Mai Richards, Minnesota Carlson MBA Class of 2027
Age: 33 years old
Hometown: Spearfish, South Dakota
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of Education & Human Development, University of Minnesota. Major: Business & Marketing Education, Minor: Management (Minnesota Carlson)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Operations Associate and Leadership, Health & Wellness Industry, Life Time Inc., 13 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school because I want to build something of my own, and I reached a point where experience alone was no longer enough. I understand people and systems intuitively, but I wanted a deeper, more structured understanding of how businesses are built, decisions are made, and ideas are sustained over time.
The timing mattered because I came into the MBA with clarity about who I am and how I work. Earlier in my career, I was focused on proving myself and taking on responsibility. Now, I’m focused on learning intentionally and gaining the confidence and foundation I need before stepping fully into entrepreneurship.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Minnesota Carlson because it felt familiar in the best way. I completed Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, and over time, I came to trust how I learn in that environment. I knew what it demanded of me, and I knew it would push me in the right ways.
I also cared about timing. I was considering programs abroad, but Carlson felt like the right place to step into the MBA without losing momentum. It offered the structure I wanted, the flexibility to explore entrepreneurship, and a sense of balance that mattered to me at this stage of my life.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My peers would say that what differentiates me is the way I show up in group settings. I bring empathy and steadiness into environments that can sometimes feel competitive or high-pressure, and I’m intentional about how people are feeling and experiencing the work. Classmates often come to me to talk things through, regain confidence, or slow the pace when things feel chaotic. I don’t see that as a leadership role so much as a responsibility to help create space where people feel comfortable being themselves and doing their best work together.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that wasn’t included in your application:
I’ve won several pie-eating contests, including finishing a nine-inch pie in under four minutes, no hands.
Post-MBA career interests:
After my MBA, I want to do work that feels intentional and aligned with my values. I’m interested in continuing to work in health and wellness, while gradually building toward entrepreneurship.
I’m deeply passionate about giving back to underprivileged and underserved communities, and I want that to be part of the work I do long term. At this stage of my life, I’m less focused on titles or speed and more focused on building toward something purposeful, people-centered, and grounded in how I want to contribute.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would approach the application process with the same level of honesty. I didn’t try to shape my story into what I thought schools wanted to hear. I focused on being clear about who I am, what I value, and why this timing made sense for me. That made the process feel more grounded and helped me choose a program that truly fit.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, I would spend less time comparing myself to others during the process. There were moments of wondering who else was applying or whether I measured up, even though I knew better. Looking back, I would trust more deeply that choosing to pursue an MBA is already an act of betting on yourself. I didn’t need to sound more “MBA-like” or fit a certain mold. Being myself was enough, and I would remind future applicants not to lose sight of that.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could skip one part, it would be the waiting period between submitting my application and hearing a decision. It’s the most passive part of the process and naturally comes with uncertainty. I also understood that the waiting is necessary to thoughtfully evaluate applicants, so I tried not to rush that phase mentally.
What helped me get through it was staying grounded in who I am and the experiences I brought to the application. Knowing that I had been honest and intentional made waiting easier to accept, and it also helped me feel at peace with whatever the outcome might have been. When you’re rooted in your own story, even the possibility of rejection feels more manageable.
What is your initial impression of the Minnesota Carlson students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Minnesota Carlson community reflects many of the same reasons I chose the program. The culture feels balanced and grounded. People are driven and serious about their work, but there’s also a strong sense of approachability and care for one another. It feels less about posturing and more about showing up, learning, and supporting each other along the way. That balance has made the environment feel human and sustainable, which I value deeply.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I haven’t officially joined any student organizations yet, but I’m planning to get involved with the Entrepreneurship Club and the Carlson Women’s Business Association. Both align with my interests in building community, exploring ideas, and connecting with others who value thoughtful growth. I’m also still exploring additional organizations and being intentional about where I commit my time so that it remains meaningful and sustainable alongside the MBA.
What is one thing you have learned about Minnesota Carlson that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Minnesota Carlson is the strength and presence of supply chain and operations. I didn’t fully realize how highly regarded the program was in this area until I was already here, and it’s been interesting to see how deeply embedded it is in the curriculum and conversations. Given my background in operations, that focus has felt both relevant and reassuring.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about getting ideas out of my head and into an environment that wants to help me succeed, while also seeing where my classmates land and how their journeys unfold. Being in a place where I can test ideas, talk them through with others, and learn without doing everything on my own is something I’m really looking forward to this year.
