Going the Distance

All-American Runner Chloe Bonson Finds Success in Both Academics and Athletics by Focusing on Every Step

When Chloe Bonson was exploring colleges as a high school student, Carnegie Mellon University was a familiar name. Growing up in Penn Township, about 40 minutes from Pittsburgh, Bonson was familiar with the university’s reputation for academic rigor. For her bachelor’s degree, she chose to attend Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania; it was the opportunity to earn an accelerated master’s degree through its partnership with CMU’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy that sealed her decision. The program, with three years at Allegheny College and another year and a half at Heinz College, offered her a pathway to complete both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in less than five years.

With undergraduate majors in computer science and economics, the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics track of Heinz College’s Master of Information Systems Management seemed like a natural fit.

“There are so many things you can do with that degree, which I love because I’m not pigeonholed into my career options,” Bonson said. “When I saw this opportunity at Carnegie Mellon, in the exact field I’m interested in, I thought, Why would I not take advantage of that?”

Balancing Academics and Elite Athletics

Transitioning into graduate school is demanding enough. Bonson added another layer to that experience: competing as an NCAA student-athlete on CMU’s cross country and track teams.

Bonson arrived at Carnegie Mellon with a year of NCAA eligibility remaining. She had a stellar season, placing sixth in the nation individually - the highest ever for a Tartan woman - and leading the women’s cross country team to a national sixth-place team finish, its best since 1998. She also earned All-Academic honors.

“Balancing everything was definitely challenging,” Bonson said. “It’s not that common to have student-athletes in my program, but my professors were very accommodating.” She appreciated the support from fellow students.

“There’s a lot of respect among the students and professors for having passions outside of academics,” Bonson said. “After nationals, I was surprised that people noticed, but the community at Carnegie Mellon is very involved and intertwined, which is awesome.”

Bonson is continuing her athletic career as a semi-professional runner Pro Bike + Run Elite in Pittsburgh. Her strategy for managing the myriad demands on her time comes down to focusing on one thing at a time.

“If I’m running, that’s what I do, and I try not to think about school,” Bonson said. “Then for the bulk of my day when I’m in class, or having lunch with friends, or meeting with advisors, I focus on that. It’s the only manageable way to handle everything.”

Experiential Learning and Living in Pittsburgh

Bonson appreciates the hands-on nature of the MISM-BIDA curriculum and said it felt immediately applicable. One stand-out experience was participating in a consulting lab class, where student teams were paired directly with a real-world client.

“You think you understand everything from learning about it in lectures and writing the code, but then working with the client, you figure out how to take that learning and apply it to their specific business needs,” Bonson said. 

The experience sparked her interest in pursuing a consulting role or working as a data analyst when she graduates. 

“I like having the technical expertise, but I really enjoy translating that to another person, working with the client face-to-face, and helping somebody’s business improve,” Bonson said. “This program is very focused on the real world and your career; I always feel like I can see myself using what I’m learning, and that I’m getting actionable insights.”

Beyond campus, living in Pittsburgh has been a boon. Though she grew up nearby, Bonson said living in the Shadyside neighborhood has given her a new appreciation for the city. Restaurants like Shady Grove have become favorite hangout spots, in addition to having easy access to more widely known destinations like the Duquesne Incline or the many local museums.

Advice for Prospective Students

For students considering graduate school, especially those wondering about the academic rigor and workload, Bonson has insights to share.

“Say, ‘Yes,’ do a ton of things,” Bonson said. “Having something rewarding outside of academics helps boost your confidence in school, too.”

Bonson also wants potential students to know that Heinz College is defined as much by its supportive community as its academic reputation.

“Admittedly, I came in thinking everyone would be focused only on academics,” Bonson said. “It’s not like that at all. It’s true that everyone here is very hardworking and committed to their goals. Everyone likes to challenge themselves academically, but also knows how to have fun. If you’re looking for an environment where people like to push themselves while still enjoying the experience, this is 100% the place to do it.”