Vivek Sriram, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSBA Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: West Virginia University; Management Information Systems (MIS)
Program: FT MSBA
Graduation Year: May 2026
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My undergrad in MIS was also a technical program within the Chambers College at WVU which really played to my strengths. I chose to continue with another technical program with the Tepper School’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) now to build on that foundation, strengthen my analytical thinking, and expand how I approach real-world problems.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose the Tepper School for the chance to learn alongside some of the smartest people from around the world. Until the start of this year I’d lived in Morgantown, WV my whole life, including college, and I loved it there but felt it was time for a new environment to continue growing and challenge myself.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I’d say my strongest contribution is being a team player who helps bring out the best in those around me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve been to 4/6 inhabited continents so far and would love to cross off all six (and maybe Antarctica one day too).
Post-MSBA career:
Business Strategy Analyst, Cleveland Guardians.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Work on reviewing/editing application materials with academic mentors and close family. Sometimes you can really overthink what a portion of the application is asking, and getting opinions from people who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth is always beneficial.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have made an effort to participate in Welcome Weekend activities or tour campus much earlier. Even though I lived less than 1.5 hours away and had been to Pittsburgh countless times, I didn’t truly explore the Tepper School and campus until the weekend before Basecamp started.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Something I initially thought I would have skipped was Basecamp, but it ended up being a great way to meet people in the program and build friendships that have lasted throughout the year and will continue beyond it.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Tepper School was that it was really great to see very talented people from all areas of the world in one community.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the wide range of resources and events available to master’s students throughout the program, whether focused on academics, professional development, or social life.
