Student Stories

At the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, you will be among a diverse group of students with varied points of view. Each brings unique perspective and life experiences. Together, you share a common objective: to emerge from the Evening MBA program educated and empowered to lead, overcome challenges and achieve lifelong success. Compelling student stories reflect the principles embraced by Michigan's Ross School of Business and attest to the appeal of its program.

Achiever

If you’re a person who likes to make your mark, to achieve through contribution, Michigan’s Evening MBA Program will help you do just that. Being on a “path” is one of my personal values. As I push forward with my career, I’m ever aware of this path and how the Evening MBA Program is leading me to new achievements. As a Software Implementation Engineer, I used to devote 80% of my time to technical issues. Then I began my MBA program at Michigan. As people became aware of my studies, my managers and peers began to rely on me for different types of information. After two years in the Program, I’ve successfully transitioned to Business Development and Strategic Planning. My new and emerging skills helped me to move into the business role quickly.

As I have progressed through the curriculum, I am able to convert my knowledge into ideas almost immediately. I’m now able to apply business concepts across the board to various industries. The Evening MBA Program helped me successfully break away from my functional and industry-specific experience and work in other areas. Through Michigan’s Evening MBA Program, I have gained expertise to add value to my company where previously I could not. Higher things are expected of me and I find that invigorating.

Gregg Nichols
Evening MBA

Pacesetter

The Evening MBA Program has given me avenues to apply my strengths to benefit the common good, while learning from peers who bring completely different yet complementary gifts to the table. The Program is designed so that you’ll interact with classmates from diverse backgrounds – engineering, finance and human resources, for example – and benefit from how each examines a problem from a different perspective.

Serving as the VP for Communications for the Evening MBA Association has been a highlight of my leadership-building experience. The Association is a student-run initiative that represents Evening student perspectives to the administration, faculty, recruiters and all student programs. The Association is a great way to address issues and get to know my classmates on a deeper level. Our goal is to help the Evening Program’s amazingly accomplished and incredibly busy people make the most of their time at Michigan – academically, professionally and socially.

When I finish my MBA, I don’t want to look back and wish I’d made time to get involved. I am Co-President of the Entertainment, Media and Sports Club and volunteer in several community organizations. I hope I can show Evening students that they can work full time; take classes where they’re challenged by world-class professors and impressive classmates; and still go to social events, participate in clubs and meet for study groups. If I have to run a little faster these few years to pack everything in, I will.

Colleen Newvine Tebeau
Evening MBA

Change Agent

One of my most rewarding experiences has been pioneering a rotational management program at my current employer. I developed the skills to pilot this program in Michigan’s Evening MBA Program. Michigan’s emphasis on gaining broad knowledge of several business functions coupled with professional development has taught me how to get things done. Through numerous courses, including Mergers and Acquisitions and Networking, I learned how to leverage my support system in new ways and better understand my character and my personal brand equity. I gained the skills ands knowledge to be a true change agent in my organization. As a result, I’m meeting my long term aspirations and career goals.

I came to Michigan seeking to change my current situation, but to remain with my current employer. I wanted to broaden my ability to create change, broaden my business skills and understand growth strategies. As a result, I’ve been chosen to supervise the quality testing of a state-of-the-art heart/lung machine. This program is the backbone of my company’s future and a key revenue driver. It feels great to gain knowledge at Michigan that directly affects my work environment.

Matthew Holmes
Evening MBA