Emily Oates

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

“Driven, organized, and adaptable student who thrives in collaborative environments, building relationships with emotional intelligence.”

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Fun fact about yourself:  I adore musicals. My first Deloitte splurge will be season tickets to the Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis.

Undergraduate School and Degree:
Master of Education, CEHD, University of Minnesota
Elementary Education, CEHD, University of Minnesota

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Third Grade Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Deloitte Summer Associate, Minneapolis

Where will you be working after graduation? Deloitte Senior Consultant (Human Capital)

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Community work has always been a cornerstone of my life, beginning with my career as an elementary school teacher in a major urban district. Transitioning to business school at Carlson, I felt a gap left by the absence of direct community involvement. I was able to bridge this gap as vice president for the Carlson 4 Community club, which collaborates annually with nonprofits to provide support and engagement culminating with a charity gala and silent auction. Over my semesters, we partnered with organizations dedicated to improving educational outcomes for city youth, allowing me to apply my new business skills in a meaningful context. Outside of Carlson, I volunteer as a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters to stay active within my community.

In my leadership journey at Carlson, I have taken on multiple roles that highlight my ability to drive change and foster growth. As co-president of the Graduate Women in Business Club, I have led initiatives to empower future female leaders, championing programs that support and uplift women in the business sector. My leadership extended to the Carlson Consulting Enterprise (CCE), where I served as principal and twice as a team lead. My first project involved refining the dealer strategy for a global kitchen and bath company, and the second focused on supporting Hennepin County’s opioid response efforts. Additionally, my role as a graduate assistant for Carlson’s MBA & MS Programs allowed me to work on projects that focused on developing strategies to adapt to evolving trends in graduate business education.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school?  What I am most proud of during my time in business school is my role as the vice president of donations for the Carlson 4 Community (C4C) Gala. C4C is a student-led initiative that focuses on building community and fostering engagement through various charitable efforts. In this role, I led the donations team in securing contributions from businesses across the Twin Cities, directly supporting Urban Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in South Minneapolis. Urban Ventures focuses on holistic community support through education, nutrition, and physical activity programs aimed at preparing every local youth for college or post-secondary education.

This endeavor was particularly meaningful to me, not only because of the substantial funds raised—over $30,000, including $12,000 worth of in-kind donations—but also because it resonated deeply with my personal mission and values. Having previously taught in schools that had been historically and systematically underserved, the opportunity to support an organization like Urban Ventures held special significance. It allowed me to connect my background in education with my new career, utilizing my skills to mobilize resources and make a tangible impact on the community.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? During the 2020-2021 school year, as a first-year teacher at Milwaukee Public Schools, I faced the challenge of adapting our school’s long-standing community event, the Black History Program, to a virtual format. Traditionally, this event had brought the history and stories of Black culture to life through art, music, and theater. However, with the shift to online schooling, the future of the Black History Program was uncertain, especially as most veteran staff members were overwhelmed with mastering this new teaching mode. As a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Gen Z, I saw an opportunity to leverage my tech skills and adapt the program to a brand-new format—a pre-created video that could be live-streamed. I collaborated closely with teachers across various grade levels, providing support and guidance on digital platforms such as Flipgrid, Screencastify, Google Slides, and Canva, empowering students to share their stories in a brand-new way.

With the collective effort of students and staff, the program was transformed into an hour-long film that was live-streamed to students, families, and community members. It was an amazing experience to work not only with teachers and students across the school but also to see the impact the program had on the entire community. I am most proud of the students, from Head Start to eighth grade; they became the driving force behind creating impactful pieces that celebrated and shared their history.

Why did you choose this business school? Once I graduate this May, I will be a proud triple Gopher, having attended the University of Minnesota for three degrees. Although my initial MBA search targeted schools in the Chicago area, I was drawn back to Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. As a former educator, I deeply value experiential learning and sought a program that emphasizes practical application to transition smoothly into a new career.

I chose the Carlson School of Management specifically for its Consulting Enterprise program, which epitomizes the experiential learning I deem essential. This program offers immersive, real-world consulting projects, personal coaching, and direct client interactions, crucial for applying theoretical knowledge practically. Such hands-on experience is pivotal as I shift from education to business, ensuring I can apply and refine my skills in real business scenarios.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course as a Carlson MBA student was undoubtedly the Carlson Consulting Enterprise. I joined Carlson with the ambitious goal of transitioning from teaching multiplication tables to delivering strategic recommendations as a management consultant. This course offered a semester-long, real-world strategy consulting project for corporations and nonprofits, providing a profound, two-fold impact on my professional development.

I gained invaluable experience leading two distinct consulting projects: one for a corporate kitchen and bath dealer and another optimizing response strategies for a nonprofit battling the opioid crisis. These projects allowed me to witness the lifecycle of a consulting engagement firsthand and build a versatile consulting toolkit. More importantly, the course challenged me to refine my leadership style. With four years of experience leading classrooms of nine-year-olds, the transition to leading teams of MBA students was daunting. Despite initial stumbles and the presence of team members with more traditional business backgrounds, I discovered that my most effective leadership style was enabling others to act. I fostered collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships, which enhanced team dynamics and allowed me to leverage my team’s inherent strengths, ultimately increasing their self-determination and developing competence.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I could change one thing about my MBA experience, I would take more international opportunities. During my first year in the MBA program, I was so committed to my classes and extracurricular commitments that I was hesitant to sign up for opportunities that would require traveling. I was concerned that the time away and busy schedules might hinder my ability to focus on my coursework and club responsibilities. However, my ideas began to shift after seeing the experiences and knowledge my peers gained from participating in MILI (Medical Industry Leadership Institute) with medical startups in San Francisco, case competitions, and experiential marketing in Japan. My peers had gained invaluable unique experiences and perspectives while remaining on top of their course work and other responsibilities. This experience pushed me in my second year to take more advantage of active learning opportunities; I traveled to San Francisco last October to tour major tech companies and will be heading to Australia this May to learn about ambiguity in business.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth that I heard about Carlson is that it is only a good marketing school. While I think it is partially true—Carlson has a strong marketing program that has fostered excellent relationships with local Fortune 500 companies—the school is so much more than that. Based on my experience, the program also has good consulting niche as well. The school has a steady and growing consulting pipeline with major firms (BCG, McKinsey, Deloitte) as well as more local boutique firms (Pioneer, Foresight, Slalom).

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I cherish most about Minneapolis is the duality of a lively arts scene and easy accessibility to nature. It’s a city where there’s always something to do, with theaters, museums, and festivals. This rich artistic environment adds an invaluable layer to my MBA experience, providing not just entertainment but also new perspectives and ideas that enrich classroom discussions and broaden my understanding.

The city is also just a few hours away from an array of outdoor recreational areas. At the same time, the city’s proximity to nature is a constant invitation to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s a quick stroll in a nearby park or a weekend hike along scenic trails, the easy access to green spaces perfectly counterbalances the rigors of academic life. This blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes Minneapolis not just a place to study, but a place to truly live and thrive, enhancing the quality of my time during the MBA program.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? I believe Mad Men accurately depicts my understanding of business. The show illustrates how business provides a wide array of opportunities—both for good and bad. Some characters, like Joan, use their positions to effect positive change, such as when she promotes Dawn to head of the Personnel Department, despite the controversy surrounding Dawn’s race. Unfortunately, most other characters are more focused on self-interest, prioritizing personal and firm benefits above broader ethical considerations. The show also explores moral ambiguities—like when Don drafts his anti-cigarette ad against Lucky Strike under the guise of morality, which is actually a strategic move to reshape his narrative and create better opportunities for himself. The key takeaway is that the higher you climb, the more opportunities you encounter; however, it becomes increasingly important to stay grounded in your core values to ensure you use business as a force for good.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Based on my experience, I feel that students are driving the integration of AI into the programming. During my time at Carlson, I participated in three consulting projects—two with the Carlson Consulting Enterprise and one with the Graduate Volunteer Consultants. Through these projects and my own exploration, I explored the use of AI and discovered its immense potential to streamline workstreams and optimize project flows. While AI can significantly enhance efficiency and decision-making processes, it is crucial to utilize it responsibly. The ethical deployment of AI is the key insight that I gained through using AI.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire Prakhar Sharma is one classmate from our MBA program whom I greatly admire. Originally from India, Prakhar’s first journey abroad was to join us at Carlson, a brave step that marked the beginning of his significant career transition. We met during orientation as part of the same core team, where his combination of sharp analytical skills and a keen sense of humor quickly made him an invaluable team member. His transition from a technical role at Oracle to pursuing strategy consulting underscores his ambitious drive and willingness to embrace new challenges.

Throughout our program, Prakhar not only pushed himself academically but also took every opportunity to venture out of his comfort zone, adapting to a new cultural and professional environment with remarkable resilience. Despite the challenges international students often face in a competitive job market, Prakhar’s determination never wavered. He strategically navigated these challenges, maintaining a clear focus on his career goals. Additionally, as the VP of International Affairs within the MBA Association, he dedicated himself to supporting other international students, ensuring they felt welcomed and supported in their transition to life and study in the U.S. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and leadership, exemplifying the qualities of an outstanding MBA candidate, blending personal growth with a commitment to contributing positively to the community around him.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Publish Deloitte Human Capital Insight Article
2. Be on a Board for an Educational Nonprofit

What made Emily such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Emily Oates has been an invaluable addition to the Carlson School of Management’s Class of 2025 due to her exceptional leadership, diverse professional background, and deep commitment to community impact. As a former elementary teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools, Emily brought a unique perspective on people development and organizational dynamics—skills that translate seamlessly into her pivot to Deloitte as a Human Capital Consultant.

At Carlson, Emily has been a driving force in fostering inclusivity and engagement. As co-president of the Graduate Women in Business Club, she has championed initiatives that empower future female leaders. Her role as vice president of donations for the Carlson 4 Community Gala showcases her dedication to social responsibility and fundraising, while her position as principal in the Carlson Consulting Enterprise (CCE) reflects her strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

Within CCE, Emily twice served as a team lead, first for a global kitchen and bath company, where she helped refine their dealer strategy, and then with Hennepin County, supporting one of their community partners in their opioid response work. In both projects, she demonstrated leadership rooted in empathy and thoughtfulness, ensuring her teams delivered impactful recommendations while fostering collaboration and growth.

Beyond her leadership roles, Emily’s experience as a graduate assistant for Carlson’s MBA & MS Programs highlights her contributions to helping the school develop strategies to support evolving trends in graduate business education. Additionally, her work as a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities reflects her unwavering commitment to service and community engagement.

Her ability to balance academic excellence, leadership, and service—while maintaining a deep sense of purpose and empathy—makes Emily an outstanding representative of the Carlson MBA program and a true asset to her peers.”

Siddharth Chandramouli
Managing Director of the Carlson Consulting Enterprise

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