Lazar Lazarov, Carlson MBA Class of 2022
Age: 24
Hometown: Dobrich, Bulgaria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Newcastle University in the UK, Computer Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 2 years, Nonprofit sector
Why business school? Why now?
I was running out of ways to contribute creatively and effectively in my managerial role, so I wanted to gain valuable knowledge through an MBA. It felt like sooner would be better than later for me and I applied right away after I knew I wanted to.
Why Carlson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Coming from a small country in Eastern Europe, I felt like making a move towards either the East or the West coast would be too drastic of an adjustment for me. As for why Carlson out of all the schools in the Midwest – that’s mostly down to their amazing Enterprise programs and their sincere ongoing DE&I efforts.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
It’s a little clichéd, but I have to say the international perspective. When people think “international” they rarely think about a small post-communist country in the EU, and that’s a novel point of view I can bring to any discussion.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve relocated six times in the last seven years, three of those across borders.
Post-MBA career interests?
I’m passionate about solving big problems in either consulting or corporate strategy and development.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Look into the value of the metro area of the schools I’m applying to. I had no idea so many multinational companies had headquarters here in the Twin Cities!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would attend a Connect with Carlson event since I heard from a lot of peers that that was the dealmaker for them.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There wasn’t really one. The process was very straightforward and made a lot of sense, every step was there for a reason and I felt supported throughout.
What is your initial impression of Carlson’s students/culture/community?
Everyone is really fun. In a time like this when most of us are learning remotely, it can be difficult to connect with our peers, so humor has become a main way for our class to do that.
One thing you have learned about Carlson that has surprised you?
I knew Carlson participated in case competitions, but I didn’t know that we were a host of one – the Elite 8 Brand Management Case Competition. And to shout out my friends, on November 20 Carlson won that case competition for the first time in over a decade with a team of all first-year MBAs!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Successfully balancing the career search with my studies, as I come from a non-business background.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
With learning a lot of business concepts comes a moment when you can apply something from one class to another class, and those moments give me immense satisfaction. It’s exciting seeing everything come together as I learn more and more.
