Joel Macklin, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2028
Age: 29
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Academy, BS in French
Pre-MBA Work Experience: US Army, 7 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to attend business school to pivot from the military to a new industry. After 7 years of direct leadership overseeing teams and projects, I wanted to learn to leverage those experiences and skills to better myself to contribute in a business setting.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose the Tepper School to better my quantitative skills, build stronger relationships with a small class, and to contribute to my hometown community. My background in the Army provided many leadership experiences, but I lacked the quantitative background to excel in the business world. Tepper is the best bridge to that gap. I also wanted to build a genuine network with my peers across industry. Tepper’s smaller class size allows me to get to know and work with most of my classmates. Lastly, I have a deep connection to Pittsburgh as a native. The city provided me with amazing opportunities to get to where I am so now, I can give back. Tepper provides proximity, expertise, and resources to help me give back to my community.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2028 is inclusion. I think it’s crucial to include others in class and the MBA experience. I don’t just ask others to join or participate but also help facilitate areas where others feel comfortable and advocated for when sharing their views or experience. By leveraging my team working with hundreds of people in the Army, I can be a connector for others while also fostering a climate of inclusion.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am an avid Dungeons and Dragons enjoyer. I currently DM for friends and enjoy the collaborative story telling that I get to work on in my free time.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, Tech
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Write about things you are passionate about. It makes a better experience for yourself when writing and for the admissions officer when reading.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Don’t forget to apply for fellowships. If selected, you will join a community before getting to school which will help support you along your graduate journey.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The fun fact. It felt vulnerable to write out before getting accepted but sometimes you must take that risk to let others know the real you.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
The Tepper community feels very supportive. Everyone is looking out for one another so that no one fails and can recruit successfully together.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Tepper Consulting Club (TCC), the Tepper Veterans Association (TVA), and the Tepper Wine Club (TWC). The TCC not only helps members recruit for consulting firms but also teaches etiquette and norms to help navigate the professional world better. The TVA allows me to connect with other veterans and leverage our experiences to help other incoming/prospective veterans. The TWC provides a community that explores the local area while exposing members to new tastes and flavors of wine.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
I was most surprised by the level of attention that the Accelerate Leadership Center provides to all students.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited for the Consulting Trek with classmates to visit firms and put skills learned at Tepper to use.
