Young Ma

“Traveler, Sushi and Coffee Enthusiast, First-Gen, U.S. Army Veteran, dedicated to helping others to succeed”

Hometown: Cheongju, South Korea

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am so passionate about representing the communities from my workplace to school that I often get selected as a model for various photoshoots.

Undergraduate School and Major: Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Majored in Marketing and minored in Business Analytics.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ecolab, Senior Marketing Associate

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 are becoming a vibrant hub where cultures meet, we can see this in the growing diversity of restaurant scenes, from indigenous eateries to Korean bakery chains and upscale restaurants. Additionally, the MSP airport has introduced direct flights to destinations such as Ireland and South Korea, which is exciting for a Korean American and avid traveler like me. For those pursuing an MBA, the Twin Cities are an excellent choice due to the presence of 15 Fortune 500 companies, alongside numerous small to medium-sized startups and businesses. MBA programs here maintain close connections with great companies, offering students opportunities to build networks that can lead to meaningful internships or even full-time job offers, a benefit not common elsewhere.

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 most about your Enterprise program?

I will be joining Brand Enterprise. What excites me about Brand Enterprise is the opportunity to tackle real-life business problems with my fellow MBA and Undergraduate colleagues from a wide range of industry backgrounds. I’m eager to enhance my skills through collaborative learning and make a meaningful difference for our clients.

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?

During my MBA program search, the MILI (Medical Industry Leadership Institute) curriculum captured my attention due to its unique position within a thriving med-tech hub, which Carlson leverages excellently. My choice to pursue an MBA, particularly through MILI, was driven by my desire to position myself in industries I had never experienced and push my limits.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

Before transitioning to a marketing career at Ecolab, I dedicated eight years to the United States Army as a Patient Administration Specialist and a Platoon Sergeant. This time was significant in my career, providing foundational opportunities for both me and my family. Notable achievements from my service include being a distinguished honored graduate from both the Advanced Individual Training and the Basic Leadership Course at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, as well as playing a key role in the joint military exercises with the South Korean Army, where I contributed to the establishment of a Field Hospital.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My biggest achievement in my MBA has been the courage to explore new areas. For example, I ventured into unfamiliar industries such as Consumer/Commercial banking, leading to a summer internship at JPMorgan Chase. I also aimed to make a difference in the Carlson community, taking on roles as a Strategy Graduate Assistant at the Carlson Business Career Center and a Teaching Assistant positions for various marketing classes, supporting both fellow undergraduate and Master of Marketing students.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

My best MBA memory is organizing the inaugural MBA Ping Pong tournament with fellow MBA classmates. Over 30 players participated, creating unforgettable memories. Ping Pong became a significant part of our class, offering healthy and fun ways to stay mentally and physically healthy during demanding times from classes and the job searching processes.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Carlson MBA program?

I recommend looking up current MBA students or Carlson MBA alumni on LinkedIn who are in career paths that they are interested in. Reach out to them to understand best practices and learn from their experiences. This approach was invaluable for me in planning my post-MBA path. Gaining these insights will be extremely helpful for admissions essays and interviews, helping people articulate their motivations for an MBA, their industries of interest, and their reasons for applying to Carlson.