Grace McPartlin (Gomez), Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The United States Military Academy at West Point. Major: Military History with a Minor: Regional Studies in Africa
Pre-MBA Work Experience: U.S. Army Active Duty Logistics Officer (Captain), U.S. Army Special Operations, 6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After six years of service, I reached a natural point to transition in my career and decided to pivot. While my military experience enhanced my leadership, team-building, decision-making, and communication skills, I realized I needed to pause and reflect on my strengths and how to leverage them to become a stronger candidate for my next role. Business school gave me the opportunity to do that, allowing me to build a stronger technical foundation in finance and expand my professional network. The Tepper School offers structured training, mentorship, and community support to make this transition purposeful, and their personalized career coaching and data-driven approach equip me with the tools to succeed in preparing myself to make an impact.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors influenced your decision on where to attend?
I chose Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business because of its highly personalized and relationship-focused approach to career support. Transitioning from the military into business is intimidating, and the Tepper School’s Master’s Career Center (MCC) stood out for its one-on-one coaching and dedication to understanding each student’s unique background and goals. From my first interactions, I felt supported not only in developing technical skills for a successful shift but also in growing through mentorship and targeted networking. Equally important, the Tepper School’s problem-solving approach reflects a key lesson from my service: to use data to guide decisions while recognizing that the best outcomes rely on human judgment and perspective. These factors together made the Tepper School the perfect environment to support both my professional transition and personal growth.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think the most valuable thing I can contribute to the Class of 2027 is how I show up for my classmates. I know I won’t be the strongest in every subject, but I’ll always be the one willing to stay late to study, run through recruiting pitches, or just be there when someone needs support. In the Army, I learned that leadership isn’t just about results, it’s about helping others see their own potential. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to the Tepper School: building people up, fostering resilience, and making sure everyone feels they have someone in their corner.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I’ve been on a mission to visit every U.S. National Park. I’m at 37 out of 63 so far. Glacier has been my favorite, though I may change my mind after celebrating my bachelorette party in the Grand Tetons next year. Exploring these parks is a family event (my parents have two left to visit!) and is my favorite way to stay curious, present, and connected to the outdoors.
Post-MBA career interests:
After completing my MBA, I plan to pursue a career in business development within the energy sector, where I can leverage my financial background along with my global perspective and experience in making strategic decisions in dynamic environments. During my time in the Army, I led teams through complex operations that involved anticipating risks, understanding second and third-order effects, and coordinating with stakeholders, all of which are directly applicable to navigating the energy transition. I am drawn to the energy industry because it involves solving complex problems, fostering innovation, and making a meaningful impact on people.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is lean heavily on conversations with current students and alums. Speaking with people who had navigated similar transitions gave me a realistic picture of what the Tepper School could offer and helped me feel confident in my decision. These conversations not only shaped my application, but also expanded my network before I even arrived on campus. The insights, encouragement, and candid advice I received reinforced that business school is as much about people as it is about academics, and I would approach the process the same way all over again.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, I would have started my self-reflection earlier in the application process. As someone transitioning from the military, it took time to translate my experiences into a business context and articulate how they connected to my future goals. Beginning that work sooner would have given me more space to refine my story, highlight transferable skills, and approach interviews with greater confidence.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the process, it would have been the endless essay revisions. I often found myself second-guessing whether I was striking the right balance between telling my story and highlighting my career goals. What helped me get through it was leaning on mentors, friends, and fellow applicants who reminded me that authenticity mattered more than perfection. Their perspective gave me the confidence to step back, trust my experiences, and present a story that truly reflected who I am.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Tepper School community is that it is welcoming, collaborative, and deeply connected. From my first interactions, students went out of their way to share advice, answer questions, and make me feel included. I’ve also been struck by how much the Tepper School values celebrating different cultures and traditions, whether it’s Diwali, Lunar New Year, or the Military Ball. These events offer classmates the opportunity to share their backgrounds and form lasting friendships. That sense of inclusion and genuine support makes the Tepper School feel less like a competitive environment and more like a community where everyone is invested in each other’s success.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Graduate Finance Association to strengthen my technical skills and prepare for recruiting, and I’m also active in Tepper Women in Business and the Veterans Club. These organizations allow me to grow professionally while connecting with peers who share similar experiences and goals. Beyond academics, I’ve already had the chance to go white-water rafting with the Tepper Outdoor & Adventure Club, which was a great way to bond with classmates and explore Pennsylvania!
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about the Tepper School is the deep connection between the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship and the Pittsburgh start-up community. I expected an internal resource for students, but I’ve been impressed by how the center actively connects Tepper MBAs with local founders, investors, and innovation hubs across the city. Through events, mentorship, and partnerships, the Swartz Center enables you to apply classroom learning directly to real-world ventures and immerse yourself in a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. That level of access and integration has been an unexpected and exciting part of the Tepper School experience.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
One thing I am most excited about during my first year is taking advantage of opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone. Whether it’s the Tepper School’s challenging core curriculum, participating in case competitions, or exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Swartz Center, I’m eager to challenge myself in new ways. I’m equally excited to get involved in student life, from joining clubs like the Graduate Finance Association and the Veterans Club to trying new experiences with classmates, such as a white-water rafting trip through the Outdoor & Adventure Club. I believe that combination of academic challenges, professional growth, and shared experiences will make my MBA memorable and transformative.
