Via Rao

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

“Driven, curious, and a lifelong learner who enjoys solving challenges, meeting new people, and pickleball.”

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Fun fact about yourself: I can estimate the weight of a suitcase within two pounds—no scale needed!

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Indianapolis (B.S. in Biology, Minor in Mathematics); Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine & Life Science (M.S. Biomedical Science)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Senior Medical Research & Operations Project Coordinator (Research Professional II) at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Deloitte (Minneapolis). I was fortunate to spend 10 weeks working on a healthcare M&A project.

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

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Graduate Women in Business, Co-President
• Medical Industry Leadership Institute Student Association, Board Member
• Carlson 4 Community, VP of Alumni Affairs & Board Member
• Graduate Volunteer Consultant
• Carlson MBA Ambassador
• Graduate Assistant, Carlson Consulting Enterprise
• Teaching Assistant, Department of Strategic Management
• Forte Fellow
• Dean’s Fellow Scholarship Recipient

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Serving as team lead for my Carlson Consulting Enterprise project was one of my proudest achievements during business school. My team’s project involved working with a local Black-owned financial institution to develop a growth strategy to help further its mission of narrowing the racial wealth gap in the Twin Cities. What made this experience especially meaningful was how it pushed me beyond my existing skill set, forcing me to grow both as a leader and a problem-solver.

Coming into this project with no prior background in finance, I had to rapidly familiarize myself with the financial services industry while simultaneously guiding my team through their own challenges. I developed a deeper understanding of how to identify and leverage individual strengths within my team, placing people on workstreams where they could thrive. At the same time, I grew more confident in tackling unfamiliar industries, structuring complex business problems, and balancing strategic growth with social impact. Seeing our final recommendations resonate with the client and knowing that our work could potentially create lasting change in underserved communities in the Twin Cities made this project deeply rewarding. It reinforced my passion for using business as a tool for meaningful impact, and gave me confidence in my ability to lead after I graduate business school.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Prior to business school, I worked at the University of Minnesota Medical School in clinical research. During the pandemic, I was a coordinator on many clinical trials focused on finding treatments and preventions for coronavirus. The nature of these trials required an unprecedented level of adaptability, precision, and urgency since protocols were constantly changing as new information about the virus continued to emerge each day. The pressure was intense, and I was challenged to operate at a level I had never experienced before. But beyond the challenges, this experience was personally fulfilling. I felt a strong sense of purpose and meaning in my work, which made all the hours invested worthwhile. I even co-authored several papers that were published in prestigious academic journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine. Seeing our research recognized at that level was humbling and validating—it represented the long hours, dedication, and teamwork that contributed to this effort during a very uncertain and demanding time.

Why did you choose this business school? I knew, without a doubt, that Carlson was the right business school for me—so much so that it was the only school I applied to. In hindsight, that may not have been the wisest approach, as it made the waiting process incredibly nerve-wracking. But fortunately, it worked out for me! I chose Carlson because of its strong presence and deep connections within the healthcare industry. Transitioning to business school was a big leap for me. At the time, I wanted to be in an environment that would support my pivot while still allowing me to leverage my background in healthcare. Having spent my entire career in the industry, I knew that staying in Minnesota—home to some of the best healthcare systems and healthcare companies in the world (Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, Medtronic, etc.)—would provide unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and career growth. Carlson’s expertise in healthcare strategy, along with its access to top-tier organizations in the field, made it an easy choice to make.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a tough question because I’ve had so many incredible professors! If I have to choose one, it would be Mark Bergen, my Pricing Strategy professor. He is not only an exceptional educator and brilliant subject matter expert, but also an outstanding human being. Passion is an understatement when it comes to his teaching style. Every “House of Pricing” class began and ended with cheers or applause—with Mark leading the charge—creating an infectious energy that made learning both engaging and fun. He also tapped into his extensive network to bring in esteemed guest speakers, including former CEOs and industry leaders, who provided invaluable real-world insights and engaged directly with our class.

What truly sets Mark apart – and what I’ve found in many of my Carlson professors – is his ability to humanize both the subject matter and his students. He doesn’t just teach pricing strategy—he makes it come alive in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply meaningful. His enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and genuine care for his students make him one of the most impactful professors I’ve had during my MBA journey.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Carlson offers a class called Retailtainment: The Art and Commerce of Shopping, which gave me and 25 of my classmates the incredible opportunity to spend two weeks in Japan, exploring how Japanese retailers seamlessly blend commerce with cultural experience. Observing these concepts firsthand, rather than just analyzing them in a case study, made the learning deeply immersive and impactful. Beyond the academic experience, this trip had a personal significance as well. During this trip, I not only built new connections with classmates but also strengthened existing relationships in ways that may not have been possible from the classroom alone. The shared experiences, like being crammed into the trains during rush-hour or singing karaoke into the late hours of the night, forged friendships I know I’ll have well beyond business school.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? The Carlson 4 Community (C4C) Gala is one of my favorite MBA traditions—in fact, we just celebrated its 20th anniversary this year! This student-run event brings together the Carlson community to raise money for a local community organization. What makes the C4C Gala so special is how it unites students, families, alumni, faculty, and business leaders in a shared commitment to service and social impact. It’s the best excuse to dress up, celebrate, and strengthen the bonds within the Carlson community. And with any great event, there’s an incredible amount of work that happens behind the scenes to create a memorable evening. I had the privilege of serving on the board for this event both years of my MBA, and seeing the community rally around a shared mission reminds me why Carlson is such a special place.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Coming into Carlson, I wasn’t really paying attention to myths or preconceived notions—this was the only place I wanted to go. But after matriculating, I started hearing some of the common ones, including the idea that our smaller class size indicates that our network isn’t as strong as those of larger schools with bigger alumni bases.

I think that’s a huge misconception because, in reality, Carlson has an incredibly strong alumni network, precisely because of our smaller class size—not in spite of it. The tight-knit nature of the program fosters deeper, more personal connections between students, professors, and alumni. Carlson grads are genuinely invested in each other’s success, and I’ve seen firsthand how responsive and supportive our alumni are when it comes to mentorship, job opportunities, and career advice. While larger schools may have the advantage of numbers, Carlson’s network thrives on meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. The quality of connections I’ve built here has been invaluable, and I have no doubt that those bonds will last long after I graduate.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? At Carlson, all full-time MBA students are required to take Competing in a Data-Driven Age during their first year. This course provides a strong foundation in how businesses leverage AI to drive strategy, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. Through hands-on projects and case studies, we explored how AI is transforming industries—from predictive analytics in ride-sharing to personalization in marketing and automation in supply chains.

One of the biggest insights I gained from this course is that AI is a powerful tool for decision-making, but it still requires human oversight and strategic thinking. While AI can process vast amounts of data and generate insights faster than humans, it’s ultimately up to business leaders to interpret, validate, and apply those insights effectively. This class reinforced the idea that AI is not a replacement for human intuition and expertise but a complement.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? This is another really tough question to answer because I have so many classmates I admire! But if I had to choose one, it would be Cathal Moroney. One thing I deeply admire about Cathal is that he is unapologetically himself; he doesn’t let external perceptions define him or deter him from his goals. Cathal is also someone who lifts others up, as demonstrated with the hours he’s poured into his role as President of the Carlson Consulting Club. He has spent countless hours providing our peers with resources and guidance on casing, networking, and even organized an 8-hour bootcamp for them (on a Saturday!). In an environment where it’s easy to focus solely on personal success, his willingness to invest in others speaks volumes about his character. Not to mention, he does all this while also being a dedicated father to the most adorable little girl!

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? First, I want to work abroad in some capacity. Whether it’s through a short-term project, a global strategy role, or a long-term relocation, I want to gain international work experience and immerse myself in a different business culture. My MBA experience, especially my time in Japan, ignited a passion for international business, and I’m eager to explore opportunities beyond the U.S. at some point in my professional career.

Second, at some point in my career, I want to take the leap into entrepreneurship and build something of my own. Whether it’s launching a startup, developing a product, or creating a niche consulting practice, I’m drawn to the challenge of taking an idea from concept to reality. The concept of solving real-world problems, and having full ownership over strategic decisions, is something that excites me.

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

“Via Rao has been a standout member of the Carlson School of Management’s Class of 2025, bringing a unique mix of healthcare experience, research expertise, and a deep commitment to social impact. Before business school, she spent six years in healthcare, including time as a clinical researcher at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where she co-authored six publications, including one in The New England Journal of Medicine. During the pandemic, she founded a nonprofit providing virtual tutoring for K-12 students, demonstrating her passion for education access and community support.

At Carlson, Via has taken on leadership roles that reflect both her strategic mindset and dedication to service. As co-president of the Graduate Women in Business Club, she has worked to foster an inclusive and supportive space for women in the program. She also serves on the boards of Carlson 4 Community and the MILI Student Association, where she helps drive initiatives focused on healthcare, business, and social impact.

Within Carlson Consulting Enterprise, Via served as a team lead on a project supporting a Black-owned financial services organization in developing its next-phase growth strategy. Her work directly contributed to the organization’s mission of empowering communities of color in the Twin Cities, and she approached the engagement with both strategic focus and a deep sense of purpose.

She is also highly sought after as a mentor and educator. As a principal in CCE, a graduate assistant for CCE, and a teaching assistant for Strategy & Entrepreneurship, she has played a key role in helping students bridge academic concepts with practical business challenges while providing guidance and support to her peers.

Beyond her work in business and consulting, Via remains committed to service, volunteering as a crisis counselor to support individuals during difficult times. She has a rare ability to navigate complex problems while leading with empathy and impact. After graduation, she will join Deloitte as a senior consultant in M&A, where she will continue applying her skills in strategy and transformation.”

Siddharth Chandramouli
Managing Director of the Carlson Consulting Enterprise

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