Gabriel T. Richardson Carcaño

University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management

“I am a current JD/MBA student with an interest in specializing in tax regulation and financial law.”

Hometown: Mexico City/ Boise, Idaho

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived in four countries: Mexico, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. I have taken my road bike to three different continents: North and South America as well as Europe (shoutout to Delta Airlines).

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Minnesota Law School, Reed College, BA Political Science/Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Consultant, Minerva Prep, Ciudad de México

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 University of Minnesota is a world-class, large research university that attracts many talented educators and professionals. Both the Law School and the Carlson School of Management are well-ranked and highly-regarded both nationally and abroad. The Twin Cities metro offers value and the opportunity to interact with multiple Fortune 500 corporations in a stunningly beautiful natural setting along the Mississippi River.

Carlson MBA spends a year in hands-on Enterprise programs for Consulting, Branding, Ventures, and Funds. Which program do you intend to enroll in? What excites you most about your Enterprise program? I intend to enroll in the Funds Enterprise, as I would like to view financial regulatory issues from a “real-world” business perspective. While I do not hold a traditional finance background, law and economics have been at the centerfold of my academic and professional journey. I am excited to blend my legal/data analysis skills to successfully learn more about managing a client-centered, financial services enterprise.

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? Obtaining an MBA at the Carlson School of Management seemed like the next logical step for a career focused on transactional and/or tax law. From renowned economist, Joel Vogel, to business ethics expert, Jeffrey Kauffman, the faculty cemented my decision to enroll at Carlson (alongside their excellent peers at the Law School). One of my law professors (and also a tenured professor at Carlson), Paul Vaaler, summarized the value of an MBA for legal professionals with the following: The MBA can be a helpful tool for attorneys to navigate complex modern issues, “whether as internal corporate counsel advising business executives, as outside attorneys retained for a specific business transaction or litigation, as state attorneys investigating a business for some public purpose, or as lawyers serving on a directorial board overseeing the governance of a publicly listed firm.”

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Carlson? I’ve enjoyed happy-hour events at the Carlson School as I can truly meet my peers. Carlson is a tight-knit community of a diverse set of individuals with fascinating backgrounds. Although the majority may not be from Minnesota, Midwest values do make their appearance here—students, faculty, and staff are all hard-working, dedicated, kind, warm, and ‘down-to-earth.’

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As for professional accomplishments, I have already received a summer internship offer at Wells Fargo as part of their legal risk team. I am thankful for all those who were part of my formation.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: While I studied economics in college, my math skills are rusty. I am trying to dispel the adage of lawyers and numbers mixing like oil and water. I am proud that I am succeeding in my quantitative classes with the support and help of my professors and peers.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Affinity group conferences are a great platform to connect and discuss issues relevant to your identity. In October, I was privileged to represent the University of Minnesota as a Reaching Out Fellow at the ROMBA Annual Conference, where I met engaged students motivated to make the business world more inclusive, diverse, and equitable.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Carlson MBA program? While trite, always be honest and transparent about your strengths, and more importantly, your weaknesses. Demonstrate your willingness to address your weaknesses within your statement, and demonstrate why the specific program and community can get you to achieve your goals. Higher education is an expensive endeavor. I was very fortunate to receive a substantial scholarship, yet I wish I did more research on additional affinity group grants, scholarships, and opportunities. Take advantage of aid programs that align with your values, experience, and background!

DON’T MISS: MEET MINNESOTA CARLSON SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024