National Volunteer Month - Regional Chapter Volunteers

Catherine Wang Yang, BSB ‘08 & MBA ‘15, and Kaizen Yang, MBA ‘15,

1. How did you start getting involved with the Carlson School volunteer program?

Both of us were active volunteers throughout our Carlson MBA, which is how we first became acquainted with the Alumni Relations team. Since moving to the Greater New York Area, we have wanted to help grow the Carlson NYC Chapter.

2. What has been your most rewarding experience to date?

Catherine: As an alumna, getting the company that I work for to be a first-time sponsor for the Carlson Elite 8 Case Competition, and being a judge for it, was very rewarding.

Kaizen: What I have found most enjoyable about the NYC Chapter is promoting Carlson's events to other NYC-area alums. Seeing other people's interest in our upcoming events has been rewarding.

3. What tactics do you use to make sure a prospective MBA feels at home at the Carlson School?

When we were at Carlson, we would get to know the prospective students and their interests. Then we would share things, based on their needs/interests, to show how they would fit into our Carlson community (Example: for prospective students with spouses (not enrolled at Carlson), we would talk about spousal programs and introduce them to other student spouses).

4. How has the NYC Chapter helped to form a Carlson School community across the country?

Catherine: The NYC Chapter connects Carlson alums in a big city to help all of us feel more at home and builds a sense of community.

Kaizen: Our focus for the chapter is to plan events based on the input from fellow NY-area alums. Hopefully, through our events, we will generate positive interest and grow Carlson's presence in Greater New York.

5. Why do you feel it’s important to give your time to the Carlson School and its students?

We are proud to have graduated from the Carlson School. The school has given us so much, so we want to help give back and be advocates for the school.