Waleed Cheema, ’26 MBA: From Finance to Biotech
Monday, October 27, 2025
Meet the Minnesota Carlson community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a Full-Time MBA?
After spending several years deeply rooted in finance, I realized I wanted to broaden my perspective beyond the numbers. I pursued a Full-Time MBA to gain a holistic understanding of how different parts of a business connect, from strategy and operations to marketing and innovation. I also wanted to explore new industries and challenge myself to think like a well-rounded leader rather than just a finance professional.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
I chose Minnesota Carlson because of its strong enterprise programs, which provide real-world experience and leadership development. During my coffee chats, I was struck by how genuinely warm and supportive everyone was, from current students to alumni. The collaborative environment and small class size also stood out to me, as they allow for meaningful connections with classmates and professors. It felt like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally while being part of a close-knit community.
What has been or was your most valuable Carlson experience?
My most valuable experience at Carlson has been the mentorship I received from Siddharth Chandramouli, managing director of the Carlson Consulting Enterprise (CCE). Even though I was part of the Funds Enterprise, he took the time to guide me during my summer internship and support me on a personal level as well. His thoughtful advice helped me navigate challenges, grow more confident, and gain new perspectives. Having someone who genuinely cared about my success made a lasting impact and reminded me how special the Carlson community truly is.
Program
’26 Management Science MBA, Finance
Fun Fact
I used to hate EDM, but now I’ve streamed over 900 hours of it this year—guess I’m officially converted.
Undergraduate School and Major
Oxford Brookes University (UK), Accounting
Most Recent Employer & Job Title
Amgen, FSDLP Intern
How did being part of Minnesota Carlson’s broader business ecosystem—spanning the Twin Cities community, local industries, and global partners—shape your experience in the Full-Time MBA program?
Being part of Minnesota Carlson’s broader business ecosystem has been one of the most enriching parts of my MBA journey. Attending networking events, CEO sessions, and guest speaker talks gave me direct access to leaders who are shaping industries both locally and globally. These experiences helped me connect classroom learning with real-world perspectives and inspired me to think bigger about my own career path. The openness of the Twin Cities business community made every interaction feel meaningful and motivating.
How has your Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
I would never have gained entry to the healthcare sector at one of the world’s largest biotech companies, Amgen, if it weren’t for my Carlson experience. As an international student, the support and encouragement from the Carlson community made all the difference. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and guidance from classmates and faculty, I built the confidence and skills to transition into the biotech industry. Carlson not only opened doors for me but also provided the foundation to launch my career in the finance and strategy function of a company whose mission truly inspires me.
Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and guidance from classmates and faculty, I built the confidence and skills to transition into the biotech industry. Carlson not only opened doors for me but also provided the foundation to launch my career in the finance and strategy function of a company whose mission truly inspires me.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Full-Time MBA program?
My advice to potential applicants is to be clear about what you want from the MBA and why you want it. That clarity will guide your journey and make your story authentic. The how, whether it’s choosing classes, finding mentors, or landing the right internship, will naturally fall into place once you’re in the program. Carlson is a place that values purpose and curiosity, so come in with an open mind and a genuine drive to grow, and you’ll find incredible support along the way.