Why Connecting With Ross Students and Alumni Matters in the Applicant Journey
Choosing a graduate program is about more than rankings, curriculum, or career outcomes. It is about finding a community where you belong and can thrive. One of the best ways to gain that insight and perspective is by connecting with a One-Year Master’s Program ambassador.
Our students and alumni are your most authentic window into the Ross School of Business experience. They’ve navigated the same questions you may be asking now: “What is the workload really like? How collaborative is the culture? What support exists beyond the classroom? How does Ross prepare you for what comes next?”
Why Talk With a Current Student Ambassador
Current OYM students can share real-time insights into:
- The academic experience and pace of a one-year program
- Classroom dynamics, team projects, and faculty engagement
- Life in Ann Arbor and building community quickly
- How they balance academics, recruiting, and personal commitments
They can help you understand what a “day in the life” looks like and what surprised them most after enrolling.
Why Hear from an Alumni Ambassador
Recent alumni offer a perspective shaped by hindsight. They can speak to:
- How the OYM experience translated into career outcomes
- The value of the Ross network after graduation
- Skills and relationships that continue to pay dividends
- Advice they wish they had before starting the program
Their reflections often help prospective students connect the dots between the program experience and long-term impact.
Connect With a Ross OYM Ambassador
Master of Supply Chain Management
Making the Most of the Conversation
When you connect with a student or alum, consider asking:
- What drew you to Ross and to your specific OYM Program?
- What challenged you most, and how did you grow?
- How would you describe the Ross culture?
- What resources or opportunities made the biggest difference for you?
These conversations are about helping you decide if Ross is the right fit. Everyone’s experience is unique, so there are no “right” answers, but these authentic perspectives will help you get a better idea of what a Michigan Ross OYM degree could do for you.
How to Reach Out and What to Expect
When reaching out to a current student or recent alum, we recommend starting with a brief, thoughtful email introduction. Share a bit about yourself, your program of interest, and what you’re hoping to learn from the conversation. Be sure to let them know how you’d prefer to connect, whether by email, a short phone call, or a Zoom conversation, while remaining flexible based on their availability.
Keep in mind that our students and alumni are balancing busy academic, professional, and personal schedules. We encourage you to be mindful of their time and allow a reasonable grace period for a response. If you don’t hear back right away, that’s okay..
A respectful, well-crafted outreach goes a long way and often leads to a meaningful conversation that can offer a valuable perspective as you explore the Ross OYM experience.
If you’re looking for more ways to get to know Michigan Ross, join us at one of our upcoming events or explore stories in the Ross newsroom.
