Navigating a Career Transition

Grace Kasozi, ‘16 MBA, was working in mergers and acquisition at a leading agriculture company when she realized she needed a change. While she launched her career in business development, she hoped to make a switch to marketing.

“I wanted to transition into something that closely aligned with my passion. I knew the only way I could pivot [my career trajectory] was by getting the education and foundation within the role,” she says. “So I knew earning my MBA was the right thing for me.”

Kasozi finished the Part-Time MBA Program in an astonishing 17 months (most part-time students complete the program in three years). She says support from her employer and the flexible curriculum helped her balance career and academics. She took courses online, in the evenings, and in condensed formats, all while keeping her job.

“I think the number one thing I was looking for in a business school was flexibility. At Carlson, you can create your own pace, you can create your own schedule,” she says.

Although she sped through her MBA, Kasozi made time to engage with a host of vital resources offered through the Graduate Business Career Center (GBCC). She met with career counselors, connected with recruiters from top companies, attended networking events, and more.

“They did an outstanding job preparing me, giving me the tools, direction, and feedback I needed,” she says. “I leveraged everything Carlson had, and that's what helped me get where I am.”

Today she works as an associate brand manager at Kimberly Clark. Kasozi is now part of a team that oversees Scott, a $1.1 billion tissue brand. And she loves how her new role combines both her creative inclinations and her analytical skills. She hopes to someday manage a global brand, and live abroad.