Building Community Across Cohorts: The Impact of the Weekend MBA Buddy Initiative
The Buddy Initiative in the Ross School of Business Weekend MBA Program was launched with a clear goal: to help foster meaningful connections and strengthen the community across Year 1 and Year 2 cohorts.
By creating space for informal, one-on-one connections, students can ease the transition into academic life, share advice, and expand their networks. Interested students from each cohort sign up, are randomly matched, and are invited to meet over lunch or coffee either in person or virtually.
The initiative has proven beneficial for both sets of cohorts. Many first-year students report feeling more welcomed and supported, thanks to the opportunity to connect with someone who’s already navigated the early challenges of the program. For second-years, it offers a chance to pay it forward and share learned insights and perspectives while also expanding their network.
To learn more about the impact of the Buddy Initiative, we connected with Year 1 and Year 2 students about their experiences.
WMBA Year 2s
Meghna Jain
Program/Grad Year: WMBA ’26
Career Interest: General management/technology
How has being a Buddy impacted your own experience in the Michigan Ross PTMBA
Program?
I have been part of the Buddy Initiative for my first and second years. In my first year, having a second-year Buddy helped me understand what to expect, pick up useful tips, and ease some of the early fears of juggling the program with work and life. In my second year, I was able to do the same for my Buddy by sharing what worked for me and how I managed my time. It was also a great way to meet new people in the program and learn more about their backgrounds, what brought them to Ross, and what they hope to do next. Overall, it was a positive experience and helped me build connections beyond my class year.
What have you learned by participating in the Buddy Initiative that you can apply in your current/future position?
One of the biggest things I have taken away from the Buddy Initiative is the importance of building relationships. It encouraged me to connect with people outside my cohort and showed me how much there is to learn from hearing different perspectives. That is something I want to carry forward in my current and future roles by being intentional about making time to connect with others and learn from their experiences. Such conversations often yield practical tips and insights that can help one navigate their roles and grow in their careers.
What advice would you give to incoming PTMBA students about making the most of the Buddy Initiative?
The Buddy Initiative is only effective if you invest in it. Take the time to meet your Buddy, grab lunch with them on a school weekend, and remain in touch during the WMBA Program.
Kishor Mahajan
Program/Grad Year: WMBA ’26
Career Interest: Consulting
How has being a Buddy impacted your own experience in the Michigan Ross PTMBA Program?
I used my Buddy’s experience from the first semester to improve my time management. Since my primary objective is to transition into consulting, my Buddy offered helpful information about networking strategies.
What have you learned by participating in the Buddy Initiative that you can apply in your current/future position?
Be clear about what you want and focus your efforts accordingly.
What advice would you give to incoming PTMBA students about making the most of the Buddy Initiative?
Feel free to ask any questions. There is no silly question.
Anything else you would like people to know about this program?
This program brings together talented, ambitious individuals from diverse backgrounds. Looking back, you'll clearly see your own growth and personal improvement.
WMBA Year 1s
Elien Michielssen
Program/Grad Year: WMBA ’27
Career Interest: Finance (healthcare)
How has having a Buddy helped you navigate the challenge of balancing work, life, and school?
It has been great to get together with my Buddy for advice on work/life/school balance, especially during my first semester. I really appreciate the tips they have given me about certain classes and strategies for managing the busier parts of the semester. Their advice has boosted my confidence and helped me plan.
In what ways has the support you received shaped your overall Michigan Ross MBA experience?
Having support outside of the immediate classroom environment has made a big difference in my Michigan Ross MBA experience. My Buddy and I work in similar industries, so it has been valuable to compare our professional paths and organizations and share our thoughts on how what we are learning applies in the real world. It has made this program feel more connected and personal.
What’s one insight you’ll carry with you throughout your time at Michigan Ross and beyond?
One insight I will carry with me is the importance of connecting with those in your class, the previous year’s class, and those who have already completed the program. Whether it is a formal Buddy match or an informal study group, making these connections has made this time feel much more meaningful.
Hardik Tripathi
Program/Grad Year: Weekend MBA ’27
Career Interest: Energy/management
How has having a Buddy helped you navigate the challenge of balancing work, life, and school?
Having a Buddy has helped me tremendously with navigation throughout the program by giving practical advice. With a newborn at home, I have learned key tips on how to manage deadlines, how to avoid becoming overly stressed about quizzes and exams, and insights on how to truly enjoy the Ross MBA journey.
How has having a Buddy helped you navigate the challenge of balancing work, life, and school?
Having a Buddy has helped me tremendously with navigation throughout the program by giving practical advice. With a newborn at home, I have learned key tips on how to manage deadlines, how to avoid becoming overly stressed about quizzes and exams, and insights on how to truly enjoy the Ross MBA journey.
In what ways has the support you received shaped your overall Michigan Ross MBA experience?
The support I have received has made my Ross MBA experience stress and anxiety-free. Knowing there is someone to talk to or ask for help has made it easier for me to focus on making the most of my classes, networking opportunities and leadership opportunities. My Buddy also recommended a few podcasts to help me grow my business acumen. My Buddy's willingness to help has reinforced the collaborative culture here at Ross.
What’s one insight you’ll carry with you throughout your time at Michigan Ross and beyond?
One insight I will carry throughout Ross is how genuinely excited folks are in this program to see others succeed. Even if my Buddy could not help me or answer my question, there was always someone he could connect me with, not only to answer my question but to grow my network.
Anything else you would like people to know about this program?
The Buddy Initiative is a great program to help MBA1s get accustomed to business school. It helps transform the experience by providing new networking opportunities and a mentor to help navigate the unique challenges of each semester.
