Partner Sites


Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

Why MBA: Michigan Ross

Considering the Michigan Ross MBA? MBA alum Christian Rodriguez rates and reviews his MBA experience, tells you how to ace your MBA application and why he chose Michigan Ross

Mon Nov 16 2020

BusinessBecause

Why should you consider the Michigan Ross MBA? For Christian Rodriguez, a strong campus-based community and the school’s action-based learning approach made all the difference.

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business enrolls around 350 students in its full-time MBA program each year. 

Like Christian, they’re attracted to the school’s mantra of learning business by doing. They work on real-life consulting projects, manage investment funds, and develop their own startups. Over half of graduating Michigan Ross MBAs go into careers in technology or consulting and top MBA employers include Amazon, McKinsey, Deloitte, and Microsoft.

They’re also attracted by the school’s ranking. The two-year Michigan Ross MBA is ranked 12th in the US by US News and 30th globally by the Financial Times.

Christian first met Michigan Ross admission officers at an MBA Tour event in his hometown of Lima, Peru. This was at the height of the financial crisis and post-MBA job opportunities were uncertain. But Christian, who had varied background in consulting, education, and e-commerce pre-MBA, decided to go ahead and fulfil a lifelong ambition.

He entered the finance industry after his MBA and today he’s head of credit risk at Peru’s biggest bank, Banco de Crédito del Perú, a part-time economics professor, and former president of the Michigan Ross alumni club in Peru.

BusinessBecause caught up with Christian to find out more about his MBA application journey and why he chose the Michigan Ross MBA.


Why did you decide to pursue an MBA? d57ab58374b01aaf947c6111bc633d9d5808e352.png

Ever since I was 20 years old and in college, I wanted to get an MBA degree from a top business school in the United States. In the end, it was 2009 and I was 29 when I was ready to start my journey. I started taking the GMAT and writing my application essays. Then, the financial crisis hit.

I was totally freaked out! I thought: What am I going to do now? What are the economic prospects going to be when I graduate? I knew my MBA journey was going to be challenging and getting jobs in the US as an international student was going to be tricky. But I decided I was all-in; this was what I wanted and I was going for it.

I ended up attending an MBA Tour event in Lima, Peru. When you go to an MBA Tour, you make connections you can leverage; you learn about different business schools and speak with admissions officers—all this helps you make an application decision.

Michigan Ross was at one of the events I signed up for. I met the admissions representatives and I started my application journey there and then!


Why Michigan Ross?

I chose Michigan Ross for its action-based learning approach—the fact you get to work on real projects for real companies, which was not that common at the time. Ross gave me the real experience of the US business environment that I wanted and I actually ended up working on a consulting project for Microsoft.

Also, the community experience you get at Michigan Ross is one of the best in the world. The faculty, students, and alumni are incredibly supportive and that’s a key differentiating factor for Ross—I’m convinced of that. Anywhere in the world, you send out an email to a Ross alum and you’re going to get a reply no matter what.


316a0bbb349203eab5e374a287e170ade1152fe8.png


Student Reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Student

Verified

8/01/2024

On Campus

Best School Ever

Love the University of Michigan! There are so many incredible people of all different backgrounds. We have an huge student population so it is easy to find people with similar interests. Also a great education that sets you up for any job in the future.

Jude

Verified

20/06/2023

On Campus

Lecturers; inspiring excellence

As a student in general one thing that stands out for me is the quality of how Information is passed through, I am eager to express my utmost gratitude to how the lecturers who greatly enrich my academic path pass these information. The exceptional quality of education and unwavering dedication displayed by these outstanding individuals have consistently surpassed my highest expectations. I am grateful for the profound influence they have on my personal development and the remarkable strides I have made in my learning journey.

Kate

Verified

28/05/2023

Blended

Top Choice

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive support systems that contribute to student career success. The undergraduate programs offered at the university are highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top public schools. The university's distinguished reputation and abundant resources empower students to excel. Faculty members are readily available and provide valuable guidance and knowledge to facilitate learning.

Fred

Verified

24/05/2023

On Campus

Remarkable journey

The University of Michigan has been a very fantastic experience for me. My expectations were surpassed by the high caliber of instruction, the enthusiastic lecturers, and the variety of options for personal development. The campus is stunning, and there is a wonderful sense of community there. The University of Michigan is a fantastic choice for a memorable collegiate experience. Go Blues!

George

Verified

18/05/2023

On Campus

Vibrant Atmosphere

The University of Michigan is a top institution with superb academics, outstanding faculty, and an unrivaled student experience. A quick stroll from end to end of Central Campus just takes a few minutes. The vibrant atmosphere of Ann Arbor, together with its accessibility to the city's center and abundance of dining options and activities, enhances its allure. An extra benefit is the convenient and effective transit system. The entire university experience was excellent!

Nitika Mittal

Verified

3/05/2023

Online

Leading Ambitious Teaching and Learning

I have enrolled in the course "Leading Ambitious Teaching and Learning." It is starting on May 3rd and will end on August 31st, so it is a 6-week course. I am interested because it is a self-paced course which will help me with the following things; Firstly, utilizing videos and other evidence can improve teachers' understanding of ambitious instruction. Providing teachers with practical examples and real-world applications can enhance their skills and knowledge. Secondly, technology can play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students in enacting ambitious instruction. Leveraging technology can provide additional resources, increase engagement, and promote personalized learning. Thirdly, research-based frameworks can be used to organize schools and systems to support ambitious instruction. Frameworks can help establish best practices and set standards for educators to follow. Lastly, leadership strategies and skills are vital to inspiring and supporting positive change. Strong leadership can motivate and guide teachers toward ambitious instruction while creating a positive school culture that prioritizes student learning. This course is offered as certified and non-certified, and the fee for the certified course is very nominal (approx. $271). Moreover, all the professors are highly educated. This course has provided its course material online and it is supported by the Edx platform. Overall, based on my educational background and work experience, I am confident that taking this course will provide me with additional qualifications and I can include it on my resume.

Student

Verified

4/04/2023

Online

World class institution

The University of Michigan is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and it has a number of initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion on campus. For example, it has a comprehensive set of policies and programs aimed at increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals among its students, faculty, and staff.

Student

Verified

4/04/2023

On Campus

Coolest university ever!

The University of Michigan is a world-class institution that offers its students an exceptional education and an unparalleled range of opportunities for intellectual and personal growth. With its commitment to academic excellence, research, and service, it is no surprise that it consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States.

Student

Verified

4/04/2023

On Campus

Academic programs

The most impressive aspects of the University of Michigan is its academic programs. With over 260 degree programs across 19 schools and colleges, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, law, and medicine, the university offers an unparalleled range of opportunities for students to pursue their academic interests and career aspirations. The faculty members are world-renowned scholars and experts in their respective fields, and they are committed to providing their students with a challenging, yet supportive, learning environment.

Student

Verified

12/01/2024

On Campus

U of Michigan

University of Michigan is known to be very academically rigorous while also having a booming social life for students. I believe it fully lived up to this reputation!! Every school and program is a power house and has the resources and opportunities for students to succeed.

Student

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

Research Excellence

Great opportunities for research and skill development through coursework and project based learning. Great peers and collaborative environment overall. Amazing location of the university at Ann Arbor.

RECAPTHA :

04

11

ef

96