Meet The Minnesota Carlson MBA Class Of 2026

There’s no shortage of reasons why Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management is a great place to earn an MBA. Consider the thriving business scene in Minneapolis, one of the Twin Cities, or the school’s unparalleled hands-on learning experiences. Carlson MBAs gain real-world opportunities that position them for success.

But what truly sets the program apart are the people, the experiences, and the connections. This year, twelve Carlson MBAs offered their perspectives on life inside and outside the program.

WHY CARLSON IS A GREAT PLACE TO GET AN MBA

Minneapolis’s thriving business environment is one reason the city is an ideal place to earn an MBA, says Emily Johnson, a longtime Minnesota resident and member of the Class of 2026.

Johnson appreciates that local legislation and resources help pair MBAs with Fortune 500 firms, nonprofits, and even support their entrepreneurial ventures. She also highlights the city’s vibrant art and music scene. “From local church choir performances to A-list stars selling out First Avenue, The Armory, and the Xcel Energy Center, live music is part of our community identity!” she shares.

For MBA Waleed Cheema the warmth of the community is part of what drew him to the Twin Cities. Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, he’s experienced the kindness behind the phrase “Minnesota Nice.” The scenic lakes and forests add to the city’s charm, but for Cheema, the real magic lies in the personal and professional relationships he’s formed. “My American experience here has been nothing short of wonderful, thanks to the amazing community I’ve found,” he says.

THE CARLSON ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

What better way to learn than by taking on real business challenges alongside seasoned professionals? Carlson’s Enterprise Program gives MBAs the opportunity to do just that. Over three semesters, students work with industry leaders to solve complex problems and gain experience that truly makes a difference. They can choose from one of four tracks: Consulting, Ventures, Branding, and Funds.

The Funds Enterprise was a natural fit for Cheema. “This program gives students the rare opportunity to make real financial decisions with money invested by major corporations,” he explains. It’s the second-largest student-managed fund program of its kind in the country, and Cheema looks forward to working alongside the 60 to 70 professionals who will mentor and support him.

MBA Stephany Smith, from Monroe, Louisiana, found it tough to choose just one track because she’s interested in branding, consulting, and ventures. She ultimately chose Ventures, viewing it as a solid springboard for her entrepreneurial goals. “I’m most excited about providing consulting support to startups and gaining insight into the unique challenges they face,” she says.

Sam Borja Truax, from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, selected the Consulting Enterprise. “The stakes are real, but there is room for us to grow and learn as business professionals,” he says. With support from experienced faculty and mentors, he’s pushing himself to work in an unfamiliar industry—testing everything he’s learned at Carlson while expanding his knowledge in new and unexpected ways.

WHY THEY CHOSE CARLSON

Students often choose a program based on its reputation, community, hands-on learning, or location. For these Carlson MBAs, those were just the beginning.

Truax was drawn to Carlson for its wide array of study abroad opportunities. “Learning about another culture through immersion is a transformative experience, which I am blessed to have done a handful of times in my life,” he shares.

For MBA Calvin Watson, from Dallas, Texas, it was Carlson’s dedication to using business as a force for good. “As someone passionate about creating ventures that serve underserved communities, I’m excited by Carlson’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders,” he says. A former U.S. Air Force servicemember, Watson sees leadership as a matter of making the right decisions.

Dual-degree options were the deciding factor for Erika Schlosser, from Apple Valley, Minnesota. With a passion for healthcare, she saw Carlson and the University of Minnesota as a perfect match. “The University provided a unique opportunity to pursue both a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration simultaneously,” she explains.

PROUDEST CAREER MOMENTS THUS FAR

The Class of 2026 brings a wide range of professional experiences and accomplishments to the table—each with a common thread of talent, drive, and purpose.

Schlosser, who entered Carlson with limited business experience, interned at ECG over the summer, where she created a benchmarking model that analyzed survey data from more than 100,000 physicians across 80+ 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,” she says.

For MBA Jack Buettner, from Madison, Wisconsin, the proudest moment came when he made the leap to pursue both an MBA and a Master of Public Policy. “I really enjoyed the impact-driven work I did in college admissions, focusing specifically on education access, but I knew that I ultimately wanted to pursue a different career,” he explains. His pivot to Carlson has opened new pathways to strategy roles that push his skills in new directions.

Publishing a case study on ethical and cross-cultural research is the proudest career milestone for Gagandeep Choongh, from Rescue, California. Her work examined challenges often overlooked in international research—like translating questions accurately, tailoring incentives, and navigating local regulations. “Researchers often struggle with translating scientific questions, tailoring incentives to local norms, and navigating different regulations,” she says. Choongh and her team tackled these issues in just one summer.

BIGGEST MBA ACCOMPLISHMENTS THUS FAR

Though they’re only partway through their MBA journey, these students have already made meaningful progress—and impact.

Choongh is especially proud of her role as president of Graduate Volunteer Consultants, a group that connects Carlson students with local nonprofits to provide pro bono consulting services that create tangible results.

Indri Dyrmishi, from Tirana, Albania, says one of his biggest accomplishments was competing in the EMI Cornell Case Competition, where his team placed third out of 150 global schools. “This experience helped sharpen my strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills,” he says.

MBA Lantao Wu, from Sichuan, China, is proud of how involved he’s been in Carlson life. “I proactively participated in numerous fun events and clubs during my MBA while successfully balancing my studies,” he says.

MOST CHERISHED MBA MEMORIES

These students have already made memories they’ll carry with them long after graduation.

For Wu, a trip to the Minnesota countryside was a standout. “In October, I joined first-year and second-year students for a hiking and camping trip. We pitched tents together, admired the golden leaves by the lakeside, and gazed at the stars at night. It was one of my favorite journeys,” he recalls.

Casegiving with the Carlson Consulting Club was a favorite moment for MBA Kevin Peña, from Kasson, Minnesota. “I was nervous about going through three cases in one day, but by the end of the third one, I could certainly feel that I had become a better business problem-solver than I was at the start of the day,” he says.

For MBA Winnie Nyamubi, from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the people have been the highlight. “Everyone is not just talented but also kind and supportive. It’s been inspiring to be surrounded by such a diverse group of people who are always willing to collaborate, share experiences, and help each other grow,” she says. The friendships and sense of community she’s found at Carlson, she adds, are what will make her MBA experience truly unforgettable.

Next page: An interview with Phil Miller, assistant dean of Carlson’s MBA & MS programs, and profiles of 12 Minnesota Carlson MBA students.