Erika Schlosser

“Driven leader interested in healthcare, finance and empowering other women. Traveling, running and reading enthusiast”

Hometown: Apple Valley, MN

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have completed a marathon and an Olympic triathlon.

Undergraduate School and Major: Northwest Missouri State University. Major: Biopsychology
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: ECG Management Consultants, Provider Financial Services Intern

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

My favorite part of the Twin Cities is being close to friends and family. I grew up in Minnesota near the Twin Cities but left the state to complete my undergraduate degree. Returning home to pursue my master’s degrees at a university I’ve known my whole life has been incredibly meaningful. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beauty of the state! I love spending time outdoors on the lakes or running through the many parks Minnesota offers.

When it comes to pursuing an MBA, it’s hard to beat the community surrounding Carlson. The Twin Cities are home to numerous successful Fortune 500 companies and mid-size businesses, providing a broad range of industries and opportunities for students.

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 intend to enroll in the Funds Enterprise program. What excites me most about the Funds Enterprise is the opportunity to develop hard skills, such as financial modeling, through real-world experiences like managing a portfolio of investments. As the second-largest student-managed investment fund in the nation, the Funds Enterprise is highly respected and provides a unique chance to collaborate with and learn from industry experts.

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?

One of the key factors in my decision to choose Carlson was the opportunity to pursue a dual degree. With my background heavily concentrated in healthcare, I knew I wanted a program that would allow me to deepen my expertise in healthcare while also gaining valuable business knowledge. The University of Minnesota provided a unique opportunity to pursue both a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration simultaneously. By integrating their curriculum, the programs prepare dual degree students to navigate complex challenges in both healthcare and business.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

My biggest career accomplishment so far was completing my summer research project as an intern at ECG and presenting my findings to the entire division, including senior partners. Having started the MHA program with little to no business experience, landing an internship at a top healthcare consulting firm was a significant milestone for me. Over the summer, I developed a benchmarking model, using survey data from over 100,000 physicians, that analyzed and reported optimal FTE-to-admin ratios for 81 distinct healthcare specialties. This project was a defining career moment, showcasing my ability to master advanced Excel techniques and deliver data-driven insights that drive impact.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

As an MBA/MHA student, my biggest accomplishment thus far has been winning the Business school Alliance for Health Management (BAHM) Case Competition in February of 2024. I applied to represent Carlson in this competition as an MHA student with little to no business background. I was paired with two incredible women, Angela Botiba and DivineMercy Bakare, and spent most of my winter break researching and preparing for the competition. Our team invested significant time and effort into creating a strong presentation and paper for the judges. It was incredibly rewarding to see our dedication pay off and return to Carlson with a big check in hand!

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

My best memories of my MBA so far have been from MILI Mondays. At Carlson, the Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI) supports a community of students, faculty, and industry leaders who are passionate about the medical industry and driving innovation. MILI hosts monthly gatherings that create a relaxed, informal environment for students and professionals to connect. I first started attending these events in the spring of my first year in the MHA program, even before officially joining Carlson, and found them to be a fantastic way to connect with others. Now, as an MBA student, I’ve continued to attend and have enjoyed building new connections with both classmates and industry professionals. It’s a great opportunity to unwind, network, and engage with like-minded individuals.