From Small Town Roots to Global Ventures: How Cameron Allen, BBA ’25, Made the Most of Ross
When Cameron Allen came to the Ross School of Business from Bath, Michigan, he brought an entrepreneurial spark and a drive to make the most of every opportunity. Now graduating with a BBA, Allen leaves with a resume packed with global experiences, leadership roles, and business ventures — many of them made possible by donor-funded programs and opportunities at the school.
For example, before his first semester at Michigan Ross, Allen participated in the Ross Summer Connection, a donor-supported bridge program offered through the Academic Success Center. The program facilitated a smooth transition from a rural high school to the academic rigor at Ross through early exposure to business coursework, mentorship, and community engagement.
As a Ross BBA student, Allen continued to seize opportunities: joining Out For Business, MECC Consulting, and the Living Business community, serving as a BBA ambassador, and traveling overseas through Global Initiatives.
Studying abroad was one of the highlights of my undergraduate career, and the memories I made will stay with me forever.
As a senior, Allen was selected as a Zell Entrepreneur through the donor-supported Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship. With start-up funding and access to mentorship and global travel, he co-founded Novl’d, an app that helps media lovers connect. “The Zell opportunity has challenged me to think outside the box,” he said.
Following graduation, Allen will join EY-Parthenon in Boston, where he interned last summer, while continuing to develop Novl’d.
“I’m just so grateful for all my experiences across different academic disciplines, the classes, club opportunities, and recruiting experiences,” Allen said. “Everything that’s been instilled in me at Ross, and the broader University of Michigan, has prepared me so well for what’s next.”
Allen’s story is a standout example of what happens when students — and donors — look to Michigan Ross to catalyze the future of business leadership.
“I always knew I wanted to go to a four-year university, but I never could have imagined the possibilities Michigan Ross would open up for me," Allen said. "I’m incredibly grateful to the many donors who made this journey a reality for a rural student like me.”
If someone from a similar background is reading this, please know that I’m living, breathing proof that you can do this, too.