Evening MBA StudentsJump to Weekend MBA Students
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 David
Dronzkowski, Class of 2014,
Evening MBA Student
Email me
dronz@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Strategy; Organizational Management
Undergrad: University of Michigan; Mechanical
Engineering
I decided to pursue a Ross MBA degree because I knew that developing
solutions to the problems we face today meant having an in-depth
understanding of both technical and business issues. I wanted an
educational environment with a diverse and talented student body; a well
respected world class faculty; and an institution with a strong global
brand. Combine this with the flexibility of an evening program that
allows the proper work/life balance and Ross was the only choice. Each
and every class session presents new challenges and opportunities for
growth!
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Thomas Godfrey, Class of 2014, Evening MBA Student
Email me
trgodfre@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Entrepreneurship & Strategy
Undergrad: Kettering University; Mechanical Engineering
Graduate: Oakland University;
Mechanical Engineering
Have you ever wondered why some businesses succeed and others
fail? It is my dream to start my own business, but statistics
show that 80% of all new businesses fail within 5 years.
Consequently, Ross offers nearly 20 entrepreneurial courses, an
Entrepreneur and Venture Club, and opportunities to participate
in entrepreneurial Multidisciplinary Action Projects. In short,
Ross is the only part-time program that offers their part-time
students the same services and opportunities they offer their
full-time students. I chose Ross because it allows me to keep
my day job while I pursue my dream at night. Additionally, I
would have never thought that attending class after a grueling
day of work would be fun; in fact, it is the highlight of my
day. It’s hard to pin point why that is…. Is it the
charismatic personality of the professors? Is it because I
enjoy chatting with my new friends? Perhaps, it’s the
collaborative learning environment that is both competitive and
nurturing. Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of the Ross
community, and I would enjoy sharing my experience with you.
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Junjia Hou, Class of 2013, Evening MBA Student
Email me junjia@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Investment Banking
Undergrad: Eastern Michigan University; Finance
I currently work in corporate finance and I want to career
switch to investment banking as my next step in my career path.
The Ross Evening MBA program is the best fit for me, because I
can take advantage of Ross's action-based learning, supportive
environment, and strong alumni network to develop knowledge
and skills needed for investment banking. I have been amazed at
how helpful bright MBA students are to each other with academics
and career preparation. We also receive all kinds of support
from different departments at Ross and the University of
Michigan. I believe my Ross experiences are extremely valuable
for my personal and career growth now and in future.
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Alexis Jay, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me alexisja@umich.edu
Undergrad: Trent University; Chemistry & University
of Waterloo; Chemical Engineering
The connections I have made with my classmates and the Ross faculty
and staff are the highlight of my experience. Everyone challenges
you to step out of your comfort zone while providing a world class
support system. To complement my classroom education I participate
in various student MBA organizations, case competitions and industry
conferences. All together, these elements have strengthened my
business acumen and my ability to add value in any situation.
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Sanjeev Kapoor, Class of 2013, Evening MBA Student
Email me skkapoor@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Strategy and Operations
Undergrad: Punjab University, India; Mechanical
Engineering
In order to make the positive difference that I aspire to, I
need both a visionary understanding of principles and theories,
and the experience of putting it into practice while overcoming
difficulties. The Ross MBA program is uniquely enabling me to
earn both. This is because of the top-tier faculty, students and
alumni, and because of the emphasis on real-world practicality
embodied in the action-based program. The Ross MBA program has
been consistently recognized as one of the best in the world
over many years. Working with fellow-students of a world-class
caliber, I am learning the most, and I, myself, will change the
most. I see a Ross MBA as a key stepping stone to bridge the gap
between my technical excellence and my goal of management
excellence, upon which I am building the necessary experiential
skills that will enable me to realize my career goals.
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Jacob Krebs, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me jkkrebs@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Consulting and General Management
Undergrad: Iowa State University; Mechanical
Engineering
After building a solid technical foundation in the world of
engineering consulting, I knew it was time to develop some of my
other interests and take my career in a new direction by earning
an MBA. Being one of the country's elite business schools, Ross
was the obvious choice, and I'm pleased to say that the
experience has met or exceeded my already high expectations on
every level. Most notably, I have been thoroughly impressed
with the caliber of both students and faculty, and I have been
amazed at the number of opportunities to exercise leadership
outside of the classroom. My involvement as a member of the
Part-Time MBA Association Board has been especially rewarding,
and I've grown my network in ways that I never imagined. Best
of all, I've established friendships that I'm certain will last
a lifetime.
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Gary Newbold, Class of 2014, Evening MBA Student
Email me gnewbold@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Strategy, Consulting and General Management
Undergrad: Oakland University; Electrical
Engineering
I debated early on in my undergraduate studies at Michigan State
University whether I would eventually pursue an MBA or a Master’s
Degree in Electrical Engineering. The decision was fairly easy as I
became aware of my interest in working with individuals of different
academic backgrounds. I selected an MBA from the University of
Michigan which will provide me with the knowledge to become a
strong, strategic leader. The capabilities and experiences of each
student combined with high caliber professors and action-based
learning make the Ross School of Business a world-class MBA program
that I am proud and excited to be a part of. The part-time program
allows me the flexibility to attend class in the evening and
implement the lessons the next day at work. Activities such as the
Ross Leadership Initiative and Multidisciplinary Action Project only
enhance the program further. I am having a great time being a part
of this program and I am confident my Ross MBA will provide me with
opportunities, networks, and lifelong friendships.
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Mark Nunez, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me mnunez@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Marketing and Organizational Management
Undergrad: Michigan State University; Economics and
Social Science
My education at Ross has been a great experience where I have been
able to develop relationships and essential skills that will enhance
my career and life. I have been fortunate to learn from a diverse
body of gifted students from all over the world in the collaborative
action based learning for which Ross is known. There are all kinds
of opportunities for learning from the many resources at Ross and an
extensive alumni network to assist you. The culture at Ross is
truly cooperative where faculty, students and staff go out of their
way to provide their assistance. Ross is a leader in so many
disciplines that it provides you a well rounded education that is
flexible and that you can tailor to your specific needs. |
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Jeff Previte, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me jprevite@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Consulting, General Management
Undergrad: John Carroll University; Marketing and
Logistics
My path to Ross has been a fairly consistent one of 2 hours and 40 minutes
which is the time it takes me to commute from Cleveland to Ann
Arbor. Making this roundtrip in one day to take a class is truly a
testament to the value I place on the Ross education. I started at
another institution and transferred to Ross because of its
world-renown reputation, academic excellence, and the tremendous
opportunity that the entire experience provides, not to mention that
it will help position me to achieve my long-term career goals. My
experience at Ross has been extremely rewarding. I have had the
unique perspective of taking classes at another well-regarded
institution and I can’t emphasize enough the difference in the
quality of education I have received at Ross. Please feel free to
send me an email if you have any questions or if you are planning a
road trip to Cleveland and need any scenic routes. Go Blue!
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Ebony Pyke, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me emorton@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Operations, Consulting and General Management
Undergrad: University of Michigan;
Mechanical Engineering
When selecting a program from which to pursue my MBA, I knew I
wanted a world class program that would provide me with the
opportunity to capitalize upon my learning experiences in my current
position and beyond. The Ross part-time MBA program provides a
perfect fit, with its unique action-based learning approach
integrating classroom learning with implementation virtually
real-time. I love being able to learn concepts then apply them
which results in further knowledge reinforcement. Ross has helped
me to develop into a confident and astute business leader that is
poised to add value and succeed in any environment. |
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Daniel Rife, Class of 2014, Evening MBA Student
Email me drife@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Entrepreneurship
Undergrad & Grad: University of Michigan; Chemical Engineering
The choice to attend Ross School of Business was easy for me,
because it offers much more than a state of the art facility, and
world-class faculty. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by a group
of forward thinking peers that constantly challenge and encourage me
to develop as a professional. The Part Time MBA experience at Ross
enables me to integrate classroom discussions with real-time work
situations, augmenting my technical knowledge and business acumen. |
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Robert Riley, Class of 2013,
Evening MBA Student
Email me rmriley@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Business Law and Finance
Undergrad: University of Michigan; Political Science & French
Graduate: Wayne State University Law
School; Juris Doctor
Having started my professional career as a lawyer, I decided to
pursue an MBA to diversify my education and strengthen my leadership
abilities. Ross was the natural choice given its tradition of
academic excellence and action-based approach to learning.
Analyzing emerging issues with world-class faculty and working
hand-in-hand with classmates from diverse backgrounds have made my
experience at Ross a great success. Without question, Ross has
challenged my conventional approach to critical thinking and pushed
me to explore ideas I never before thought possible. These skills
will serve me well both personally and professionally. |
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Iryna Shapavalava, Class of 2011, Evening MBA Student
Email me ishapava@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Corporate Finance & Strategy
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin Madison; Finance, Investment Banking
After working in corporate finance for several years, I wanted to
improve my management and leadership skills to take my career to a
new level. Ross was a perfect fit for me because of its rigorous
academics, action-based learning, collaborative environment, and
exceptional reputation. Renowned faculty, diverse student body, and
access to world-class resources at Ross provide plenty of
opportunities for personal and professional growth. Students here
are extremely bright, yet humble and always welcoming. With one of
the largest alumni networks, Ross connects people from all over the
world. Being at Ross was a transformational experience for me. The
skills I learn here will serve as a foundation for my career and my
life.
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David Shin, Class of 2011,
Evening MBA Student
Email me dshin@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Investment Banking - Sales and Trading
Undergrad: University of Michigan;
Chemical Engineering
While there are other part time MBA program options available in SE
Michigan, when you consider brand recognition, world class faculty,
academic excellence, and the caliber of students, no other program
comes close to Ross. With its focus on collaboration, I have had the
great fortune to interact with high caliber professionals/students
on a regular basis, and forged relationships, both personal and
professional, which will continue long after graduation. I was able
to leverage my Ross education to begin a new career (with my current
company) as a trader. This transition was only made possible by the
world class education I received, as well as the skill sets that
Ross helped me develop. |
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Joe Stein, Class of 2012,
Evening MBA Student
Email me steinjt@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Marketing and Finance
Undergrad: Michigan State University;
Marketing
I chose Ross because it is one of the top MBA programs in the
country and has a great evening program. I have been impressed with
the faculty and by their commitment to their students. I have also
been impressed by my fellow students and their commitment to the
program and one another. Ross has been
a great fit for me because of its course flexibility, great faculty,
and the opportunities for leadership and personal growth. I truly
believe that what I have experienced and have learned at Ross will
be integral part of my professional and personal life. |
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Benjamin Stewart, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me stewartx@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Consulting, Strategic Planning, Economic Policy
Undergrad: University of Nebraska; Finance
Dual Degree Candidate: Masters in
Public Administration; Ford School of Public Policy
After six years in sales/marketing roles, I knew it was time to
transition my career path. My interests had evolved since undergrad
and I knew graduate school was the right move. I wanted to attend a
school that offered both exceptional academic standards and a robust
student experience. Mark Twain once wrote "I never let my school
interfere with my education." This is the primary reason I chose
Ross as they offered a wide array of involvement outside of the
classroom including clubs, organizations, a dynamic alumni, and a
huge social network. As an active member, officer, and volunteer to
a number of these, I can promise you Ross covers the entire spectrum
of student involvement. Shortly after starting my journey at Ross,
I became a dual-degree student in public policy. Ross is now
enabling me to weave my experience in private industries with my
passion for the public sector.
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Eric Valyko, Class of 2012, Evening MBA Student
Email me evalyko@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Investment Banking
Undergrad: Mercyhurst College; Business Finance
I chose Ross for a variety of reasons, the primary ones being strong
academic curriculum, a large alumni network, and a collaborative
environment. To date, the Ross MBA program has exceeded all my
expectations. Through involvement in various student clubs,
participation in case competitions, and MAP, my learning has
extended far beyond the classroom. Most exciting about my
experience, however, is seeing the change in my approach to critical
problem solving. Ross has significantly enhanced my problem solving
skills and I attribute this not only to the action based learning
aspect of Ross, but to the educational diversity of my classmates
with whom I've tackled numerous projects.
There is nothing I would change about my decision to attend Ross and
I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. GO
BLUE!
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Amol Vartak, Class of 2013, Evening MBA Student
Email me avartak@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Operations Strategy and Supply Chain Management
Undergrad: University of Bombay, India; Mechanical
Engineering
Graduate:
University of Cincinnati, Mechanical Engineering
With several years of working in manufacturing and engineering, the need
to take my career to a new level was why I made the decision to pursue
an MBA. The Ross School of Business is an ideal match because of the
excellent academics, action-based learning, collaborative environment
and exceptional reputation. The renowned faculty and a diverse student
body with access to world-class resources is making my Ross MBA
experience fulfilling. Being in the Ross MBA evening program has helped
me bring value into my current job as it has opened opportunities of
increased responsibility. Additionally, the Ross school provides
excellent extracurricular activities such as the Community Consulting
Club where I was able to apply my MBA education on a real world project.
The Evening MBA program has given me the flexibility to balance work,
school, and life events as I engage in several networking opportunities
with fellow MBAs and alumni. |
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Santosh Viswanadham, Class of 2013, Evening MBA Student
Email me vishisan@umich.edu
Career Focus: Strategy & Corporate Finance
Undergrad: JNT University, India; Mechanical
Engineering
Graduate: Cleveland State University; Mechanical Engineering
Starting at Ross and going through the rigor has exceeded my
expectations of and ideas of a top business school experience.
'Thought in Action' sums it all up. The faculty reputation,
collaborative student body, engaging clubs & even the 100 mile car
pool rides are giving me exceptional platforms for my learning
experience. Choosing the Evening MBA program has given me the
flexibility to work, attend school and engage in life events. My
transition in approach toward critical thinking as it relates to
current business issues and insights has changed remarkably. I would
be happy to share my insights with you. |
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Jeremy Vryhof, Class of 2015, Evening MBA Student
Email me jeremy.vryhof@stryker.com
Career Focus:
Accounting and Organization Management
Undergrad: Hillsdale College; Finance, German and
International Business
Even though a 1 hour 45 minute commute separates my office in Kalamazoo
from Ann Arbor, I have never questioned my decision to pursue my MBA at
Ross. Growing up on the west side of the state, I have long admired the
University of Michigan and the outstanding faculty, students, and
administrators that it attracts and the engaged, global alumni base that
it boasts. The learning environment at Ross is a reflection of all that
I admire about the University: a diverse student body, exceptional
reputation, rigorous academics, focus on collaboration, world-class
faculty, and limitless opportunities. Ross students are all bright,
ambitious individuals yet always welcoming and engaging. The faculty
members are leaders in their fields possessing a passion for teaching
while being extremely approachable. I am excited to use my experience at
Ross as the foundation for my career, and I am proud and blessed to be
part of this remarkable community. |
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Brian Burstein, Class of 2009, Alumnus
Email me bburstei@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Strategy, Finance and Organizational Management
Undergrad: University of Michigan; Industrial
Operations Engineering
Words cannot do justice to my MBA experience. While I expected to
receive a top education, I was unprepared for an experience that
would fundamentally change the way I think about solving
problems. I believe that the thing that truly sets Ross apart is
the people. Whether it was meeting with a professor outside of class
to discuss a current business challenge, setting up time with alumni
to help with a class project or helping fellow students prepare for
case interviews, I found that every member of the Ross community was
willing to bend over backwards to help each other. As such, the
idea of co-creating your MBA experience is very real at Ross. You
will get as much out of the Ross network as you are willing to put
in. Attending the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the
University of Michigan for my MBA is one of the best decisions I
have ever made. I am proud to say that I am a recent graduate of
Ross and am willing to answer any questions you may have. Go Blue! |
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Weekend MBA StudentsBack to top
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Allison Churchfield Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Midland, MI
Email me amchurc@umich.edu
Career Focus: Strategy & General Management
Undergrad: University of Detroit Mercy; Business
Administration & Economics
After one full year in the program, I am confident that Ross' Weekend
MBA was the best choice for me. I've gained tangible skills that I can
apply in my current and future roles. Equally important, I'm developing
a personal and professional network that I'll carry with me long after
graduation. My experience thus far has been tremendous and I feel that I
am just beginning to leverage the unique opportunities that a Ross MBA
presents.
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Shiva Dadfarmay Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Chicago IL
Email me sdadfarm@umich.edu
Career Focus: Management
Consulting & Strategy
Undergrad: Indiana University, Kelley School of Business;
Computer Information Systems
Ross is a top
ten MBA program that not only has provided me with access to
world-class professors and an elite graduate education, but it will
also provide me access to leading companies through a conclusive
recruiting process that will enable me to transition my career in
the direction that I ultimately want to pursue. What I like most about
the Weekend Program: I enjoy having the flexibility of living and
working in Chicago while I pursue my MBA at Ross. Without the
Weekend Program, this would not have been possible. Furthermore, my
classmates come from all over the US (and Europe) which provides for
a diversity of backgrounds and ideas I can learn from through the
collaborative learning model Ross follows in the classroom.
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Kendra Giza, Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Midland, MI
Email me gizakm@umich.edu
Career Focus: General Management, and Marketing
Undergrad: University of Michigan; Chemical
Engineering
Ross is
consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in the
country with top notch faculty. I was impressed when I visited Ross
prior to applying by its distinctive focus on building a
collaborative environment amongst its students instead of a strictly
competitive one. Teamwork is a fundamental building block of any
successful organization. The curriculum also focuses on applying
what we learn to real world problems through its case approach and
MAP program. What I like most about the weekend MBA format: I
originally applied to the weekend MBA program for its convenient
class time that fits well with working full-time and not living near
campus while still experiencing a full MBA curriculum in a two year
timeframe. I have been most impressed by the caliber of my
classmates - their previous educational backgrounds and
work experiences. We have also formed a strong bond since all of us
are going through the same demanding MBA program while working and
we see each other every other weekend in class.
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 Michael King, Class of 2013, Weekend MBA Student, Muskegon, MI
Email me mkingmba@umich.edu
Career Focus: General Management, Strategy, Sales and Marketing
Undergrad: Western Michigan University; Mechanical
Engineering
Having spent my career in various sales & marketing positions, I was
quickly approaching a point where an MBA would take my career to the
next level. Not having a formal education in business challenged me to
find a program that would not only have a rigorous academic schedule,
but one where I could draw on the experience of my peers to enhance my
learning of specific topics. Having the opportunity to immediately apply
this knowledge both in my current job and through the MAP program was
another deciding factor. The decision to come to Ross given these points
was quite simple. I've found that the faculty and students here are
world-class and the diversity of the cohort adds an element to the
program that can't be quantified. Through this diversity and the
action-based learning, you can shape your education here and make it
what you want it to be. Another invaluable resource at Ross is the
alumni network. You will be surprised at the conversations that spark up
in random places all over the world...and what those conversations can
lead to.
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 Naveed
Khan, Class of 2013, Weekend MBA Student, Stamford,
CT
Email me naveedk@umich.edu
Career Focus: Marketing
Undergrad: University of Connecticut; Economics and
Finance
I came to Ross from my hometown in CT because no other program
stressed action-based learning quite like Ross. Ross' approach to
learning combined with the real world experience through MAP made it
an easy choice over any other program. Furthermore, the flexibility
with alternate weekends of class ensured that I would be able to
maintain a career and raise a family while in the program. The
people in the program are wonderful - some of the most intelligent
yet humble people you'll ever come across. Ross has exceeded my
highest expectations. |
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 Jessica
Rai, Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Northville,
MI
Email me raijk@umich.edu
Career Focus:
General Management
Undergrad: Kettering University; Mechanical
Engineering
Graduate: U of M Dearborn; Automotive
Engineering
After working as an
engineer, I transitioned to my firm's business operations. I quickly
recognized how a professional business degree would allow me to
better understand how the core business functions as well as strengthen
my leadership skills while working with cross functional teams. The
quality of an MBA program was extremely important to me and having the
opportunity to get this degree from a top business school is exciting.
The Ross weekend MBA program was a perfect hybrid of the evening and the
full time program. It provides a similar cohort atmosphere as the full
time program while at the same time allowing me to continue to work and
apply my new knowledge in the professional environment similar to the
evening program. The aptitude of the professors and their teaching
methods, abundance of Kresge resources available to students, caliber of
students in my cohort, and my MAP experience have contributed
significantly to my personal and professional growth. |
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 Robby
Rajan, Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Ann
Arbor, MI
Email me robrajan@umich.edu
Career Focus: General Management,
Strategy, and Entrepreneurship
Undergrad: Drexel University; Computer Science
I chose Ross because it is one of the top MBA schools and the weekend program is
a two years in duration with a single cohort which allows us to build
long lasting and deep relationships. Also, Ross has a strong curriculum
that aligns to my career objectives and the flexible weekend program is
suitable to my consultant travel schedule. So far, Ross has met or
exceeded all my expectations.
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Krissy
Thompson, Class of 2013, Weekend MBA Student, Chicago, IL
Email me
kftinney@umich.edu
Career Focus:
Marketing Strategy
Undergrad: University of California, LA; Psychology
Having grown up in Ann
Arbor, with a family history of Michigan alumni, I was extremely
familiar with the University of Michigan. Initially, my search for a
graduate program centered on Chicago, where I now live. However, after I
visited the Ross campus and learned about the unique weekend
program, I realized it was the perfect fit for my work and travel
schedule. The Ross weekend program provides the opportunity to
attend a business school with an exceptionally reputable full-time
MBA program without having to give up my full-time job. So far I've
been most impressed with the top notch faculty as well as the
diversity of my classmates in both their educational backgrounds and
work experiences. As classmates going through the rigorous demands
of the weekend program and full-time work load, we've already
established a unique bond that I know will last well into the
future. In addition to the business concepts I can take back to the
office the very next Monday, I'm excited to take advantage of
networking with the diverse student weekend cohort as well as to be
connected to one of the largest and most effective alumni networks.
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Vijay Proddhutur, Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Chicago, IL
Email me vipro@umich.edu
Career Focus: Strategic Planning; General Management
Undergrad: University of Illinois; Management
Information Systems
Graduate: University of Illinois;
Management Information Systems
Archimedes once said
‘Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I
shall move the world.’ The prestigious Ross MBA is a lever that has
changed my world. With a background in technology consulting I wanted to
make a switch to the business world and believed that a Ross MBA was the
bridge that would get me there. There were 3 reasons apart from the
great brand and amazing faculty that made me choose Ross over the other
programs– The MAP program that underscored the school’s action based
learning philosophy, the University experience and the big ten energy
and the 2 year cohort system that would foster teamwork and bonding. Is
it worth it? Yes, it’s been a great learning experience so far and
what’s more – After completing only two quarters of the program I landed
in a new business role! |
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Back to top
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Max
Riso, Class of 2013, Weekend MBA Student, New York,
NY
Brian
Spinneweber, Class of 2012, Weekend MBA Student, Cincinnati, OH