Meet The Minnesota Carlson MBA Class Of 2026, Waleed Cheema by: Meghan Marrin on June 02, 2025 | 154 Views June 2, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Waleed Cheema “Chartered Accountant: nailed 3 licenses in 6 years, but still negotiating with my 6-pack—one-pack wins!” Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan Fun Fact About Yourself: I became a Chartered Accountant before I figured out how to properly tie a tie. Undergraduate School and Major: Oxford Brookes University, Accounting Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ministry of Energy, Senior Finance Team Lead 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 people. The warmth and kindness of everyone in the Twin Cities are unmatched—’Minnesota Nice’ isn’t just real; it’s 10x more than you’d imagine. While the Twin Cities are undeniably beautiful, with their woods and lakes adding to the charm, it’s the people who truly make this place special. My American experience here has been nothing short of wonderful, thanks to the amazing community I’ve found. Carlson MBA’s 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 plan to enroll in the Funds Enterprise. While all the Enterprise programs at Carlson are exceptional and provide unparalleled support to students, the Funds Enterprise aligns most closely with my personal and professional interests. It manages the second-largest student-managed fund in the U.S., offering the unique opportunity to make real financial decisions with money invested by major corporations. Additionally, the Funds Enterprise boasts an extensive mentor network of 60-70 accomplished professionals who provide invaluable guidance and mentorship. Over the three semesters, I’m excited to deepen my understanding of the U.S. markets and the investment landscape while gaining hands-on experience that will shape my future career. 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? There were two key aspects that made Carlson stand out. First, during my school search, every single alum and student I reached out to from Carlson responded warmly. The welcoming nature of those coffee chats showed me that Carlson has a tightly knit community where people genuinely care and are eager to help—even prospective students like me. Second, the school’s specialized finance track was a game-changer. The courses are thoughtfully designed based on employer feedback, so I don’t need to experiment with electives to figure out what’s relevant. The curriculum is tailored to equip me with exactly what I need to succeed, which was incredibly important in making my decision. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I led a fintech project that transformed the payment process for 10 million women, reducing the timeline from 7 days to just 30 minutes—all without spending public money. This innovation not only streamlined efficiency but also significantly improved the quality of life for these women, eliminating the need to stand in long queues for government aid every month. Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: I’m currently working on a volunteer consulting project for a healthcare-focused nonprofit with an incredible mission to optimize access to medicines for everyone. The project is deeply rewarding and truly exciting, as it has the potential to create a lasting impact in the community. Being part of something that contributes to such a meaningful cause makes me incredibly proud, and it’s a reminder of how powerful collaboration and purpose-driven work can be. What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I’m building memories every single day as an MBA student. As an international student, so many experiences are ‘firsts’ for me—watching a baseball game, attending a tailgate, writing thank-you notes on Thanksgiving, or going to see A Christmas Carol play. What makes these moments even more special is my amazing cohort, who’ve been incredibly kind and supportive, helping me learn and embrace U.S. culture and traditions. If I had to pick one standout memory, though, it would be the surprise birthday celebration my friends threw for me. It was completely unexpected and made me feel truly at home, thousands of miles away from my own.