Trent Oelkers
“I’m a career switcher and I needed a community that would embrace my background as a Teacher and provide me with opportunities to gain experience.”
My Story
At the end of 2008 I found myself with a new set of skills as a teacher with no ideal teaching jobs to be found. To make ends meet, I networked and got involved in property management and managed the day-to-day affairs of a business. I quickly discovered value for the skills I had developed at school and I decided to expand them by going to business school.
Why Carlson?
I’m a career switcher and I needed a community that would embrace my background as a Teacher and provide me with opportunities to gain experience. With this in mind I applied to a variety of different schools to find the right fit. I decided to come to Carlson for two main reasons. First, the Enterprise programs would provide me with the opportunity to learn by experience. Second, the classmates I met at the admit weekend impressed me and I knew I would learn from them. After one year in the program my classmates and the enterprise program have challenged me to learn more than I expected in two years. Carlson was the right choice for me.
A Day with Trent - Friday, May 2nd
| 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. | Wake up and prepare for a busy day. Put on business professional for a big networking even with Carlson’s Supply Chain Board. At the last board event I went to I made contacts that were instrumental in landing my internship. |
| 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. | Pack up and head to the bus stop. I commute 35 minutes 1 way. I live in the suburbs with my family. |
| 8:15 - 8:30 a.m. | I have a brief meeting with student affairs concerning the MBA Association proposed budget for next school year. |
| 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Put in some time at work. I am a Admission’s Graduate Assistant. I squeeze in my hours in little blocks or I miss out on great opportunities. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Speaking of great activities, the Business Technology Club is holding an Advanced Excel Workshop. Can you say “Pivot Table?” |
| 12:00 - 2:20 p.m. | Carlson Supply Chain Board Meeting- There is nothing like being in a room with 50-60 Supply Chain professionals who are looking for talent. It gives me hope for life after the MBA. I chose a great emphasis for me. Supply Chain for life! |
| 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. | Meet up with a contact from the Supply Chain Board for an informational interview. I was interested in learning more about CH Robinson. A large third party logistics provider. It was informative and fun. |
| 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Head home and spend some time with my wife and kids. Eat dinner together and read stories for bedtime. |
| 7:00 p.m. - Midnight | Finish up some work for my Enterprise Project. I’m going to the Annual Sports Business Club Golf Event is in the morning, so I have to finish it tonight. After I am done I collapse and fall asleep quickly. |