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(4.7) |
The experience at Michigan Ross has been amazing. World class education, and a program that is entirely deserving of its top-10 ranking. I've had a great experience getting to try my hand at a variety of different fields in a format that is the genesis for the program: Action-based learning both in and outside of the classroom. From being able to do consulting for an energy company as well as a professional sports team, all through school connections, to being a part of a $1B real estate project for MAP (essentially a second internship that is a part of the core), and being able to do real venture capital investing through one of the many student-managed funds has been great.
The alumni network is one of the largest and is spread across different industries, geographies, and seniority levels. Alumni, like current students, are very passionate and willing to bend over backward to help another fellow Wolverine out. Fellow students are all very bright, accomplished, and for the most part genuinely pretty nice people. The latter part has been one of the most surprising for me since I often hear from friends at other programs how the big cities they are in are often distractions and don't allow for genuine relationship building.
That leads me to Ann Arbor. It is NOT a big city, and for all some hype it up to be, it's not that metropolitan. Sure there are a few niceties for a college town, but it was definitely an adjustment the first year. Mentally prepare yourself and your partner if you are moving with them. It's probably the biggest downside of the experience. That being said, this downside is what leads to making it such a close-knit culture. You'll definitely travel on ski trips, internationally to beaches, and so on, but this is Michigan, college sports are HUGE and there aren't that many other things to do. So it leads to a lot of bonding at the MBA tailgate ('The Bus') or house parties. So be prepared for that, but honestly, it's a great time, and like I said, it's a great conduit for making a lot of close friendships and one that creates closer, and more passionate bonds, than other programs.
Curriculum-wise, the program officially is a General Management program, but the school consistently ranks in the top 10 across various specializations. It's top for management, marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, operations, etc. the list goes on. Further, most large companies recruit here. If you are pursuing Consulting, Investment Banking, General Management, CPG/Marketing, Tech, Real Estate, and Operations all the top firms(MBB, BB, F500, FAANG) come here. More niche industries are interesting. Investment Management/Hedge Funds have a presence with Point72, Citadel, Optiver, Peak6, American Century, Viking, T.Rowe Price, and BlackRock, having recruiting efforts here, but I will say for some of these (Hedge Funds in particular) they also recruit undergrad BBAs (for less $$$) so you have to be cognizant of that and get your face in front of the recruiters. So that is a unique double-edged sword here, but for being a school in the midwest far away from Wall Street, it does have a decent showing for buy-side opportunities. PE/VC also has some growing efforts that are slowly becoming more institutionalized, but like most programs, you have to do some searching outside for more opportunities. Entrepreneurship has a lot of resources ($$$ and mentors) with Zell-Lurie Institute as well as a rapidly growing ETA/Search Funds club.
Overall, I think if you want a great MBA experience, an amazing network, the best consortium class, and access to all the top career opportunities you could ever dream about, all in a very welcoming and collaborative culture, Michigan Ross should be on your radar. I would suggest prospective MBA students come visit the school for themselves! GO BLUE!
Overall excellent education all around, some classes are more dry than others, but the good news is that most classes are delivered in a mix of action-based learning, case method, team collaboration, simulations, and some lectures.
If you are an entrepreneur I would definitely consider Michigan Ross -- tons of resources, huge alumni base in Silicon Valley between Ross, College of Engineering, School of Information, Law school, and LS&A, and they all LOVE Michigan and are super helpful. Honestly, it might be the best alumni network due to its size, engagement, and widespread geography.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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I'd suggest applicants take the time to visit the school. I strongly believe that this one one of the country's best MBA programs however, it is too often underestimated. The caliber of the student body, breadth of opportunities for career growth and professional development, and access to alumni and professors is key. Most schools merely give students a brand name whereas Ross gives them a sound foundation to be great leaders upon graduation.
I would recommend speaking to alums from the schools you are considering, put rankings aside, put names aside, and simply ask about experiences. I don't believe there is a comparison to the total MBA experience at Ross and after speaking with many of my peers feel this would be cooberated by them as well.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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The Action-Based Learning nature of the curriculum, which Ross pioneered, helped me transition as a career switcher because it gave me some practical experience which I could apply in my internship immediately. This was invaluable to the success of my internship and recruiting.
I was able to grow at Ross not only academically but also as a person. The supportive nature of the Ross community made me realize the importance of asking for and giving help. I used to rely on myself in my previous work life but quickly learned that I had some talents that were unique to myself and others had talents which helped them achieve great success.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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The best part of the Ross program has been the current students and the alumni network. I have learned so much from others and really grown. I have had amazing career opportunities in healthcare marketing and have had the chance to help being others into my career path. The social aspect of Ross really adds to the value of my degree because I have had an opportunity to truly get to know my classmates and alumni. At first, I was concerned about the location, but I have grown to respect and appreciate Ann Arbor and the healthcare opportunities it offers.
Overall BSchool experience (4.0)
Schools contribution (4.0)
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I was a career switcher with only a few years of work experience in engineering, so the transition to business was definitely difficult, but the high quality and collaborative nature of the school made it a great learning experience. While Ann Arbor is definitely not known as a metro hub, it is a great environment of really getting to know your classmates without all the distractions of a big city. Most companies that you may be recruiting for will not have offices in Ann Arbor, but Ann Arbor's central location in the country make other cities on both coasts accessible for recruiting/networking.
At Ross, you have the option of accessing classes, students, and professors at several other top 10 programs thru University of Michigan. Take advantage of that network! Business school students aren't the only ones doing incredible things.
Overall BSchool experience (4.0)
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My goal going into business school was to boost my academic acumen and transition into consulting. Michigan provided those opportunities and so much more. The culture at Michigan is such that 2nd years train 1st years and then the next class pays it back to the incoming class. So students really get the opportunity to be leaders and the school merely provides the structure and support for us to be successful. I also took every chance to study abroad and Michigan has a lot of resources around that as well. I would recommend to any incoming student to make the most of their time at Michigan, step outside their comfort zone, and definitely go to as many football games as possible.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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Finance
I went to business school for an incredible transformative experience and I got more than I asked for. At Ross, I had classmates from all over the world offering unique perspectives I would have never had access to otherwise. I was able to attend class with world renowned professors who's lectures still resonate with me today. My classmates continue to inspire me everyday with the work they've been doing after graduation. I've often said that even if I didn't have a job today, I would still think the experience was worth every penny. I feel super lucky to be part of this amazing network.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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Having an idea of what you want to gain from going to school is great, whether it be skills, career aspirations, or expanding your network, but not all student walk into school with complete clarity in their next steps post business school. Ross excels in providing students the opportunity to try new ventures, test the boundaries of realities, inside and outside of the classroom. Also, Ross excels at providing a diverse body that is there to support, encourage, and challenge you every step of the way. I walked in school knowing what I wanted to do, which was a huge benefit because it allowed me to focus on developing skills and partaking in some of the opportunities the school offers through their institutes and global programs. There are so many opportunities available, so many that you are unfortunately unable to do everything. And while I wish I had done more (only by virtue of more time could I have done more) I walked out of school prepared academically and professionally (through developed skills); well connected to my classmates, friends, and alumni; ready and able to re-enter the workforce.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
Schools contribution (4.0)
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The MBA program at Ross exceeded my expectations. I truly enjoyed every single aspect of the program, from the extraordinary professors, to my classmates, to the action-based mentality. It was a very humbling experience since I always felt like I was the least smart person in any team, yet everyone was always extremely helpful and nice. The program has an excellent mix of action-based learning with unique experiences such as MAP and regular cases. The alumni network is also amazing and every alumni I have emailed has responded very quickly and has been eager to help in any way. Recruiting was a little stressful as it always is, but the wide variety of companies that recruited at Ross made it easy to secure a great spot for both internship as well as full-time. I would not change my MBA at Ross for any other.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
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Every top MBA school will offer you a great education and career opportunities, but Ross differentiated itself through the student culture and experience, making us feel like a family. My fellow classmates were an invaluable resource as I underwent my journey to change careers and successfully recruit consulting as well as succeed in my coursework and extra curricular activities. The Ross experience takes students beyond the classrooms with the emphasis on action-based learning and the MTREK and MAP experiences were exceptional. I would suggest future applicants to visit the school and experience the family as I have before choosing school solely on rank.
Ryan Ball is the best accounting teacher there is. He had been eager to take the class final. Also take the joint class offered by Bill Hall / Jeff Sinclair. Best capstone course for an MBA.
Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
Schools contribution (5.0)
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Could you add some commentary as to why the pretty low "Schools contribution" rating or just expand upon it a bit? You rave about the experience but then there's a pretty clear downmark.