Elisabeth Smith, Weekend MBA ’26
Elisabeth Smith, MBA ’26, focused her efforts on life sciences research and technology early in her career, but as time went on, she knew she wanted to expand her horizons. She discovered that the Ross School of Business Weekend MBA Program was the perfect way to continue working in her career while transforming into a broadly versed businessperson with a mindset to make a positive impact in the world.
What was your role/career prior to enrolling at Ross?
I began my career as a clinical research coordinator and clinical research assistant, working on both the regulatory and clinical sides of clinical trials. After that, I transitioned to the customer success team at a start-up tech company that offers software to help accelerate clinical trials.
Why did you pursue business school?
I wanted to open more doors for my career. My undergraduate degree in biological sciences, as well as my professional experience, have focused on life sciences and research. So, I wanted to broaden my horizons and diversify my resume. I believe that life is a pursuit of knowledge, and I felt that a business degree would allow me to learn more about the world and explore different career avenues.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross?
It was really important to me to attend classes in person, and I appreciated the Ross Weekend MBA class schedule, which included in-person classes every other weekend over a structured two-year period. I also have family who attended the University of Michigan, so it felt like another “home” for me here.
Now that you’re on campus, what would you say most distinctly defines Ross?
The things that stand out to me are the people, the buzz of the Winter Garden, and the energy on game day.
How would you describe the student culture at Michigan Ross?
The Ross and broader University of Michigan student culture is extremely collaborative. It feels like everyone wants their peers to succeed, and I continually find that ideas, thoughts, and experiences are shared rather than fought over. For example, at times when I have had difficulty understanding class material, classmates have shared their time to help me master new concepts. I also find that people are very open-minded and welcome a variety of perspectives. In many ways, Ross and the student body feel like a launchpad I will spring from.
What kinds of action-based learning opportunities have you participated in?
I completed my Multidisciplinary Action Project experience with the Burren Smokehouse, working on a project to introduce their products to a new market. It was amazing to get to know the company’s team and work on such a significant, impactful project. We felt that it was a truly collaborative effort working with the company, and they made us feel like the work we were doing was really important. I also found working in such an intensive way with my classmates was really memorable.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways you’ve gained, so far, from the program, and how have you already applied your learning to your work?
I have learned so much from the professors and my classmates that it’s hard to pinpoint the most valuable takeaways. Probably the biggest way that the program has impacted me is in how I approach problems. I’m asking different and deeper questions in everything I do.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to join McKinsey & Co. as an associate in their Boston office. In the long term, I’m still undecided about what I want to do for my career. I know that I want to make a positive impact through my work and make the world a happier and healthier place. But as to what that means and how to do that, it’s still a work in progress.
What advice would you give students considering applying to this program?
Be excited about taking a leap, and also be at peace if that leap does not land the way you plan. I took a big leap and had no idea what was ahead for me, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Anything else you’d like to share?
As a working professional, it might feel like it’s not a good time to go back to school, but it will never be a good time. If you want to continue working and earn your MBA at a top-tier school, the Ross Weekend MBA Program is a perfect choice. It takes a lot of discipline to juggle everything at once, but it is so worth it.