Camden Pomeranz, '24 BSB, ’24 MHRIR: Driven by Opportunity and Purpose
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Meet Minnesota Carlson's community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations?
I always knew that I wanted to work in the strategic side of HR for my career, which is traditionally achieved through a master’s degree and/or several years of administrative HR experience. Additionally, while working towards my undergraduate degree in Human Resources & Industrial Relations at the Carlson School of Management, I learned about the Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations (MHRIR) program during an information session I attended. During the session, I discovered that the program was newly inviting undergraduate students to be a part of the Integrated Degree (BSB/MHRIR) program, which would allow students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in a condensed timeframe. Because of this unique opportunity, I decided to apply to the program to reach my career goals more quickly.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
Although I spent most of my childhood in San Diego, California, I have always felt a strong connection to Minnesota. This bond stems from having lived there briefly, and having many family and friends live in the state. Additionally, my older sister also attended Minnesota Carlson and had a great experience, which further influenced my decision. Those factors, combined with the school’s reputation for being a rigorous and respected institution, motivated me to choose Carlson. I am so glad I did!
What has been or was your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience?
There were many valuable experiences, but the most memorable was the MHRIR internal case competition. The full-time MHRIR cohort, working in teams of four, competed to develop and present strategic, creative solutions to a current HR-related business case involving a global company. Over three rounds, the teams delivered formal presentations and answered judges’ questions, while also tackling an extra “twist” introduced before the final round. The experience taught me how to work through complex business problems and think quickly when unexpected curveballs arise along the way. My team won the competition, and I have applied those skills in my current job, which requires me to utilize my consulting abilities to solve the organization’s daily problems.
How did being part of Minnesota Carlson's broader business ecosystem—spanning the Twin Cities community, local industries, and global partners—impact your MHRIR journey?
One of the major motivators for me to attend Minnesota Carlson was its close proximity to 17 Fortune 500 companies, as well as numerous smaller companies in the area. Many of those companies, large and small, actively participate in enhancing Carlson's curriculum by providing real-world business problems that students get to solve. For example, the MHRIR experiential learning capstone was a team-based consulting project, where groups collaborated with companies in the area, including UnitedHealth Group, Land O’Lakes, nVent, and others, to solve a real HR-related business problem the organization was facing. My team was proud to present our recommendations focused on onboarding practices to nVent at the end of the semester.
Program
’24 MHRIR
Fun Fact
I was a spin instructor at UMN RecWell during my time as a Gopher! I still like to exercise, and you can find me lifting weights in the gym or exploring new walking trails in my free time.
Undergraduate School and Major
University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, BSB in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
Most Recent Employer & Job Title
WEX Inc, HR Business Partner - HR Leadership Development Associate
I would not have the career that I do now without Minnesota Carlson. All the professional experience I gained prior to my full-time role, including internships, overseas consulting work, and leadership roles, was made possible thanks to Carlson and its relationships with companies.
How has your Minnesota Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
I would not have the career that I do now without Minnesota Carlson. All the professional experience I gained prior to my full-time role, including internships, overseas consulting work, and leadership roles, was made possible thanks to Carlson and its relationships with companies. Additionally, the Career Center provides career coaching, workshops to improve your resume and interview skills, and opportunities to network and interview with companies. You have to put in the extra work to take advantage of those resources and build your network. Internships and jobs are competitive, but Carlson wants to see you succeed. Furthermore, outside of the Career Center, Carlson's strong reputation helps you stand out during your job and internship search.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s MHRIR program?
I would say that demonstrating eagerness to learn from both your professors and peers is essential. Along with knowledgeable professors, the MHRIR program draws in students from around the world, and you have a lot to benefit from the diverse perspectives your classmates bring. My cohort included a variety of ages, experience levels, and nationalities, which allowed for rich discussions in the classroom. I was the youngest student, having completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 3.5 years, so learning from my more experienced classmates was largely beneficial. That said, people of all ages and experience levels both add value to and gain a lot from the program. As the University of Minnesota admissions says, come curious!
