10 Years of Careers & Cheers for Part-Time, Online MBA Students

Careers & Cheers provided an evening of career wisdom, humor and advice as the annual event celebrated a 10-year milestone of bringing together Minnesota Carlson students in the Online and Part-Time MBA programs.

The gathering hosted at Surly Brewing Co. by the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC), the Student Leadership Council and Alumni Relations gave students the opportunity to network in person and hear from alumni in TED Talk-style presentations.

Over the past decade, Careers & Cheers has become an annual highlight for students in the Online MBA and Part-Time MBA programs. In recent years, attendance has expanded to include students in the Full-Time MBA and Carlson Executive MBA programs. CBCC Senior Associate Director & Program Manager of MBA Career Development Kelly McClellan, who founded the event, looked back on how the idea sparked a decade of tradition.

“It’s really special,” said McClellan. “It started as, ‘How do we make this more engaging — and maybe a little more fun?’ And now it’s something that brings people together year after year. Seeing that sense of community stick is really rewarding.”

This year’s theme — Celebrating 10 Years of Agility, Resilience and Community — was brought to life by a diverse panel of alumni leaders. Featured speakers included Assistant Dean Phil Miller, ’97 MBA, alongside representatives from global brands including 3M, Deloitte, Optum, Smith & Nephew and event sponsor Coloplast.

Students say the night was a chance to connect with classmates and alumni in a casual, yet engaging setting.

“Being a part-time student, most of us have jobs and family commitments where we can’t always be on campus for every network mixer or organization’s event,” said Jabari Knox, a Part-Time MBA student. “Cheers & Careers gives us this moment to not only reflect on experience at Carlson, but build community and lean in on the relationships that the school builds.” 

For many students, the event also served as a reminder of the Carlson network they’ve built throughout the program.

“It goes beyond traditional networking and feels like a true celebration of shared experiences,” said Marguerite Ohrtman, an Online MBA student and a professor at the University’s College of Education and Human Development. “There’s an energy in the room that reflects how much people value connection, and it’s exciting to be part of creating a space where those relationships can continue to grow even after the program ends.”

Photos by Rebecca Slater