Kevin Rose, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2027
Age: 33
Hometown: Princeton, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Academy West Point, Systems Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: US Army, Infantry Officer, 8+ years. Meta (Formerly Facebook), Project Manager, 1 year. Self-employed, Kit Dynamics, 1 year.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to take everything I learned leading teams in the Army and building my own business and round it out with the kind of technical, financial, and strategic skills available at the Tepper School. The timing felt right because I felt I had enough leadership experience, and I also knew I needed to sharpen my business toolkit before taking the next big step in my career.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The Tepper School stood out because of its balance between analytics and leadership development. I liked the tight-knit community and the fact that it sits at the intersection of business and tech. Every current student I talked to during the process emphasized how collaborative and supportive the culture is which sealed the deal.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a mix of perspectives: the discipline and adaptability from my Army career, and the entrepreneurial mindset from starting Kit Dynamics. I am used to leading in high-stakes environments, but I also know how to build something from scratch, so I like to think I’ll add value both inside the classroom and in team projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I really enjoy painting and home remodeling construction projects.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m aiming to go into consulting or operations strategy, with an eye toward eventually leading or scaling a business.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to as many current students and alumni as possible—it gave me an honest picture of the culture.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d start my test prep earlier. Waiting too long added unnecessary stress.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
N/A, I’d do it all over again.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
Everyone seems genuinely interested in maintaining a positive mind-set.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m excited about the Consulting Club for career prep, the Veterans Club to connect with other service members, and the Energy and Sustainability Club to gain insight to potential opportunities.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
How approachable the staff and faculty are. They are very genuine in their care for students.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Diving into team-based projects and case competitions. I like being with a group of people who are all pushing toward a common goal.
