Michael Ryan

I was born in Dallas, TX, and moved to Rochester, NY, when I was 10. That early cross-country move foreshadowed the dynamic path my post-undergraduate career would take. After completing my degree at Syracuse University, I joined the United States Army, commissioning through Officer Candidate School (OCS). Following training in Georgia, I was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, and completed a rotation with my unit in South Korea. After 5.5 years in the Army, I achieved all my goals and felt ready to transition to civilian life and be closer to my long-term (and distance) girlfriend.

Transitioning from the Army, I faced the challenge of breaking into the marketing and advertising industry without prior experience or academic background. Pursuing an MBA became my primary pathway into this dynamic and creative field. Among the programs I explored, Ross had the right combination of culture, reputation, academic challenge, and post-graduation placement opportunities. While visiting, a current student and fellow vet showed my partner and me around campus and took us to dinner in downtown Ann Arbor—a gesture that made it clear Ross is a truly exceptional program. 

The action-based learning that Ross emphasizes aligns well with my learning style, and I know I will be prepared as I recruit for brand/product management or general management internships. 

Go Blue!