Bobby Kava

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

“Everything I wished happened to me, I want to give to others” -Tiffany Haddish, 2021.”

Hometown: Pago Pago, American Samoa

Fun Fact About Yourself: My name is on a plaque somewhere in rural South Carolina for being 1 of 8 participants (at the time) to complete a pizza challenge at a local pizza joint.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy, American Legal Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Army, Psychological Operations Planner

What has been your favorite part of the Twin Cities so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? The Twin Cities is vibrant with diverse cultures and people from different backgrounds, with no shortage of platforms to express opinions and ideas; perfect conditions to getting an MBA.

Carlson MBA spend a year in hands-on Enterprise programs for Consulting, Branding, Ventures, and Funds. Which program do you intend to enroll in? What excites most about your Enterprise program? I was accepted into the Carlson Ventures Enterprise, and am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and learning

Aside from your classmates, experiential learning, and location, what was the key part of the Carlson MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Carlson’s “business as a force for good” is directly in line with a personal core value, not to mention a strong veteran network. Every engagement, networking event, business idea, case study, and competition is centered around this central idea of using business for the good of the community, where ever that may be.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Carlson? I have enjoyed all the core courses so far, I leave each class with my pre-conceived thoughts challenged, for the better of course. As a member of the Sports Business Club, I have to say tailgating events, combined with Thursday After Professional Stuff (TAPS) have been incredible events thus far at Carlson.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Coming back home safely from deployment to my wife and son. It was my first deployment to the Middle East, and my wife’s first experience as a single-parent to our firstborn. I missed my kid’s 2nd birthday, which made me realize even more just how precious time can be.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Bonding with my core team. Seriously, it’s a wild experiment to throw strangers together based on professional backgrounds and expect it to work out. I’m extremely glad it did.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Carlson MBA program? Pick the brains of current MBA candidates and alumni. I don’t work in the admissions office, I’m sure they can bombarded with amazing resumes and GMAT/GRE scores, so what will differentiate you from the rest? It is your passion for your goals and your desire to better yourself, your family, and your community. When you get asked a question in an interview, or are filling out questionnaires for the application, if you have strong passion and desire, Carlson will hear it loud and clear.