For Suzie Carlsen, leadership has never been confined to one path. After more than a decade in the military, Carlsen is now channeling that experience into business leadership as a first year MBA/MSF student at Portland State University’s School of Business. The journey from National Guard service to Director of Operations and graduate student demonstrates how military experience, resilience, and education can come together to shape a new career trajectory.
A Foundation Built in Service
Carlsen grew up in Santa Rosa, California, where an early interest in healthcare led her to complete an EMT program at Santa Rosa Junior College. While she found the experience valuable, she ultimately decided it was not the right path for her at that time. Shortly afterward, Carlsen joined the National Guard, beginning what would become a ten and a half year military career.
Serving in the Guard offered a wide range of experiences. In addition to regular training, she was frequently activated to assist with emergencies across California, including wildfire response and flood recovery operations. Those experiences exposed Carlsen to fast moving, high stakes environments where adaptability and teamwork were essential.
“The cool thing about being in the Guard was the variety,” she explained. “I could have a regular civilian job, and then suddenly be activated to go fight fires or respond to flooding. You had to learn quickly and adapt.”
During this time, Carlsen served as a sergeant and instructor, where she led driver trainings and supported programs such as suicide prevention and drug testing. The experience placed her in positions of responsibility early and helped shape her approach to leadership.
Military service eventually led to an overseas deployment to the Middle East from 2017 to 2018. After sustaining an injury during deployment, Carlsen returned to the United States and underwent surgery at OHSU. During her recovery, she relocated to the Vancouver Portland area and began considering the next chapter of her career.
Finding a New Path Through Education
While recovering and transitioning out of the military, Carlsen decided to return to school. She began classes at Portland Community College before transferring to Portland State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in science and a minor in psychology.
Returning to the classroom after years of military service required adjustment.
“In the military, you are used to very structured environments and people from all different backgrounds,” Carlsen said. “Going back to school meant adapting again, learning a new routine and figuring out how to balance work and classes.”
That transition also came with a shift in environment. In the military, Carlsen had been responsible for leading teams across a wide range of ages and experiences. In the classroom, she found herself navigating group dynamics differently, learning to step back at times and allow others to take the lead.
The discipline and routine developed during military service helped support her success in the classroom. The mindset of tackling challenges head on became an advantage in her graduate studies.
“I have been in situations that were life or death,” she said. “A test or presentation is not that big of a deal by comparison. You just get it done.”
Leading in the Business World
While completing her undergraduate degree, Carlsen began building a career in the outdoor and automotive industry. What started as a part time job she initially fell into while in school quickly turned into something more.
Today, Carlsen serves as Director of Operations at ReRack, a Portland-based company specializing in roof racks, trailer hitches, and vehicle accessories. The company focuses on sustainability by offering new, used, and refurbished products, helping keep equipment out of landfills.
Carlsen now oversees company operations and strategy, stepping into significant responsibility quickly.
“I ended up skipping a few traditional career steps,” she said. “A lot of what I have learned has been through experience, research, and figuring things out as I go.”
While thriving in the role, Carlsen recognized that formal business education could strengthen her leadership and deepen her understanding of the financial and strategic side of running a company.
Why an MBA/MSF?
Carlsen entered the Portland MBA/MSF program to build a stronger foundation in business and become a more effective leader.
“I wanted the foundation behind what I am already doing,” Carlsen said. “Things like financial analysis, strategy, and understanding the technical side of business.”
The program has already reinforced many lessons learned on the job, often putting formal terminology to concepts she was already applying in practice.
“A lot of it has been those moments where I realize, ‘Oh, that is what this is called,’” she said.
Beyond strengthening her skillset, Carlsen is focused on helping ReRack grow and remain competitive in a crowded industry.
“As a small business, we want to stay competitive and have the respect of larger manufacturers,” Carlsen said. “The MBA/MSF helps me understand the numbers and the strategy behind the decisions we are making, and communicate at that level.”
Carlsen is pursuing an ambitious academic path. In addition to her MBA/MSF, she is working toward certificates in Athletic and Outdoor Industry and Enterprise Analytics, with the goal of completing the program in two years.
Leadership Lessons from the Military
Military experience continues to influence how Carlsen approaches both work and graduate school. Routine, adaptability, and teamwork remain central to balancing the demands of leadership and academics.
“You get used to having a routine in the military,” Carlsen explained. “If something changes, you adjust and still get everything done.”
At the same time, transitioning from military leadership to a collaborative classroom environment has required intentional adjustment, particularly in group settings where leadership is shared.
“It is a different dynamic,” Carlsen said. “In the military you are used to jumping in and solving the problem right away.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
For veterans considering graduate school, Carlsen encourages them to take the opportunity if it is available.
“Just go for it,” Carlsen said. “If you have education benefits, use them. You earned them.”
She also emphasizes the importance of community. For many veterans, graduate programs can help recreate the sense of connection and teamwork experienced during military service.
“You spend years working closely with a team in the military,” Carlsen said. “Being in a cohort gives you that sense of community again.”
Looking Ahead
Carlsen plans to graduate in 2027 and continue building her leadership skills while helping ReRack grow and innovate within the outdoor industry.
For Carlsen, the MBA/MSF is not about chasing a title or the highest salary. Instead, it is about gaining the knowledge needed to lead effectively while continuing to do work she finds meaningful.
“I love what I do,” Carlsen said. “The MBA/MSF is helping me become even better at it.”
From military service to business leadership, Suzie Carlsen’s story highlights how determination, adaptability, and education can turn experience into impact in both business and community leadership.
Ready to level up your career? Learn more about the MBA/MSF dual degree program here.