Jessi Figard

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business (JD/MBA Joint Program)

“Passionate problem-solver driven to create, connect, and push boundaries. Always under construction.”

Hometown: Davidson, NC

Fun Fact About Yourself: I worked as a princess on a children’s party bus for my first job in high school.

Undergraduate School and Major: Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. Decision Science Major, Additional Major in Social & Political History. University of Pittsburgh Law School, J.D. (anticipated December 2027)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Capital One, HR Data & Strategy Senior Associate

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 chose Carnegie Mellon because of the emphasis on analytical thinking. I believe in innovating toward the future and preparing for the unknown. I am particularly drawn to the entrepreneurial environment, where I can strengthen my ability to think like a business owner. I’m not seeking another discrete skill; I want to expand how I think, anticipate, and design strategy for challenges the market hasn’t yet recognized. The Tepper School’s emphasis on modeling, optimization, and decision analysis will push me to approach decisions like a futurist, moving beyond present-day best practices to envision and prepare for what’s next. I seek to create lasting impact in an ever-evolving business landscape.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon? I am very excited to join the Culinary Club. I have been cooking since I was five and it remains my favorite way to experiment, blending the precision of science with the creativity of art. For me, meals are more than food because they bring people together through community, storytelling, and connection. I look forward to sharing recipes, exploring new flavors, and learning from classmates whose culinary traditions span the globe.

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 two years at the Tepper School, I want to strengthen my ability to think and operate as a CEO. I seek to learn how to convey a long-term vision, navigate uncertainty, and make decisions with incomplete information.

My experience at Capital One taught me how to identify inefficiencies, use data to guide strategy, and implement solutions. What I want to develop next is the executive-level judgment to balance quantitative insight with the human factors that determine whether an idea takes root. The Tepper School’s intensive one-on-one coaching and leadership development will help me refine my executive presence, deepen my self-awareness, and adapt my communication style to inspire diverse stakeholders. These skills are essential to my goal of leading innovation in a way that not only solves today’s challenges but positions organizations to thrive in the markets of tomorrow.

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 been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? I studied decision science in undergrad, an interdisciplinary field that uses data analysis, statistical modeling, and behavioral insights to improve decision-making in complex or uncertain situations. When I joined Capital One, I saw how powerful data can be when combined with strategic thinking. I developed an analytics process that blended quantitative metrics with employee insights, helping HR pinpoint inefficiencies, streamline processes, and save thousands of work hours. The Tepper School’s focus on quantitative analysis reflects my own approach of using data to uncover patterns and then applying strategic judgment to act. In fast-changing markets, this dual lens is essential, and I look forward to strengthening it through the school’s Management Science foundation and modeling and optimization courses.

When you think of Carnegie Mellon University, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Ingenuity. Carnegie Mellon University fosters an environment where creativity and analytical precision combine to solve problems in ways others haven’t imagined. It’s a place where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, inspiring me to approach challenges with both imagination and discipline.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Capital One, I developed a new data analytics process combining qualitative and quantitative information that transformed how our Human Resources division identified and implemented operational improvements. Drawing on thousands of data points from employee profiles, the HR Help Center, and multiple partner groups, I collaborated with seven HR teams to uncover inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and reduce manual processes. By aligning on top priorities for product improvements, we enhanced the experience for employees joining, working at, and departing Capital One.

DON’T MISS: MEET CARNEGIE MELLON TEPPER’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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