Rongdong Chen, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brandeis University, Economics
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I aim to pursue a career in strategic consulting and eventually start my own consulting firm. Business school is the perfect platform for acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and network to achieve this goal. Now is the ideal time because I want to leverage my diverse experiences, build strong quantitative and analytical skills, and position myself for greater opportunities in the consulting field.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose CMU because its curriculum is quant-based and gives me the tools to analyze and understand a business from multiple angles, like operations management, corporate strategy, and marketing. This practical, data-driven approach felt like the perfect way to build a strong foundation for my career. I was also excited about the opportunity to connect with classmates who are incredibly skilled in computer science. I see those connections as a valuable resource, especially if I decide to start my own business in the future.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My experience working across multiple industries in China, including consulting, education, and technology, equips me with unique perspectives and insights into various markets and sectors. I can offer a global viewpoint and share practical knowledge that benefits my peers during discussions and group projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
While I chose Tepper for its focus on quantitative skills, I have to admit that I am not really a quant person, and I am still learning and improving in this area.
Post-MSM Career Interests:
Strategic consulting, with a long-term goal of founding my own consulting firm.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Focus on yourself when applying to graduate school. Think deeply about how the program aligns with your goals and how it can help you grow. Also, start learning some programming languages like Java or Python early on—they’re incredibly helpful for quantitative courses and projects.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I wouldn’t spend too much time stressing about getting a perfect GRE score. Instead, I would focus on strengthening my quantitative skills through online courses and earning relevant certifications.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Same as above—prioritize practical learning over test preparation.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I wouldn’t wish to skip any part of the application process. While it was challenging at times, I think every step was rewarding in its own way. Each part helped me reflect on my goals, build my skills, and better understand what I wanted from the program.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM students/culture/community?
My first impression of Tepper is that it is a school with exceptional technical expertise. Every course is deeply quantitative, and the academic workload is intense, but the collaborative culture and supportive faculty make it manageable and rewarding.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
I was greatly surprised by how supportive the program and faculty at Carnegie Mellon Tepper are. A great example is the BaseCamp program, which starts in the summer and helps students get ready for courses, adjust to the program, and even plan for their careers. It’s clear that the school truly cares about setting students up for success from day one.
