Maressa Guynn

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

“Curious mom, devoted wife, thrilled for the future.”

Hometown: Uniontown, PA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to bake! I have a 2-year-old Sourdough Starter named Marge.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Naval Academy, Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: US Navy

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Carnegie Mellon’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I opted for Tepper due to the program’s emphasis on analytical rigor, as it is essential because of my background in the US Navy. The analytical aspect of business represents a skill gap in my current skill set. In the contemporary business environment, a profound comprehension of data is paramount for tackling the most complex issues impacting today’s business landscape.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon?  I’m enthusiastic about the Veterans Club at Tepper. As a Female Veteran, I faced challenges finding a mentor who shared my background and experiences. I aspire to become that guiding figure for female veterans and all veterans transitioning out of the military. The veteran community at Tepper has exceeded my expectations and has been nothing short of amazing thus far!

The Tepper MBA is known for intensive one-on-one coaching and personal development. What area do you hope to strengthen during your two years in business school and why?  I aim to acquire strong negotiation skills. Negotiating with tact is a valuable skill set that can yield professional and personal benefits.

The Tepper MBA is also known for being highly data-driven Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far?

Indeed, data holds a narrative that can significantly impact businesses by providing them with a crucial competitive edge. With a Tepper MBA, employers recognize our proficiency in handling and analyzing data, making us valuable assets to their organizations. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, I successfully utilized data-derived insights to enhance Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps enrollment, emphasizing the power of data-driven decision-making.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the most unforgettable moments in my life was during my tenure at VAW-116. I achieved the designation of Mission Commander and commenced overseeing Large Force Exercises. Managing over 20 airplanes operating in confined airspace was undeniably stressful. Still, it proved to be an incredibly fulfilling and gratifying experience that I will always cherish and be thankful for.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carnegie Mellon’s MBA program? Step forward with confidence! Embrace your true self and be authentic. Approach situations with a sense of awareness and openness. While having a plan is essential, it’s okay to veer from it. Flexibility and adaptability can lead to unexpected opportunities.