Recruiters on What Makes Michigan Ross Candidates Stand Out
For many prospective business students, the recruiting process for internships or full-time jobs can seem intimidating and difficult to navigate. Two University of Michigan alums, now on the other side of the table as recruiters, share what distinguishes a strong candidate and what they look for when hiring Ross School of Business students.
As many business students can attest, recruiting can be one of the most pivotal parts of the B-school experience. Translating classroom knowledge, action-based learning experiences, and leadership roles into clear, compelling stories on a resume for job interviews is not a small task. Learning to present the best version of yourself with the most relevant experience requires reflection, strategy, and practice.
At Michigan Ross, students are supported by a dedicated Career Development Office, which helps them refine their stories and sharpen their recruiting approaches. Even so, recruiting remains highly competitive, and success often hinges on understanding how employers evaluate talent. Gaining insight into what resonates with recruiters, especially how Ross students can stand out from the competition, can make all the difference.
To better understand what has the greatest impact in today’s hiring landscape, we spoke with two U-M alums who now hire Ross talent. Having once navigated the same interview rooms and networking events, they offer a unique perspective: understanding what helped them succeed as students and what now stands out when they evaluate candidates.
Anne Schoen, BA ’02
Senior Recruiter, McKinsey & Co.
What qualities do you typically look for in a candidate?
We tend to look for people who are strong problem solvers, take ownership, and follow things through to the finish line. That means demonstrating accountability and initiative, even when things are complex or ambiguous. Building meaningful relationships with diverse teams is also important, as is adopting a client service mentality or a servant-leadership mindset.
We also value people who are comfortable debating ideas, sharing perspectives, and dissenting thoughtfully to arrive at better decisions. A growth mindset really matters to us, along with the resilience to navigate challenges. Overall, we look for well-rounded people with emotional intelligence, leadership potential, strong collaboration skills, and a drive for continuous growth. These qualities help people thrive and make a lasting impact.
What qualities or strengths have you consistently observed in Michigan Ross students that encouraged your company to recruit here?
Michigan Ross students consistently stand out for their intelligence and curiosity, as well as their strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively across different audiences. They tend to be natural self-starters who take initiative and approach problems creatively.
What really sets them apart is their commitment to making a positive impact, driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to create meaningful change. This combination of skills and values makes them strong contributors and future leaders, and it’s a big reason we continue to recruit at Ross.
What differentiates Michigan Ross candidates from other institutions you recruit from?
Michigan Ross students stand out for their multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, which is reinforced through action-based learning experiences like the Multidisciplinary Action Projects program. They come very well-prepared for the recruiting process and often have a clear understanding of what companies are looking for.
They also bring strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and lead with impact. Their intellectual curiosity shows in the way they ask thoughtful questions and seek innovative solutions. Combined with their well-rounded backgrounds — strong academics, leadership experience, and extracurricular involvement — Ross students are adaptable and effective professionals. This mix really differentiates them and sets them up for success.
How can Michigan Ross students prepare to stand out in your hiring process?
Students can stand out by doing well academically while choosing coursework that genuinely aligns with their interests and passions. We also value teamwork and leadership, so looking for opportunities to lead and collaborate — through group projects, internships, student organizations, or case competitions — is important.
Getting involved outside the classroom helps show a well-rounded profile, and giving back through volunteering or social impact initiatives highlights a sense of purpose and values-driven leadership. Ultimately, following your interests and staying authentic goes a long way. It helps you show up as a confident, genuine, and compelling candidate.
Are there any specific experiences or coursework unique to Michigan Ross that make your students stand out to you?
Action-based learning at Ross, especially through MAP projects, gives students hands-on experience solving real business challenges for real clients. This helps sharpen their problem-solving, communication, and consulting skills in a very practical way.
Co-curricular experiences, such as the Leadership Crisis Challenge through the Sanger Leadership Center, also stand out. These programs push students to lead under pressure and build resilience and adaptability. As a result, Ross students often bring real-world awareness, confidence, and leadership skills that allow them to contribute quickly.
Maggie Chang, BBA ’14
Brand Director, Olay - Procter & Gamble
What qualities do you typically look for in a candidate?
Expertise in the exact field of hiring is not required at P&G – we feel we can be your training ground for sharpening marketing skills. It’s the soft skills we really look for in candidates: courageous leadership, a hunger to win the right way, collaboration and teamwork, and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
What qualities or strengths have you consistently observed in Michigan Ross students that encouraged your company to recruit here?
Ross students get many opportunities within their education to develop their leadership abilities and fundamentals in a multitude of functions. Since brand management at P&G is more of a general management track, we recruit from Ross because they have taught students to be well-rounded across many facets.
What differentiates Michigan Ross candidates from other institutions you recruit from? The biggest differentiator is that Ross provides high-quality candidates from both its undergraduate and MBA programs. This is a rare occurrence in our recruiting sphere and actually creates powerful connections among Michigan students, regardless of degree.
How can Michigan Ross students prepare to stand out in your hiring process?
Focus on the experiences that made you shine and where you bettered the people around you. And take the assessment seriously!
Are there any specific experiences or coursework unique to Michigan Ross that make our students stand out to you?
In general, any classes or experiences that can get you as close to real-world experience. Navigating situations of ambiguity, where you have to take risks or work with different thought processes in a team, will help you stand out.
