Morgan Kerfeld, Minnesota Carlson MBA Class of 2024
Age: 23
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of MN Carlson School of Management – Entrepreneurial Management and Public & Nonprofit Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 1.5 years, healthcare, strategy, early business development consulting, entrepreneur
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school to gain the skills and network I believe will further my startup and career as an Entrepreneur the most. I chose to go back now because of the success and growth my startup has been experiencing over the last year and the belief that now would be the perfect time to gain the skills and network necessary to continue pushing forward.
Why did you choose Carlson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Carlson because of its focus on providing students with incredible experiential learning experiences, its resources for student entrepreneurs and its amazing location in Medical Alley. Carlson truly believes students learn best by doing. I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to participate in an Enterprise where teams of students consult for real companies. I also appreciated how many resources the University provides to student entrepreneurs through things like the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. Finally, I am fascinated by healthcare and looked forward to being right in the center of Medical Alley.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I believe my most differentiating contribution includes my experiences in both entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship (corporate innovation). I have a unique perspective of doing strategy and innovation work in a variety of environments that I can bring into the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In my free time, I love to hike and camp. I most recently completed two treks in Perú and look forward to one day completing a long thru-hike lasting 3-6 months.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in pursuing opportunities that allow me to combine my interests in entrepreneurship, strategy, healthcare, and finance!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
—What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely talk to current students in the MBA program and recent graduates. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge and can help confirm the MBA program you are pursuing is the best option for you.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent even more time researching all the opportunities available to students. I knew Carlson had a plethora of opportunities available; however, I wish I would have made a list of the opportunities that interested me the most prior to matriculating so I could have hit the ground running even more!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to skip the GMAT/GRE requirement, as many others probably would have also enjoyed skipping. That said, prep books and YouTube videos were the most helpful in getting me through the exam with a score I was happy to send.
What is your initial impression of the Carlson students/culture/community?
It is AMAZING. At Carlson I am surrounded by the most supportive classmates I have ever experienced. Everything about Carlson is geared towards helping its students succeed in the areas they are passionate about. I am proud to be a part of the Carlson community and look forward to the years to come.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Managing time and responsibilities. First semester of MBA is packed with lots of courses that have steep learning curves. That, on top of continuing to manage day-to-day responsibilities with my start-up, can be challenging at times, but also extremely fun. I can apply what I am learning in the classroom to what I am doing at my company every day, which is so cool to see.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Continuing to form relationships with my fellow classmates. They are all SO cool and come from incredible backgrounds. I cannot wait to continue learning and growing with them.
