Witt Conger, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University, Psychology and Philosophy
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Assistant Varsity Head Coach Mens soccer at St. David’s School, Aug 2023-2025; Sales development representative for Wex Field service management & REVGEN Jan-May 2024; Project management for Raleigh Door Center May 2024-Aug 2025
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I always knew I wanted to pursue business but during undergrad my focus was honestly more on soccer than academics. Instead of studying business in undergrad I pursued psychology because a lot of the authors I looked up to were psychologists. However, the deeper I got into the subject, the more overlap I saw between psychology and business – how people think, how they make decisions, what motivates them, and how leaders influence groups. The more I noticed the overlaps the more I felt business was a place I could truly thrive
After graduating, I spent time traveling, playing soccer, coaching, and working in different roles like sales and project management. Those experiences, especially seeing how competitive the job market really is, made it clear that it was the right time to go back to school. I knew sharpening my skill set in business would open more doors for my future. Earning a master’s degree at a place like Carnegie Mellon felt like the right step to broaden my horizons, challenge myself, and give myself the best chance at building the career I want.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Two experiences sold me on Tepper.
The first was visiting campus and meeting Kathleen Conway. The campus was beautiful, the building was modern and full of natural light, and despite having multiple events that day, Kathleen made time to meet with me. That alone meant a lot. She was the only program head from any school who sat down with me during the admissions process. I don’t remember every detail of our conversation, but I remember how genuinely she listened, answered my questions, and gave me complete confidence in the program.
The second was meeting with Kate Riley from the Masters Career Center. I had spoken with career coaches from other schools, and most gave vague advice or told me not to worry about internships yet. Kate was different, she was welcoming, direct, and genuinely invested in helping me succeed, even before I committed to Tepper. She walked me through all the MCC resources, the specialized career coaches, and how structured and serious Tepper is about job preparation. They had career coaches for any job function or industry you would want; consulting, investment banking, marketing, finance, sales and trading, project management, and I had access to meet with all of them. That was a huge differentiator.
At the end of the day, fit and future opportunities mattered most for me which is why I chose Tepper. Everyone at Carnegie Mellon Tepper felt serious, supportive, and committed to helping students succeed. They took the program and me seriously, and that gave me complete confidence in my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
Everyone at Carnegie Mellon brings something unique, but I think my differentiator is my combination of experiences in sales, project management, coaching, being a former D1 athlete, and my ability to bring people together. Tepper’s MSM cohort is small and tight-knit, and I’ve built meaningful relationships not just within the MSM class but across the MBAs and MSBAs as well. I’m naturally social, like creating connections, building community, and helping people feel included. I think that energy contributes positively to the class environment.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m an NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Champion.
Post-MSM career interests:
I’m interested in roles that combine finance with relationship building; asset management, sales and trading, relationship management, investor relations, construction management, or even investment banking. I enjoy the analytical side of finance but also love interacting with people, so anything that blends the two would be ideal. Additionally, long-term, I’d like to own my own business, potentially in fitness, real estate, or construction.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Meet with the administration, Kathleen Conway, the career coaches, anyone you can. Those conversations gave me clarity, confidence, and a real sense of what the program offers. You quickly see how committed they are to helping you succeed.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d spend more time preparing before the program started. Tepper gives you a lot of resources before you even step foot on campus, and the more you use them early, the less stress you’ll feel and the more you’ll get out of the program.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GRE. It was a long couple of months. What got me through it was studying every night with my buddy Nick Kerner, who is also in the Tepper MSM program. Having someone grinding alongside you makes a huge difference.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
One word: elevating. You can genuinely feel how much people, students, faculty, staff, and career coaches want to see you succeed. It’s a motivating and encouraging environment.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how well the master’s programs take care of their students. I mean I knew they were going to take care of this but just didn’t realize the lengths they were willing to go. We have our own dedicated area, weekly community events like “Just Because Thursdays,” and Friday beers where they bring the community together with food and drinks. It makes Tepper feel tight-knit and supportive.
