U-M Students Reflect on Their Michigan Ross Preparation Initiative Experience
Students in the Preparation Initiative recently had the opportunity to travel to New York City to gain additional experience to help them on their journey to a Bachelor of Business Administration at the Ross School of Business.
The Preparation Initiative is a learning community for current University of Michigan undergraduates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, who wish to apply to the Michigan Ross BBA Program. The Initiative helps students develop the skills and habits needed to shine academically and helps them transition into the rigorous academic environment of Ross.
As part of the Initiative, students have the opportunity to take a Trek to major cities around the country to speak with company leadership and get a firsthand look at how businesses in various industries operate.
To gain further insight into their experience with the Preparation Initiative and the New York City Trek, we asked two students to share what they learned, the benefits of participating, and how it will help them in their time at Michigan Ross and beyond.
Wilder Wetzel-Righettini, BBA ’27
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Career interest: Consulting and Philanthropy
How did you learn of the Preparation Initiative?
I learned about the Preparation Initiative Program through the Summer Bridge Scholars Program at U-M. I received an email about the initiative starting in the fall, and given my strong interest in business, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to get a head start in applying to Ross.
What do you feel are the biggest benefits of participating in the Preparation Initiative?
I personally feel that the biggest benefit PI has to offer is the social connections that you can make. On a high level, you can tap into one of the strongest networks at U-M and utilize different voices to assist you on your journey through college and your future career. You can also build incredibly deep relationships with the people you sit next to in class. I found that the opportunities we got are unlike any other program I have ever been a part of. I was able to visit New York City and network with various companies such as Visa Inc., BlackRock Inc., Bloomberg Inc., and others. This experience alone showed me the physical scale of impact that PI has had on people, and being a part of that is a wonderful opportunity.
What did you learn from participating in the New York Trek? What was the experience like?
Going to New York was a magical experience, and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I can’t fully explain the feeling of being there; it was electric and almost felt like a dream that I never wanted to end. I learned a great deal about each company and how they operate. My focus was on social impact, so discovering different companies
philanthropic endeavors and impact work were particularly interesting to me. While walking through the city and the large office buildings, I began to get a taste of life in New York City working for one of these companies. It can be perceived by anyone differently, but I took it as being fun, eventful, and full of new experiences every day. I also learned a great deal about my peers and what interested them in visiting New York City.
How do you think the Preparation Initiative will help you in your time at Michigan Ross and beyond?
This program has arguably shaped the course of my entire life after college in the best way possible. I feel that I have gained a clearer understanding of what career I might end up in and what I might do fresh out of college. PI has already helped me find lifelong friends that I believe will continue to invest in me as I have invested in them throughout this program. At Michigan Ross, being a PI student means being a part of an exclusive community filled with good intentions and culture that will allow me to leverage my personal experiences in Ross and give back to future PI students.
What advice would you give to students who are considering participating in the Preparation Initiative and the NYC Trek?
My best advice is this: If you want to grow past your limits, push yourself to new heights in your life, continue to be curious, never stop learning, and do things that fuel your heart. Remember that these programs are there for you and your success, so don’t shy away from raising your hand and asking questions since that is how you open doors. Constantly being open to new experiences and meeting new people is how I got to where I am today.
For the Preparation Initiative program specifically, you need to be dedicated and consistent. It is the responsibility of every PI student to do well in their classes and complete the requirements to the best of their ability, as well as engage with the material and build deeper connections with those in the PI network. For the Trek, be sure to do your research about each company, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Before going, I would recommend really thinking about what you want to get out of this trip. It might not be specifics about a position; rather, you might want to know what professional development opportunities are available or even how sustainable the company is. Finally, remember that people are taking the time out of their day to talk to you, so be thankful and send thank you notes every day.
Khalid Hamdan, BBA ’26
Hometown: Rochester, MI
Career interest: Sports operations
How did you learn of the Preparation Initiative?
I learned about the Preparation Initiative from a mentor/family friend. He joined PI during his undergrad and remains a big part of the community even after graduating. He recommended that I apply to PI after I told him that I was interested in studying business at Ross, and he spoke very highly of the program.
What do you feel are the biggest benefits of participating in the Preparation Initiative?
The resources provided through the program are truly invaluable. Benefits include the coaching sessions for our core classes throughout our first year and sophomore years and the various career development workshops that are exclusively for the PI community. The combination of each of these benefits has helped me tremendously in my academic and professional career thus far and put me in a position to thrive during my time at Ross.
What did you learn from participating in the New York Trek? What was the experience like?
The Trek allowed me to live life like a native New Yorker. From walking the busy streets of New York City to navigating the subway system, the Trek truly gave me a glimpse into life as a New Yorker. After the Trek, I could definitely see myself living and starting my professional career in New York City, something that I previously thought I would never do.
How do you think the Preparation Initiative will help you in your time at Michigan Ross and beyond?
As I approach the halfway point in my career at Ross, I think the program will continue to provide me with more career development resources and connect me with individuals who share a similar background and interests, further preparing me for my professional career.
What advice would you give to students who are considering participating in the Preparation Initiative and the NYC Trek?
I highly recommend the NYC Trek and PI in general. The exposure you receive on the Trek to companies from various industries and individuals in unique roles can be eye-opening. Too often at Ross, students get caught up in believing that consulting or finance-based roles are the only ones to recruit for. However, you might change your mind after visiting some companies on the Trek that don’t necessarily fall under those industries and meeting individuals who aren’t in those general roles.
