Karan Patel, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2025
Age: 25
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Pre-MSM Work Experience (role, company, years, if applicable): Senior Executive, Hiren Patel Architects, 1 year; Software Engineer, Crest Data Systems, 2 years; Your LinkedIn and/or Instagram links for tagging (this will not be included in the written piece; optional):
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school to build a strong foundation in business. I only learned technical and coding skills in my undergrad in computer science and my experience at Crest Data Systems. To effectively lead my family business and expand further, I realized I needed a deeper understanding of all parts of a business: strategy, finance, accounting, team management, and operations. This is what exactly CMU’s MSM course offered. It was the right time for me to transition into a leadership role, and MSM equips me with the education and network to make that shift successfully.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
CMU was my dream school. In fact, I applied as an ED as an undergraduate as well. Perhaps, it was destiny.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I feel I am proactive in classes and always love to engage in discussions. That way I contribute my making our classes interactive. However, I believe all of us, 19 students, together give the most value to classes and Tepper in general. Our class is close-knit and very diverse. Since everyone is spread across the world, we have many perspectives while discussing cases or problems. This has helped me a lot to think outside the box.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
1. I’m good at negotiations.
2. I used to publish music to Apple Music and Spotify
3. I skateboard
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Prepare more for the interview and mention things that stand out in my application. Maybe my family or close friends could help me identify unique things that distinguish me from others.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Apply for the Tepper MBA instead of MSM. There is a lot to learn and I can take more classes. However, MSM still provided rich learning. Even in 1 year, you are equipped with enough knowledge.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM students/culture/community?
It is extremely diverse. Everyone is really hardworking and focused. At the same time, everyone makes enough time to socialize and network. The Basecamp program really helped everyone to bond together and get used to the culture. However, after the first mini-semester, everyone knew everyone. Not just your own program, but all grad students from Tepper. MSM, MSBA, and MBA have a few classes that overlap, and we hang out in the same area: the Tepper Commons. So after a while, it feels like home.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
Many of our professors are really famous, well-connected or/and accomplished.
