Carnegie Mellon MeM Application Essay 2023-24
- Please write a concise essay for each of the following four questions. If you’re a Dual Degree applicant, you should address goals for both the ETIM program and the particular engineering program you’re interested in pursuing:
- Other than reputation, what most interests you about attending this graduate program in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University?
- What are your goals after you complete your degree, and how will our graduate program help you achieve your immediate and longer-term future career objectives?
- What specific research is of interest to you and how would our program enable you to pursue your goals?
- Describe how your work, research, educational or other life experiences have prepared you for graduate study in this program?
Carnegie Mellon Winning Sample Essay-1
1. Other than reputation, what most interests you about attending this graduate program in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University?
One of the most compelling aspects of Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, beyond its stellar reputation, is its commitment to blending advanced engineering practices with robust management strategies. This interdisciplinary approach resonates deeply with my professional experiences and aspirations, particularly in petroleum engineering and project management.
My role as a Field Engineer III at Halliburton involved managing the pioneering deployment of Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) technology across six countries in the Middle East. This role required a blend of technical knowledge and strategic foresight to navigate complex project requirements and regional specifications. The challenges I faced, and the solutions I engineered are directly aligned with the practical, problem-solving ethos at Carnegie Mellon. The university’s focus on innovation through its cutting-edge research and development initiatives offers a fertile ground for applying and expanding my technical expertise.
Moreover, Carnegie Mellon’s unique entrepreneurial culture, evidenced by numerous startup incubators and tech-transfer initiatives, provides an unparalleled opportunity to further my technological innovation and entrepreneurship interests. As someone who has led significant technological implementations in the energy sector, I am particularly drawn to the potential for participating in projects that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. The university’s well-established connections with industry leaders and its strategic location in Pittsburgh, a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation, present invaluable networking and professional development opportunities crucial for anyone aiming to lead in the tech-driven economy.
Additionally, Carnegie Mellon’s collaborative projects mirror the interdisciplinary team environments I have thrived at Halliburton and Schlumberger. These projects require synthesizing diverse perspectives to innovate and solve problems—an increasingly important skill in today’s globalized work settings. The university’s commitment to diversity, evident in its global student body and faculty, promises to enrich my understanding and appreciation of varied approaches to engineering and business challenges.
Furthermore, the ETIM program’s emphasis on leadership development in technical fields aligns perfectly with my career trajectory. Having managed teams and projects that span multiple nations and encompass various technological challenges, I find the program’s leadership focus particularly appealing. It promises to refine my management skills and enhance my ability to lead more effectively and innovatively in my future endeavors.
2. What are your goals after you complete your degree, and how will our graduate program help you achieve your immediate and longer-term future career objectives?
Upon completing my degree at Carnegie Mellon, I plan to leverage the skills and insights gained to advance to a strategic leadership position within the energy sector. My immediate goal is to lead projects implementing innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Given the global push towards renewable energy and the technological transformations underway in the energy sector, the skills developed at CMU will be crucial for leading these changes effectively.
My longer-term objective is to contribute to shaping energy policies that promote sustainability and efficiency on a global scale. By transitioning into a policy advisory role, I aim to influence international energy strategies to support global sustainability initiatives. The ETIM program’s comprehensive curriculum, which covers technical expertise and management acumen, is ideally suited to help me achieve these goals.
The program’s strong industry connections and focus on real-world applications will expose me to the latest challenges and innovations in the energy sector, enabling me to apply classroom theories to tangible industry problems. This exposure is vital for understanding modern energy markets’ complex dynamics and developing effective solutions. Moreover, the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit encouraged at CMU aligns with my aspirations to launch a startup focusing on innovative energy solutions, thereby contributing to the sector’s evolution towards more sustainable practices.
Additionally, CMU’s emphasis on leadership development will enhance my capabilities in guiding teams and projects toward successful outcomes. The leadership skills honed during the program will be instrumental in my immediate and long-term career goals, particularly in navigating the complexities and leadership challenges of the global energy sector.
3. What specific research is of interest to you, and how would our program enable you to pursue your goals?
My research interest is optimizing energy systems using advanced analytics and machine learning to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This interest has been shaped by my extensive field experience with Halliburton and Schlumberger, where I implemented cutting-edge technologies to improve energy production and management processes.
Thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, leading faculty, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, Carnegie Mellon’s program offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into this research area. The program’s focus on practical applications of machine learning and data analytics in improving industrial processes aligns perfectly with my professional experiences and research ambitions.
The ETIM program at CMU is particularly well-suited to support my research due to its integration of technology management and applied engineering research. This combination will allow me to pursue innovative research in energy optimization and understand the broader implications of this research on industry.
4.Describe how your work, research, educational or other life experiences have prepared you for graduate study in this program.
Throughout my career as a Field Engineer at Schlumberger and Halliburton, and through my academic background in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, I have developed a robust foundation ideally suited for graduate study at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering. My professional and educational experiences have given me a profound understanding of the technical challenges and the strategic considerations inherent in large-scale engineering projects, particularly within the energy sector.
During my tenure at Halliburton, I spearheaded the first-ever deployment of Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) technology across six countries in the Middle East. This role required deep technical expertise and significant managerial acumen to coordinate across different cultures and regulatory environments. Managing a project of such scope and scale necessitated a comprehensive approach involving technical assessments, team leadership, and constant innovation to adapt to the unique demands of each market. This experience underscored the importance of integrating engineering solutions with strategic business planning, a key component of the curriculum at Carnegie Mellon.
At Schlumberger, I was instrumental in designing and implementing training courses for service specialists, which reduced downtime by 60%. This role honed my knowledge transfer and curriculum development skills, preparing me for the collaborative and interdisciplinary educational setting at CMU. Furthermore, my involvement in the tender process for major projects with the Kuwait Oil Company gave me insights into the financial and operational strategies underpinning successful engineering projects.
My academic journey at Pennsylvania State University, supported by a full-tuition merit scholarship from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education, laid the technical groundwork for my career. My education was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about applying that knowledge in practical settings. Projects and internships during my college years allowed me to develop a solid understanding of the practical applications of engineering theories, preparing me for the complex problem-solving and innovative thinking required in my professional roles.
Beyond the professional and academic realms, my extensive involvement in athletics, particularly with the Kuwait National Cycling and Triathlon teams, has instilled in me a discipline and resilience essential for graduate study. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, strategic planning, and teamwork—skills that are equally applicable in a challenging graduate program.
Additionally, my role as a Penn State Kuwaiti Student Association board member and a founding member of the Kuwait National Triathlon Team allowed me to develop leadership skills and a capacity to inspire and manage diverse teams. These experiences have prepared me to engage fully with the collaborative and diverse environment at Carnegie Mellon, where teamwork and leadership are integral to the academic experience.
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Carnegie Mellon Winning Sample Essay-2
1. Other than reputation, what most interests you about attending this graduate program in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University?
What excites me most about Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering is its unique interdisciplinary approach that perfectly aligns with my professional experiences and career aspirations.
Having led significant technology projects at TCG Digital, where I managed the integration of complex software solutions across diverse industry sectors, I am particularly drawn to the program’s emphasis on combining technical expertise with business acumen. The ETIM program’s focus on innovation management and technology commercialization offers the perfect blend of skills I need to advance my career in technology leadership.
Additionally, Carnegie Mellon’s commitment to practical, hands-on projects and its culture of fostering real-world applications of technology will allow me further to refine my skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.
2. What are your goals after you complete your degree, and how will our graduate program help you achieve your immediate and longer-term future career objectives?
Upon completing my degree, my immediate goal is to ascend to a technology director position within a leading software development company, where I can influence product innovation and strategic decision-making.
The ETIM program and an advanced engineering discipline at Carnegie Mellon will equip me with the necessary leadership skills and technical expertise to achieve this. In the long term, I aspire to start my technology firm focused on developing solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance business efficiencies. The entrepreneurial skills and network I will gain from Carnegie Mellon are vital to realizing this ambition.
This program will provide me with a robust theoretical foundation and offer practical experiences through industry partnerships and startup incubators that are crucial for my career progression.
3. What specific research is of interest to you, and how would our program enable you to pursue your goals?
I am particularly interested in researching the integration of artificial intelligence with traditional business processes to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. While at TCG Digital, I initiated projects that applied AI to streamline operations. I want to expand this work to develop broader applications that can transform industries.
Carnegie Mellon’s ETIM program, renowned for its strong focus on cutting-edge technology and business applications, provides an ideal environment for pursuing this research. The university’s resources, including access to leading faculty, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and advanced research facilities, will enable me to deepen my understanding and contribute new knowledge to AI and business integration.
4. Describe how your work, research, educational or other life experiences have prepared you for graduate study in this program.
My educational background in computer science engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University equipped me with a solid technical foundation. At the same time, my professional experience at TCG Digital enhanced my project management and leadership skills. Leading diverse teams to develop and implement software solutions across various sectors allowed me to understand technology management’s practical challenges and complexities.
Furthermore, my role involved continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies, which is essential for success in the dynamic, interdisciplinary educational environment at Carnegie Mellon. My commitment to professional development demonstrated through various advanced certifications and training, along with my proactive approach to solving real-world problems, ensures that I am well-prepared to thrive and contribute to the ETIM program and the engineering discipline at Carnegie Mellon University.
Client Testimonials
Carnegie Mellon MeM Letter of recommendation 2023-2024
You’re required to submit three letters of recommendation.
Typically, letters are written by professors or work supervisors. At least one of your three recommendations must be from your professional experience and one from a professor at the educational institution you last attended.
Letters of recommendation and recommendation letter forms are submitted through the ETIM online application. If you choose this method, you must apply to the ETIM program with the online application.
MEM Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I am the Dean and Professor at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Rohini, India. I have known Pavani since her first semester, where she was in my “Fundamentals of Computing” class.
I have had multiple opportunities to interact with Pavani as she was leading the student activities for her batch and was also working on the “Automated Stock Trading algorithm” project as a part of the curriculum, under my guidance.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
One of Pavani’s primary strengths is her ability to lead a team even in uncertain situations. In her final year, Pavani was the Organizing Committee Member of the International Conference. Since it was the first conference of its kind, there were no previous benchmarks or processes in place. Right from marketing, outreach events, finding vendors for event management, to logistics—everything had to be figured out from scratch. The budget was also crunched, which further did not help the situation.
Pavani went beyond her responsibilities and took the lead on the project. She worked with other team members, discussed with them, and charted a plan. She delegated responsibilities to fellow peers and also guided them on their tasks. There were also conflicts in the team and unforeseen problems. One of the vendors cancelled the contract two days before the conference. Pavani immediately reached out to other vendors through personal contacts and engaged the team with a calm mind and got things done. Thanks to Pavani, the conference was a huge success with over 60 participants from multiple countries. As a result, 3 projects were selected and funded by our institution. The conference is now recognized internationally and is set to take place again next year in February.
Pavani also demonstrated her leadership capabilities while working on a project under my guidance. The project was focused on building automated stock trading algorithms that managed to maximize cumulative profit. Although she did not come from a finance background, Pavani quickly learned the basic concepts. She also brought her team members onboard by coaching them and teaching how the stock market works. With the team’s support, Pavani was able to build a functioning algorithm that got published in a reputed journal, “Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research”. I believe Pavani is the kind of candidate who can take ownership and deliver things with minimal guidance.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed the most in the time you’ve known them?
Initially, when I met Pavani, she was a shy person who was not confident to lead a team. Even though she might have brilliant ideas, she used to keep them to herself and not put them forward. As a consequence of being shy, she even preferred to work alone rather than in teams. She needed a little encouragement to help break her out of her shell. Slowly, she started putting forth her ideas. As those ideas were adopted by her teammates, she started gaining confidence. She quickly learned to plan, lead, and delegate a team effectively.
Pavani grew to participate in competitions, representing the college on a national level. Seeing her progress into an effective leader, I appointed Pavani as the organizational head of an international conference that took place on our campus in February 2020, as mentioned above.
Pavani also progressed tremendously in her academics, from a 7 CGPA in the 1st semester to a 9 CGPA in later semesters. Her performance has progressed not just in theory but practical as well. She was part of 2 research papers that were published in reputable journals.
Another area that Pavani needs to develop is to be open and listen to others’ opinions. Sometimes, Pavani is quite stubborn when it comes to her plans and wants to execute them the way she has planned them. Therefore, she is at times not open to new viewpoints or any suggestions to the plan she came up with. This arises from her own perceptions that changing plans will lead to chaos and hence poor performance. In one of our sessions, I coached her and made her understand that she alone cannot control all things and she alone cannot achieve great things. She understood the importance of teamwork and has been trying to work it out. She is now a bit more open to new ideas and opinions. I believe she will learn these qualities over time and experience.
In what ways might the applicant contribute to the Masters in Engineering Management Program?
Pavani has always volunteered and stepped up to lead student activities. I have no doubt that she would continue to do the same in a Master’s in Engineering Management program. With her experience in project management and leadership, she will be a great asset in student-run activities and events.
Apart from that, I think Pavani is a fast learner who is always enthusiastic to teach her fellow batchmates. She has held multiple tutor sessions for juniors and fellow batchmates on tough courses. She will contribute to the class by bringing her technical expertise and practical experience during discussions and also coaching them on relatively tough concepts.
Is MEM Program a right fit for the candidate right now?
This course would be the natural academic evolution for her. On multiple occasions, Pavani has expressed her interest in taking up roles that are at the intersection of engineering and management. Engineering has given her a strong foundation in technical and analytical skills. However, she needs the academic experience and learning about management principles. More importantly, a MEM program will also groom her leadership abilities and impart holistic thinking capabilities. Pavani has great potential to learn and succeed, and I believe a MEM will be a step in the right direction towards achieving her goals.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words)
I am the project manager, and Vinay is part of my team as a Senior Business Analyst for the past two years. I directly oversee his work and align with him on a weekly basis to understand the project requirements, roadmap discussions, and staffing plan for his team.
Describe your first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s work on a software or product development project. Describe the candidate’s role on the project and how their performance on the project compared with other well-qualified individuals in similar roles. (200-500 words)
I believe Vinay have good command over product development process and projects. To quote an instance, I was a project manager for one of the Healthcare clients. The client project involved heavy product development. I brought Vinay onto this project as a senior Business analyst to shoulder some of the project roadmap and team collaboration-related responsibilities.
Before he joined, we were faced with a problem. The developers were working in silos, as there was no Business Analyst who gave proper guidance and a roadmap on what to work on, where to start, and the project lacked a proper structure. Also, the client was proposing new changes and had new requests every week, so the scope kept on changing, and the team was struggling.
After joining as a Business Analyst, Vinay brought himself up to speed on the application, use cases, and what the client asked. He started doing user research, created empathy maps, drafted jobs to be done, and finally added all client requests and user stories to the product backlog.
He took the lead in coordinating with the technical lead to understand the technical aspects and architecture of the product. He started adding product backlog of both functional and technical user stories, with the help of the tech lead and added around 130 user stories. He made sure the team followed Agile practices. Finally, within a short period of 3 weeks, the team has a roadmap, stories to work on, and proper practices to follow.
As a result, we delivered the product with a UI improvement of 45% based on user feedback. And Vinay received appreciation from the client for his exceptional work. We also got a new project from the client for one of the pain points Vinay found to develop an application on Data security to safeguard patient data using blockchain technology.
Vinay’s performance impressed the Client Leadership Team (CLT) with how he worked with the team, bringing a structured format to the team, creating a product roadmap, Client communication, and Stakeholder management. As a result, we added him as a part of (CLT). He is one of the best BAs I have ever worked with.
More generally, provide your insights as to whether this candidate has promise to be an effective engineering manager. Include specific examples of times when they demonstrated skills and/or behaviors that would lead to their success in that role. (200-500 words)
I think Vinay has the potential to be a good product manager because, after joining the team as a Business Analyst, Vinay proposed doing a Discovery phase with the client. I let him take the lead on this and told him that he can go ahead if he can convince the client.
He observed it had been 8 years since we did the last discovery workshop. He pitched his idea to the Client and proposed a Discovery phase where his team and he can do a SWOT analysis for the project, prepare a roadmap, and a template containing all the tasks necessary for the workshop. The client really liked the idea and aligned on doing a Discovery workshop for a week.
Once the workshop started, Vinay ensured everyone was taking part completely and clarifying any doubts. He also ensured that everyone (Clients, Developers, designers, Salespeople, QAs) was thinking and contributing to the tasks based on their viewpoints. He also reminds everyone occasionally about empathizing with users while discussing or writing their points. As a result, the workshop was successful, and we got 4 new problem statements the client is currently facing; we got approval for 3 of them to start building the product as a part of new engagement and revenue of $3 Million.
He showcased effective communication skills during the workshop, motivating and inspiring everyone. He also brought the emotional intelligence and empathy part, where he could read the situation and influence everyone to make everyone empathize more with users in the workshop tactfully. One of the significant skills of any product manager is communicating effectively, interpersonal skills, and empathy. Vinay has all these skills to be an effective Product Manager.
Would you work with this candidate again? If not, why? (50 words)
Yes, If he desires to rejoin after completing his Master’s in product management.
What hesitations or concerns to have you have about recommending this person to the MSPM Program? (50 words)
NONE
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Based Letters of Recommendation Guide for engineerign management aspirants, here are five do’s and don’ts tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Engineering Management program:
Do’s:
1. Choose Recommenders Who Understand Your Technical and Managerial Abilities:
– **Do** select recommenders who can provide detailed and specific examples of your technical expertise and managerial skills. Ideal recommenders include current or former supervisors who have directly observed your engineering projects and leadership roles.
– Example: Your direct manager on a project where you led a team of engineers to develop a new product or improve an existing process.
2. Provide Comprehensive Background Information:
– **Do** give your recommenders a comprehensive overview of your achievements and context for your contributions. Highlight key projects, leadership roles, and innovative solutions you have implemented.
– Example: Share a list of projects where you applied engineering principles to solve complex problems, managed project timelines, and coordinated cross-functional teams.
3. Meet and Discuss Specifics:
– **Do** meet with your recommenders to discuss your goals for the Master’s in Engineering Management, why you chose specific programs, and how the degree aligns with your career aspirations. This helps them tailor their letters to your specific goals and the program’s focus.
– Example: Explain how the program’s curriculum and faculty will help you achieve your career goals in technical leadership or project management.
4. Ensure Specific, Anecdote-Driven Letters:
– **Do** encourage your recommenders to use specific anecdotes that highlight your technical and managerial strengths. Real-life examples provide credibility and illustrate your skills effectively.
– Example: Ask them to describe a project where you led the team, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and how your leadership contributed to the project’s success.
5. Set Early Personal Deadlines:
– **Do** set early personal deadlines for your recommenders to ensure they complete their letters well before the application deadlines. This provides a buffer period for follow-ups if needed.
– Example: If your application is due on January 1st, ask your recommenders to submit their letters by December 1st to avoid last-minute issues.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid High-Ranking but Unfamiliar Recommenders:
– **Don’t** choose recommenders based solely on their title if they are not familiar with your work. Letters from high-ranking individuals who cannot provide detailed insights will be less effective.
– Example: Avoid asking the CEO of your company unless they have directly worked with you and can provide specific examples of your contributions.
2. Don’t Write the Letter Yourself:
– **Don’t** write the recommendation letter yourself, even if a recommender offers to sign it. Admissions committees can detect self-written letters, which can harm your credibility.
– Example: If a recommender suggests this, politely decline and offer to provide them with detailed information to help them write the letter themselves.
3. Avoid Generic Content:
– **Don’t** let your recommenders submit generic letters that could apply to anyone. Generic praise without specific examples will not make your application stand out.
– Example: Ensure your recommenders avoid statements like “X is a great engineer” without context or supporting evidence.
4. Don’t Overlook Specific Instructions:
– **Don’t** ignore the specific instructions and questions provided by each school. Different programs may have different requirements for recommendation letters.
– Example: Make sure your recommenders address each question posed by the school’s recommendation form and follow any formatting or submission guidelines provided.
5. Avoid Subordinates as Recommenders:
– **Don’t** ask subordinates to write your recommendation letters. Their perspective might not carry the same weight and could be seen as less objective.
– Example: Recommendations should come from individuals in supervisory or client roles who can objectively evaluate your performance and potential.
These tailored do’s and don’ts will help ensure that your recommendation letters are strong, relevant, and supportive of your application to a Master’s in Engineering Management program.
Free Sample Template - for you to use
Recommendation letter Template tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Engineering Management program:
Admissions Committee
[Masters in Engineering Management Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Subject:
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for your [Master’s in Engineering Management program] at [University Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [duration] in my capacity as [Recommender’s Title] at [Company Name], where I have had the privilege of supervising [him/her/them] directly.
Professional Capabilities and Achievements
[Candidate’s Name] has displayed outstanding engineering and management capabilities during our collaboration. In one notable project, [specific project/task], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], which led to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This accomplishment underscores [Candidate’s Name]’s proficiency in [specific skill, e.g., project management, technical innovation, systems engineering].
Another significant achievement was during [another specific project/task], where [Candidate’s Name] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [related skills, e.g., lead cross-functional teams, optimize engineering processes, handle complex technical challenges].
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Beyond technical expertise, [Candidate’s Name] has shown exceptional leadership and teamwork. [He/She/They] effectively led a team of [number] engineers in [specific context], ensuring the successful completion of [specific project/task]. [His/Her/Their] ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment was critical to our success.
Constructive Feedback and Growth
I have provided [Candidate’s Name] with feedback on [specific area for improvement]. [His/Her/Their] response was proactive and enthusiastic. [He/She/They] [specific actions taken to improve], which significantly enhanced [his/her/their] performance in [related context]. This commitment to continuous improvement is a testament to [his/her/their] professional growth.
Personal Qualities and Values
[Candidate’s Name] is known for [his/her/their] integrity, dedication, and willingness to help others. For instance, during [specific instance], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to support others]. This not only improved team morale but also reinforced [his/her/their] role as a trusted and respected leader within our organization.
Conclusion
In summary, [Candidate’s Name] possesses a rare combination of technical acumen, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I am confident that [he/she/they] will thrive in the [Master’s in Engineering Management program] at [University Name] and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader engineering community.
Please feel free to contact me at [Recommender’s Email] or [Recommender’s Phone Number] if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
