Pamela London

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

“Athlete-turned-journalist-turned-marketer, runs on coffee, would rather be in Canada, my friends call me Professor Pam.”

Hometown: Shoreline, WA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I started downhill skiing when I was 3 years old (and cannot wait to learn to Nordic ski while in MN!).

Undergraduate School and Major: Whitman College, History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Vix Technology, Regional Head of Marketing

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the school’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I chose Carlson for my MBA because I wanted an experience where I could get to know and learn from my cohort-mates. The opportunities for experiential learning, particularly in Marketing, are truly a differentiator for Carlson and are the primary reason that I recommend the program to potential candidates.

At Carlson, you are part of one of the most dynamic business environments in the country. What has made the Twin Cities such a great place to live and learn for you? Having been born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I was looking to make a change in more ways than one at this point in my life and career. I wanted an MBA program in a place that would challenge me to grow and adapt. I have found that I absolutely love living in the Twin Cities – there is a friendly and supportive environment no matter where I go, and I have instantly felt at home.

What quality best describes your MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? My MBA classmates, and in particular the amazing group of women I met at the Forté Women’s Leadership Conference, are the reason I have made it this far in the program. They are some of my best friends and my support system, always there if I need a laugh, an encouraging word, or the answers to the Finance homework. Only a few months into my MBA, I know that I have met people who will be in my life forever.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Looking back, my biggest accomplishment in my career is one I realized very much in retrospect. When I was only six months into working on the Marketing team at Vix, my manager left and wasn’t replaced. With neither a mentor nor a clearly defined role (and still learning how to be a marketer), I started taking over her responsibilities. Within a matter of months, I was leading the North American region – setting a strategic plan, managing a budget, and working closely with colleagues many-years my senior. Had I not taken the chance on myself by taking on my former manager’s responsibilities, I know I wouldn’t have had all of the experiences that set me on the path to an MBA and certainly not on the path that has led me to Carlson.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? So far, my biggest accomplishment as an MBA is, without question, winning the Elite 8 Brand Management Case Competition last November – the first time a Carlson team has won in 14 years and the first time a team of all first-years has ever won in the history of the competition.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? After working in tech marketing for five years, I knew that an MBA was the next step as I wanted to accelerate my career in the Marketing function. With an MBA I knew I would be able to develop a strong foundational, cross-functional business skill set that will set up me for success in the rest of my career.

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