Waleed Cheema, Minnesota Carlson MBA Class of 2026
Age: 33
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Oxford Brookes University, Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Finance Team Lead, Ministry of Energy, 8+ years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve spent most of my career in finance in Pakistan, but over time, I’ve realized my ambition to become a global business leader and gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of business. Over the last two years, as I transitioned into strategic finance, I discovered a passion for telling and owning the story behind the numbers, rather than just focusing on number-crunching. An MBA offers a holistic perspective on all functional areas of business while also transforming key meta-skills like leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking. For me, it’s the perfect opportunity to upscale and reskill myself to meet my career aspirations.
Why did you choose University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management for several reasons. First, the warmth and responsiveness of the students, alumni, and staff truly stood out. I received a 100% response rate from everyone that I reached out to. An example would be that the Admissions Director Betsy Ryan patiently answered my 70+ emails, and that level of care made me feel like I could belong here. Secondly, Carlson’s location in the thriving Twin Cities provides a significant competitive advantage. It’s highly respected in the Midwest and offers an excellent, well-rounded curriculum. Lastly, the intentional small cohort size has been invaluable—it’s fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among my classmates and made it easier to build connections with potential employers. These factors together made Carlson the perfect fit for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is the unique perspective I bring as an international student with a background in finance and strategic policy-making in a developing country. Having worked on impactful projects like streamlining payment systems for millions of women and preparing an electricity tariff, I offer real-world insights into solving complex, resource-constrained challenges. Beyond my professional experience, I’m deeply committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity, whether it’s helping classmates understand global financial trends or learning from their diverse experiences. My goal is to not just contribute but to inspire meaningful discussions and solutions within our cohort.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I once won a badminton match against my boss during a lunch break, and he jokingly said I earned a ‘promotion’—still waiting for it to happen.
Post-MBA career interests:
Finance and Strategy
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Start early and connect with current students and alumni to get the full picture—both the benefits and the challenges. Pay extra attention to understanding the challenges, as you’ll likely face similar ones during your MBA journey. Being prepared for these will make the experience smoother and more rewarding. It’s one thing to hear this advice, and another to actually do it, but trust me—it’s worth the effort.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is apply in Round 1. Applying early not only demonstrates commitment and preparedness but also provides access to more available seats and greater scholarship opportunities, which are often allocated heavily in the earlier rounds. It also gave me the advantage of getting decisions sooner, allowing more time to plan ahead. While it requires careful preparation to ensure the application is strong and complete, the benefits of Round 1, including higher acceptance rates and a smoother timeline, made it a decision I’d highly recommend to any prospective applicant.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is take less stress during the application process and trust the journey. Looking back, I realize that letting things flow naturally and focusing on what I could control would have made the experience more enjoyable. The admissions committee is genuinely on our side and wants us to succeed, which is a comforting thought I wish I had embraced sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the process, it would definitely be the GMAT—and, in fact, I did! My strong quantitative background, built through years of finance and strategic work, helped me demonstrate my abilities without needing to take the test. Leveraging that experience was a huge relief and allowed me to focus more on other parts of the application.
What is your initial impression of the Minnesota Carlson MBA students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Minnesota Carlson students, culture, and community is that they are incredibly warm, collaborative, helpful, and kind. Choosing Carlson has been the best decision of my life. I’ve already found amazing friends and a supportive community that has made my transition so much easier. Every week, I get to try something new with them, immersing myself in American culture and traditions. None of this would have been possible without their encouragement and support, which I deeply value.
What is one thing you have learned about Minnesota Carlson that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Minnesota Carlson is how the state truly lives up to its ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ reputation. I didn’t realize just how integral the lakes are to life here—whether it’s outdoor adventures, peaceful study spots, or even class bonding activities by the water. The natural beauty and connection to the outdoors have added an unexpected but amazing dimension to my MBA experience.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing I’m most anxious about in my first year is recruitment, especially given the tight job market and the uncertainty some companies have regarding the future of international students. Navigating these challenges while staying focused on my goals feels daunting, but I’m hopeful that the support from Carlson’s network and resources will help me succeed.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the amazing Class of 2026. I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people who make every day a whole new experience. Their energy, support, and diverse perspectives inspire me constantly, and I can’t wait to see how we grow together throughout this journey.
