Olivia Demkowicz

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

“Enthusiastic problem solver with passions for engineering, business, and art.”

Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a triplet!

Undergraduate School and Major: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Design, Innovation, Society

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Emerson, Product Marketing Manager

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? One aspect of the Tepper School MBA program that stood out to me is its unique emphasis on the science of management combined with the art of leadership. This dual focus is critical because it addresses both the analytical and interpersonal skills that are essential for effective leadership in today’s complex business environment.

In an age where business decisions are increasingly driven by data, the ability to interpret and apply complex datasets is invaluable. The Tepper School’s curriculum equips students with the tools and methodologies to make informed, strategic decisions grounded in empirical evidence.

At the Tepper school, the focus on developing strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and connect with others complements the technical aspects of management. This balance is crucial because effective leadership is also about motivating teams, navigating organizational dynamics, and fostering a positive culture.

As someone who loves to access both sides of my brain (logic and creativity), this duality resonates with me greatly and reflects my career aspirations and personal values. I appreciate that the program recognizes the multi-faceted nature of being successful in leadership roles and I look forward to growing more in these ways.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon? I’m really excited to explore the world of AI through Carnegie Mellon University electives in this space. AI is revolutionizing how we work. The connection between AI and business is particularly interesting to me and I hope by learning more, I can be better positioned to drive innovation and strategic decision making in my future roles.

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? During my time at the Tepper school, I hope to enhance my ability to make informed decisions quickly, even with limited information. I am someone who loves to over-prepare. However, I understand that in dynamic business environments, timely decisions are often required without the luxury of detailed preparation. Through the Tepper School’s intensive one-on-one coaching and personal development opportunities, I hope to build the confidence and agility needed to excel in these situations, ensuring that I can make strategic decisions effectively under pressure.

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? Given my background in engineering and product marketing, the Tepper school’s focus on quantitative analysis is greatly appealing to me. Data is central to many professional functions, and being able to gather, interpret, and act on it is a critical skill.

In my career, I’ve utilized data extensively, from conducting market research and analyzing customer insights to making strategic decisions about product portfolios. For instance, as a product marketing manager, I’ve used data to determine which products to develop, phase out, and how to better meet market needs. Additionally, during an acquisition assignment, I leveraged rigorous market and company analysis to inform our strategic assessment and integration plan.

The Tepper School’s focus on quantitative analysis and data-driven decision making is exciting and extremely relevant to how large corporations operate- especially in a world where data is everything!

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Tepper was the right program for you? Why? From the moment I started the application process, it was clear that the Tepper School values inclusion and authenticity. The essay prompt about fostering an inclusive environment highlighted the Tepper school’s commitment to selecting individuals who are not only skilled but also kind and welcoming. This emphasis on psychological safety and connection is crucial for me, as I believe that a supportive and empathetic community is essential for achieving one’s best work. Realizing that the Tepper School prioritizes creating a space where differences are celebrated and leaders are empathetic made it clear that this program is the right fit for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One accomplishment that I am proud of is launching a global floor-to-cloud solution in my industry. This project involved a comprehensive array of product marketing activities, including market research, competitive benchmarking, and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. I was responsible for producing collateral and launch content, as well as conducting technical training sessions.

The initiative not only fostered cross-business synergies, but also introduced an innovative solution that enhances safety and sustainability in industrial environments. I am proud to have contributed to this project and see its positive impact on the industrial automation industry.

DON’T MISS: MEET CARNEGIE MELLON TEPPER’S MBA CLASS OF 2026