Getting Down to Business: Meet the Michigan Ross Master of Management Class of 2023
In June, the Ross School of Business welcomed 108 talented and diverse students into its Master of Management Program, which took the No. 1 spot of U.S.- based MM programs in the most recent QS World University Rankings.
The Michigan Ross MM Class of 2023 hails from eight different countries and 30 undergraduate institutions, including many from the University of Michigan. The class also comes with impressive academic records — with an average GPA of 3.58 — and a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The students pursued 41 different undergraduate majors, and 20 members of the class will be on one of U-M’s powerhouse sports teams while pursuing their MM degree at Ross.
The newest Michigan Ross MM class will be the first to experience recent updates to the program’s strong action-based learning curriculum. All students are currently enrolled in a new Business Immersion course this summer, and will be required to complete a Management Consulting Studio course in the winter term.
Below, meet three of the members of the Michigan Ross MM Class of 2023.
Hayden Hayes
Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Undergraduate school/major: University of Oklahoma, mechanical engineering
Post-graduation career interest: Strategy consulting
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MM Program?
I decided to enroll in the MM Program to help combine my passion for engineering and technology with the client-facing aspect of the business world. Ross was a perfect option for me to get a great caliber of formal business knowledge to bring into my area of interest.
What made the Ross MM Program stand out to you versus other programs?
Ross stood out to me because of the large focus on the development of the students in all facets of the application process, from the staff, faculty, and even past students. I was able to get all my questions answered with quick and genuine responses that made me feel welcomed, even as an applicant, which made me sure Ross MM was the ideal program for me.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am most looking forward to learning from professors who have made a professional impact in the business world and spending time with my class to explore as much of Ann Arbor as I can while engaging in school events.
How do you believe pursuing this degree at Ross will help you in your career?
This program will help my career by giving me a solid understanding of business on all levels, which I can then take into the real world in combination with my STEM degree to be on the business end of technical projects.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
From day one of orientation, everyone in the one-year master’s programs at Michigan Ross were so inclusive and actively trying to meet people. It truly is one big family in which everyone is here to not only develop their portfolio, but to challenge and positively push each other to achieve the best version of ourselves leaving this program and beyond.
Simran Lakhani
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Undergraduate school/major: Syracuse University, chemical engineering
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting or product management
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MM Program?
I wanted to pursue the MM Program because I wanted to pair my undergraduate degree with a degree that would equip me with a foundational business skill set and enable me to diversify in the STEM field. I also wanted to learn how to polish my management skills after I realized I would love to take on a leadership role in the future.
What made the Ross MM Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The world-class faculty and the fact that this MM program is the No.1 U.S-based program in the United States give a certain type of prestige. Additionally, the alumni network is extremely powerful and I was just excited to be a part of Ross.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
The program is already teaching me a lot about how to be a leader and stand out in the job market. I am really excited to keep learning from my peers and professors. I am also looking forward to building a new network of connections and launching my career as a fellow Wolverine.
How do you believe pursuing this degree at Ross will help you in your career?
This degree will allow me to become an engineer with business knowledge and assist me to bridge the gap between engineers and managers or business executives. I will be able to combine my technical knowledge with this degree at Ross which will be extremely meaningful.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
I am really grateful to be part of this MM cohort and I love all the people I have met so far.
Ava Morrant
Hometown: Born in London, England, but grew up outside of Vancouver, Canada
Undergraduate school/major: University of Michigan; majored in communication and media, double-minored in business and global media studies and did the Ross Cappo Sales Track
Post-graduation career interest: I am interested in pursuing a career in the software industry and specializing in either sales or market analytics. Ultimately, I hope to have a career with lots of travel opportunities.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross Master of Management Program?
Despite not being completely certain about my future career path, I was very inclined to diversify my undergrad degree with quantitative business skills. The courses taught in MM provide skills that are essential for a wide array of positions in every industry. I believe that partaking in this program will aid me in not only learning about differing management skill sets, but also steer me in a direction that suits my specific ambitions and abilities.
What made the Ross MM Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Ross MM Program is one of the best in the world. As a Michigan graduate, I’ve seen firsthand the doors that Michigan Ross opens up for people. The resources are unmatched, the alumni are vast, and the course selection is exceptionally diverse.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am most looking forward to further getting to know my classmates and experiencing relationships that are not only defined by the work we do together, but the fun we have outside of the classroom. The Ross MM Program has so many social events that allow you to balance academics with great activities with your classmates. This program is so collaborative and provides great connections to other opportunities.
How do you believe pursuing this degree at Ross will help you in your career?
Graduating from Michigan Ross will supply me with not only quantitative management skills for my future career aspirations, but provide me with the resources to be identified by top companies. This program is a fantastic way to complement and enhance your undergrad degree. Graduating from Ross will provide me with opportunities to propel into high-quality companies containing Michigan alumni.
Learn more about the Michigan Ross Master of Management Program
