Before You Apply: Advice From Recent Executive MBA Graduates

We recently said goodbye to another graduating Executive MBA class. And while graduates are naturally reflecting on the relationships, experiences, and personal growth that shaped their past 21 months, they’re also thinking critically about the journey itself - what made the experience so meaningful, how it could be even better, and what they wish they had known before starting the program.

Those reflections resonate deeply with us on the admissions team, and we spend a great deal of time listening carefully to graduates’ perspectives in what often feels like an informal “exit interview.” Some of those conversations lead to tweaks and refinements that help strengthen the program for future students. But just as valuable is the practical advice graduates want to share with those preparing to begin the journey themselves. These “if I had only known…” and “make sure to tell new students…” insights are incredibly valuable and can help incoming students feel more prepared to succeed and get the most out of the EMBA program experience.

Here is some of that wisdom recently shared by members of our Class of 2026. 

Nathaniel Gallegos, MBA '26

Los Angeles Campus

How would you describe the program to a prospective student?
The Ross Executive MBA is the best method for experienced professionals to rehab skill atrophy, reboot core business competencies, and to build an applicable leadership model to apply in current roles or pivot to new ones.   

What should applicants focus on when preparing their application?
Being authentic. There is not necessarily an ideal candidate. I noticed different camps of people in the EMBA class: the finance people, the former consultants, the engineers. But you’ll also have super smart people who manage non-profits, physicians, professors, clergy, and lawyers. You have something to bring that’s unique. Don’t think that there's one mold or one profile. 

Looking back, what would you tell your pre-EMBA self?
I don’t think I would change anything. I evolved a lot during the program. I came in looking for a better job, but I learned so much about the bigger picture and what is possible. I feel like my goals shifted during the program. 

Were there any unexpected benefits or outcomes of the program?
My greatest unexpected outcome was the resonance of entrepreneurship. Professor Thornhill’s class was incredibly powerful to me. It showed me a world of options that I had no idea about. 

Also, the Michigan Model of Leadership was an amazing framework. I see the world through it now. The MAP project also reinforced learning and really showed me how a great team works. 

The leadership skills and confidence in them are the most important benefits. I was looking for it, but I wasn’t sure how I’d find it. The Sanger Michigan Ross Leadership Endorsement really helped me with it. I think that this is the skill I needed the most for the next step in my career. 

Devin Neu, MBA ‘26

Ann Arbor Campus

How would you describe the program to a prospective student?
The Executive MBA Program at Michigan Ross combines world class professors and highly accomplished business professionals creating a learning environment that significantly advanced my skills and capabilities. 

What should applicants focus on when preparing their application?
Be yourself and highlight not only your career accomplishments but your aspirations. This program gets people to the next level, so clearly understanding where you want to go is important. 

What kind of person would thrive in this program?
The people who thrive in this program are in it for the people and the education at the same time. You need to be able to show up and deliver consistently over a long 21-month period with a diverse group of leaders. It’s a commitment to your classmates as much as it is yourself. 

What concerns or hesitations did you have, and how did they turn out?
My hesitation was the time commitment away from work and being away from family. I have a lot of options for getting an MBA including other schools, online, weekend formats, and more which would be comfortable. The Executive MBA is much more demanding on the schedule and home. If I was going to commit to this, it had to pay off for my family and me. That was the main concern. 

The results turned out great. I have a strong support system at home. During the program I earned a huge promotion and a lot more responsibility at work. My COO cited this program as a specific reason why I got promoted, they did not want to lose me. 

How has the program impacted your career, leadership style, or professional trajectory?
First, I am a better learner. That is so important and a skill I lost track of in the years since undergrad. I will hold that with me the rest of my life and will continue to learn and try new things because it makes me a better thinker and leader. In addition, I am a better time manager, business mind, contributor at work, and leader to my team. I can more articulately explain strategy, vision, business ideas from a well rounded approach. This program and degree 100% has supported my goals. 

Were there any unexpected benefits or outcomes?
The pure joy of working with the people in the program. I knew they were smart. I knew they were accomplished. But I was not prepared for how real, relatable, and caring they would be. We became a community through this program and it’s a network I could never replace. Simply wonderful people to work alongside.