Ore-ofe Olakunbi

“A selfless, optimistic, resilient leader with a passion for global food security and safety”

Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria

Fun Fact About Yourself: Driving is one of my hobbies; my highest record was driving for 22.5 hours non-stop.

Undergraduate School and Major: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Animal Care Services Konsult- Regional Sales Manager

What has been your favorite part of the Twin Cities so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?

The Twin Cities are full of parks, beautiful people, and places with good quality and healthy lifestyles. So far, my favorite part has been walking across the Lake Street-Marshall Bridge, which connects both cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and spans across the Mississippi River. The Twin Cities have a diverse and thriving business community with headquarters of 19 Fortune 500 companies across several industries. They all recruit from the University of Minnesota, providing ample networking opportunities, internships, and potential job placements for MBA students.

Carlson MBA spend a year in hands-on Enterprise programs for Consulting, Branding, Ventures, and Funds. Which program do you intend to enroll in? What excites most about your Enterprise program?

I enrolled in the Carlson Brand Enterprise (CBE), and what excites me most about the Carlson Brand Enterprise program is its unique approach to student consultancy. Unlike traditional project-based student consultancies, CBE operates as a professional services firm, offering an unparalleled opportunity to work with senior management at top companies on high-level, strategic marketing and business challenges.

What sets Carlson Brand Enterprise apart is its commitment to delivering measurable returns on investments for clients. The focus on strategic input, project management, and efficiency aligns with my career goals of understanding marketing theories and applying them to impact a company’s bottom line and market valuation positively.

Overall, the opportunity to design integrated and aligned strategies supported by innovative marketing tactics and the mentorship and resources provided will make the Carlson Brand Enterprise an exciting and enriching aspect of my MBA program.

Aside from your classmates, experiential learning, and location, what was the key part of the Carlson MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you?

Being a seasoned Veterinary Doctor with vast experience and expertise in the Food and Agribusiness industry, one key aspect of the Carlson MBA program that attracted me to Carlson was the Food and Agribusiness Specialization as part of the optional electives in the curriculum. Carlson was one of the few business schools with this distinct specialization, which aligns with my long-term goal of being a major global food producer. This specialization would make me learn more about the business management and sustainability of food from farm to fork, as the University of Minnesota is a leader in food and agricultural policy and research.

Additionally, Carlson’s commitment to diversity often extends to an international perspective, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with classmates from different countries and engage in global business initiatives, because understanding diverse cultures and global markets is vital in today’s interconnected global business landscape. This global focus prepares me for leadership roles in an increasingly international business environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

My biggest accomplishment was launching my first start-up firm in the food industry in Nigeria after encountering several failures. I’m proud to say that the start-up experienced a 122.6% growth rate within 2 years, and we’re finally charting ways to launch into the food-tech industry. This milestone represents my multifaceted accomplishments, showcasing my entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking, operational competence, and passion to positively impact the market and contribute my own quota to solving global food insecurity.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My most significant accomplishment was surviving the first semester of my MBA journey as a non-traditional student despite having some experience in business roles. Navigating through intense coursework, adjusting to a new learning environment, and building connections with classmates demanded resilience and adaptability. Overcoming the initial challenges has strengthened my time management and prioritization skills and set a solid foundation for success in the remainder of the program. This achievement signifies my ability to thrive in a rigorous academic and professional setting and positions me well for the challenges and opportunities in achieving my career goals.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

Attending the Annual Gala Celebration of Carlson culture stands out as my best MBA memory. The event encapsulated a vibrant and inclusive community, fostering connections beyond the classroom. Engaging with fellow students, faculty, and professionals in a celebratory atmosphere showcased the unique and supportive culture that defines Carlson and the opportunity to taste several foods/cuisines from diverse cultures. This experience has been a memorable highlight, reflecting the essence of camaraderie and shared success within the Carlson MBA community.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Carlson MBA program?

Be true to yourself! Remember to thoroughly research the Carlson MBA program, tailor your application to showcase your international perspective, and demonstrate how you will contribute to Carlson’s diverse and collaborative community. Highlighting your unique background and experiences will strengthen your application as an international student. Listed below are my five-tailored pieces of advice: