Calvin Watson

“MBA-bound, military-trained, and committed to changing the world—preferably while eating good food”

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve spent over a decade in the Air Force but still can’t fold a fitted sheet!

Undergraduate School and Major: St. Cloud State University, Liberal Arts

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Air Force – Non-Commissioned Officer

What has been your favorite part of the Twin Cities so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?:

What I love most about the Twin Cities is the weather! I’m definitely more of a cold-weather person, so the crisp winters are a welcome change from the heat of the South. But beyond the weather, it’s the people who truly stand out. They’re warm and welcoming and share an insatiable thirst for knowledge and personal growth. It’s inspiring to be in a community that refuses to settle for the status quo. On top of that, the shopping and food scene is phenomenal—there’s always something new to discover. The Twin Cities truly prioritize a high quality of life, making it the perfect place to pursue an MBA.

Carlson MBAs 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’m excited to join Carlson Ventures Enterprise to apply my leadership and strategic skills in real-world ventures. With a Master’s in Management and Leadership and a decade of military experience, I bring a strong foundation in problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and social impact, particularly in underserved communities. This program offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen my business development knowledge, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and grow as a leader committed to creating meaningful change.

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?

The Carlson School’s emphasis on using business as a force for good was a key factor in my decision. As someone passionate about creating ventures that serve underserved communities, I’m excited by Carlson’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders. This aligns perfectly with my vision of blending business success with meaningful change, making it the ideal place to grow as an entrepreneur and leader.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

My most significant accomplishments in my military career have been intervening in varying capacities to save real lives, influencing international diplomatic policies, and contributing to cost-saving initiatives that have saved taxpayers and the government billions of dollars. Through my work in the military, I’ve had the privilege of making a direct and lasting impact on both people and policies.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

Successfully navigating the fine line between caffeine addiction and academic excellence—it’s definitely an art form!

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

My best memory as an MBA student so far has been the moment our cohort truly connected. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, we quickly bonded over shared challenges and goals. It was inspiring to see how we support one another, both as leaders and as friends, pushing each other toward success.