A wedding, a military career, and an MBA

Sam and Lena Anderson have known each other for 10 years, been married for 6 years, served in the U.S. Army for a combined 14 years across five states and three countries, and come spring 2025, they will both graduate from the Carlson School of Management with an MBA.  

“My wife and I often found ourselves stationed in different places due to assignments or deployments. The Carlson School offered us a unique platform to transition into the private sector while specifically recruiting into the Twin Cities employer base,” says Sam, who is originally from St. Cloud, Minn. “This MBA program not only promised fulfilling professional growth but also catered to our personal lives, providing an environment where we could both thrive.”

Sam and Lena met as undergraduates at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where they lived in the same barracks. They’ve continued to share very similar paths through the years, serving in the same unit during their first duty station at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and even holding the same position with the same supervisor at one point.

“I had the privilege to serve as an Army officer for six years on active duty,” says Lena, who is originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. “In the Army, I was exposed to a wide variety of organizations such as Aviation, Engineer, Special Forces, and Air Defense Artillery. This experience taught me how to work with cross-functional teams and the importance of collectively working towards a common goal as an organization.”

Their military careers were a significant factor in selecting the University of Minnesota for their full-time MBA program.

“The Carlson School's recognition as the nation's #1 ranked military-friendly MBA program was crucial,” says Sam. “Its robust resources and supportive community made it feasible for both of us to attend simultaneously, a rare and invaluable opportunity.”

Both Sam and Lena chose a finance emphasis for their master’s, and they point to the proximity of the Twin Cities’ thriving job market as a natural benefit. Not to mention an expansive alumni network that has been exceptionally welcoming.

“My best memory as an MBA so far has been the support that I have received from Carlson Alumni. Prior to even starting the program, Carlson graduates had been answering my coffee chat requests and sharing their insights on best practices,” says Lena. “Their approachability and willingness to help has been invaluable in my MBA journey and I am grateful to be part of such a supportive community.”

As they head into their desired job offers this summer—Sam as an investment banking summer associate at Piper Sandler and Lena as an intern with the Financial Leadership Development Program at Target—they reflect on what it has been like to work alongside one another and offer some advice for anyone else considering a secondary program as a married couple.

“Navigating the Full-Time MBA program together has been a fulfilling experience. The best part lies in the mutual understanding of our day-to-day experiences and the continuous growth of our future careers in finance,” says Lena. “Communication and balance are key. Couples need to share with their partner what they wish to gain from an MBA to create a common goal. Understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses will allow you to create the perfect balance for your professional development and personal fulfillment.”