Molly Dowden

University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management

“Traits: dependable, prepared, thoughtful, ethical, adventurous. Favorite things: dogs, reading, music, trivia.”

Hometown: Medford, Wisconsin

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love horror films!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Biochemistry

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Marshfield Clinic Health System, Inc. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Successfully coordinating and executing a transition to an electronic IRB submission system in less than six weeks.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Inquisitive. My classmates have an incredible breadth of work and life experiences. I appreciate how they draw upon those events to articulate very thoughtful questions and responses to Carlson staff and panelists, as well as to each other.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Carlson’s Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI) was the deciding factor for me. With my background in pharmaceutical chemical manufacturing, dietary-supplement product development, and human-subjects research, it was critical for me to select an MBA program that supported and allowed me to delve deeper into the medical industry while still providing an overall solid MBA foundation.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I have two clubs that I am equally excited about: Medical Industry Leadership Institute Student Association (MILIsa) and Carlson 4 Community (C4C). I appreciate that MILIsa supports students throughout our MBA program while providing resources so we can cultivate meaningful relationships with the medical industry community both around the Twin Cities and elsewhere, and with the Carlson alumni who work there. I am also looking forward to C4C, because volunteering and being part of a community is important to me.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? I remember the questions asked during the application and interview processes as straightforward questions I had asked myself when considering an MBA and the Carlson School.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? After some time in the working world, it became clear that a higher degree would be necessary to achieve my professional goals. However, I was unsure which degree or program would be the best fit. Obtaining my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in February 2018 was a step in the right direction. I found that the PMP processes and strategies were logical and translatable into multiple industries. More importantly, I learned how to systematically approach and break down problems into deliverables, which I could then track and develop metrics.

An encounter with an external consultant brought in to assess our institution’s clinical trial program also influenced my decision to pursue an MBA. Working with the consultant and being tasked by the executive director with the responsibility of reviewing the consultant’s report, identifying deliverables, and producing a subsequent action plan was energizing for me! It became clear that pursuing an MBA would align with my professional goals and interests. The final push to applying came from my mentor who believes in me and encourages me to challenge myself and the boundaries I arbitrarily set. I would not be pursuing an MBA without her support.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied only to the Carlson School of Management.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? When I began to seriously consider going back to school for my MBA, the Carlson School staff were really helpful and always willing to set up a call to answer any questions I had about their program. I also found the program’s use of experiential learning through the Enterprise program to be most aligned with my personal learning style, which was a relief, as I have been out of school for nearly eight years! Of course, Carlson’s reputation is sterling. Its MBA employment statistics are very strong and very stable year-after-year, and that erased my concern about employment after graduation. Lastly, I found Carlson’s commitment to “Business as a Force for Good” matches my own values, and I am truly excited to be a part of an MBA program that focuses so much on positive community impact.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Who I am is based on the sum of all of my previous moments. I like thinking this way, as I believe we can change and improve each day, and also provide ourselves with flexibility and understanding when things do not go as planned.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself in a strategic management role within the medical industry at a company that has great values and great opportunities.