efficiency and saving time for everyone.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Since joining Tepper, my MBTI personality shifted from INTP to ENTJ 🤣. Immersing myself in a new cultural environment, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy talking with peers and strangers to gain fresh perspectives. At the same time, as we all know, CMU’s academics are intense haha, I’ve learned the importance of meticulous scheduling to stay on top of everything.
Post-MSM career interests:
My goal is to enter the technology industry in a financial role, exploring cutting-edge innovations.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reflecting seriously on my past experiences and future plans was crucial in choosing the right school and program. The first step of applying is understanding yourself.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Apply early! 🤣 I submitted in the last round – applying sooner would have given me more peace of mind xD.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Initially, I wanted to skip the video essay because I was worried about performing poorly. But as I gained clarity about my goals and interests, I started seeing it as a valuable opportunity to showcase myself. If you’re nervous about video essays, don’t worry! Take your time, practice, and those high-quality answers will make you proud of yourself!
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM students/culture/community?
Creativity, passion, brilliant students, top-tier courses and professors (and, lots of assignments 🤣)
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
An incredibly supportive alumni network that has been instrumental in shaping my career path. Networking actively with alumni has provided me with invaluable insights and advice.
