Anirudh Chirala, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2028
Age: 30
Hometown: Visakhapatnam, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Drexel University & biological SciencesÂ
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Scientist, Pharmaceutical R&D, Merck & Co., 7 years ; Director, Automotive, Silver MetalX, 1 year (Family business)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My career at Merck’s Discovery Immunology R&D team was an incredibly enriching experience, one where I had the good fortune of working alongside some of the most talented individuals in autoimmunity research. The inflection point of my career came when I had the opportunity to lead my own target discovery teams. Having the ability to shape the next generation of medicines, not only scientifically but strategically, was invigorating. I quickly realized, however, that I lacked key skills needed to complement my scientific acumen. Business school is where I would be able to build the fundamentals needed to bridge R&D and enterprise strategy.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The analytical ethos of Carnegie Mellon University resonated deeply with me. This impression only grew stronger through the people I met during the admissions process. The professors I spoke with genuinely wanted to help, taking real interest in my goals rather than simply reciting program details. The students I met before coming to campus left an equally strong impression: they were approachable, down-to-earth, and consistently willing to share their honest experiences, qualities I found myself resonating with immediately. Finally, the small size of the cohort was especially appealing to me. I wanted to build meaningful connections with my peers, the kind of relationships that would extend well beyond the confines of the program and into my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My R&D background taught me that some days you fail, the experiment doesn’t work, the timeline slips, and you go back in tomorrow anyway. What I bring to Tepper isn’t being the loudest voice in the room; it’s being the steady, reliable teammate who stays consistent when a case falls apart or a deadline looms, and who helps others push through setbacks instead of carrying it alone. I’ve learned that perseverance, modeled consistently under pressure, is contagious.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:Â
I’ve held in my hand 200 different human tumors when I was doing oncology research at NYU Langone.
Post-MBA career interests:Â
After I complete my MBA at Tepper, I plan to pursue a career in Investment banking with an emphasis on the pharmaceutical & Biotech.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take the time to speak with as many members of the community as you can. Tepper has a lot more to offer than advertised, and if you spend time with the people who make the school great, you’ll learn more and connect with a genuinely welcoming community.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have pared down my responsibilities sooner. I was balancing two full-time jobs while studying for the GMAT, and I quickly felt like I was drowning, unable to make sufficient progress on anything. I eventually scaled back my commitments to give the application process the attention it deserved, but I wish I had made that adjustment from the start rather than waiting until I was overwhelmed. The application process is lengthy and demands real focus.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The standardized tests. It’s not very good estimation of personal or professional skill, and I spent way too much time balancing studying with my two jobs.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
One of the main reasons I wanted to join Tepper was its small class size, which I hoped would help me really get to know my cohort. It’s comforting to know that this has genuinely held true. The community is tight-knit, and people make a real effort to get to know one another, building strong bonds that go beyond just academics or networking.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined both the Graduate Finance Association (GFA), the Tepper Healthcare Club and the Brewmeister Club.Â
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me is just how exceptional the MCC (Masters Career Center) is. Every school claims its staff is amazing, so I expected the usual marketing talk, but the MCC has genuinely exceeded that. The team works hand in hand with students to build out their skills even before they set foot on campus. This made a huge difference in helping me transition back into school. What surprised me most was how genuinely helpful and approachable the staff were, well beyond what I expected going in.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited to learn more about different courses and their application in real life scenarios and add to my toolbelt of skills.Â
