Taylor Blanchard, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025
Taylor Blanchard, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025Age: 30
Hometown: Mission Viejo, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brigham Young University, Marketing Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Shell USA: Logistics Analyst (1.5 yrs), Account Manager (2 yrs), B2B Marketing Manager (2 yrs)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to explore new industries and ideas with interesting people in a structured environment. I had achieved my goals in my career so far and needed a change, plus my family was ready for a new adventure.
Why did you choose CMU Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to go to a school that had strong resources in tech and entrepreneurship, an emphasis on leadership training, and a strong network. CMU nailed it on each of those.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Most people come into an MBA with several years of deep, specific experience. In contrast, I worked in operations, sales, and marketing during my time at Shell, so hope to bring a broad perspective of how different stakeholders approach problems
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a dog dad and like to relax on walks or on the couch with my mini schnauzer
Post-MBA career interests:
Marketing careers like product or brand management. I’m also very interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to current students for candid conversations about their experience.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Spend less time worrying about standardized tests and more on application essays.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I didn’t enjoy the applications that required video recordings – I hate watching videos of myself. If you treat it like a regular interview with a real person it feels more fun and less fake.
What is your initial impression of the CMU Tepper students/culture/community?
Very welcoming – there’s a group for everyone. People here are also very willing to share their strengths so others can succeed.
What is one thing you have learned about CMU Tepper that has surprised you?
Pittsburgh is known as the steel city but it’s actually a beautiful town that’s full of nature and hidden local gems. There aren’t many national chain stores here, but you won’t miss them because there’s a more fun, local version of everything
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
CMU prides itself on its academic rigor and focus on the science of management. I don’t come from a heavy quant background so I’m excited but also a bit nervous about all our analytical classes.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my classmates. I’ve never been surrounded by a group with such diverse perspectives and experiences.
