Kristen Ruud

My Story

While I was working at Best Buy, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing individuals who encouraged me to think about going back and getting my MBA. I am incredibly lucky to have had such great encouragement and support when making this decision. So, after 4 years in the real world, I decided it was time for me to take on this next challenge.  

Why Carlson?

As I considered where I wanted to go to get my MBA, I not only thought about what matters to me most from an educational standpoint, but also what matters the most outside the classroom. I ended up choosing Carlson because it has a unique opportunity to enhance your learning through the Enterprises, but it also has a community of people that were unmatched by any other program. I knew that I was going to be spending countless hours with my classmates, so it was very important for me to find a place where I felt like I fit. After visiting the campus, talking with other students and meeting my potential classmates, I knew that Carlson was the right place for me to spend the next 2 years. 

Living in the Twin Cities

I have been living in the Twin Cities for about 8 years, and I have grown to absolutely love it here. In the summer, you can head to Lake Calhoun to enjoy some kayaking or just hang out at the beach. In the winter, you can head to one of the nearby ski resorts to enjoy a weekend of downhill skiing. Twice a year there is Restaurant Week where you can try different restaurants at a lower price (which as a student, you will jump at the opportunity).  All year round you can enjoy concerts, plays, and exhibits at countless theaters and museums throughout the city. There is truly something for everyone, you just have to find the time to experience it all.