Ainslie Vanneste, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Macomb, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Indiana University Sports Marketing and Management
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school right after undergrad because I felt like I wanted to get a deeper understanding of business that I wasn’t able to get with my major in undergrad.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Carnegie Mellon Tepper because of all of the amazing tools and resources that they have available to students. In addition, during the recruiting process the Tepper faculty and staff were amazing and made it feel like I would be able to find whatever resources I needed to help me succeed.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I think that my leadership skills and my ability to listen to people is something that I contribute to the class. I try to ensure that my classmates know that I am always there if they need someone to talk to as well as a friendly face both now and 10 years down the line.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I was a D1 Rower in college, and I love the snow and skiing!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would do the interview again. It was great getting to know the admissions team as well as getting to showcase what you are able to bring to the table. It was amazing, because it felt like a conversation where I was able to be myself and it took a lot of the nervousness that I was feeling before away!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would change or do differently about my application would be allowing a little bit more of my personality to come through. When I was applying I was nervous about writing the perfect essay or answering questions perfectly and I think that made some of my applications a little bit rigid.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part that I wanted to skip in the moment was the welcome weekend where all of the potential students get together to get to know CMU Tepper and the other potential classmates. Looking back, it was an amazing opportunity that got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience what the culture was going to be like. This was something that was definitely scary for me walking into a room with a bunch of people that you don’t know, but I am glad that I didn’t skip it and that was one of the things that really showed what Tepper had to offer!
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon culture and community was that it was very welcoming and inclusive. They were also very willing to help and give you all of the tools that you need!
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
One thing I have learned that surprised me is the culture and the willingness to help across students, faculty and staff. I think that at Tepper there are so many people rooting for you who want to see you succeed, which is different from some of the other schools I have attended.
