Mitchell Stokey, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2026
Age: 23
Hometown: New Philadelphia, OH
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Carnegie Mellon University; Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Allied Machine & Engineering (2 Internships ’21 & ’22), Hendrickson (1 Internship ’23), FANUC America (’24 & ’25)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had an extra year of football eligibility. I wanted to gain experience in business fundamentals because I didn’t have much experience in undergrad. Now I view this decision as a career enhancement opportunity because it allows me to combine my engineering experience with new knowledge of business & business operations.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The reason I chose Carnegie Mellon Tepper was that I was playing football here for one more year, and I wanted to stay close to home.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I believe that my most valuable contribution to my class is my background. I believe that bringing my engineering background has helped me contribute in new and effective ways.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to 17 different countries.
Post-MSM career interests:
Spend time in a manufacturing engineering role with attributes of operations, then go back home to my family business in the manufacturing cutting-tool industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would work with family members to help develop your personal statement. They know you the best.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not wait till the last minute to put together my application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Trying to see if I needed to take the GRE. Knowing I had a background in mechanical engineering gave me confidence.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
Everyone in the Tepper community is extremely outgoing and willing to help out in any way possible.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
There was a surprising lack of coloring books when I came to Tepper.
