Grace Agoubi, MM '26
Grace Agoubi, MM '26, is a current Master of Management student with a strong interest in pursuing a career in business. While many students enter the workforce directly after earning an undergraduate degree, Agoubi chose to deepen her understanding of business fundamentals to better prepare for a career in consulting and marketing.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What made this program different from others?
The one-year Master of Management Program was the best fit for me. But also, as intensive as Ross is, I knew the program would help me build business skills, take on leadership roles early on, and be part of a community that’s always pushing me to grow. Also, in a one-year master’s program, I’d also be exposed to classes in marketing, accounting, finance, and operations. It’s the perfect blend of wanting to dip your toes into everything and experience a top-tier program, with a curriculum that is very real-world-based.
Did you do anything in high school or college that pointed you in this direction?
In high school, I participated in forensic debating events and Model United Nations, and in college at Oakland University, I studied political science and interned at the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills and the Oakland County Circuit Court. I worked on in-person trials and weekly dockets for the court.
My experiences in debate, Model UN, and court internships showed me I enjoy structured problem-solving and decision-making. While they initially pointed me toward law, they also helped me realize I’m interested in broader, strategic work. That led me to pursue an MM to apply those skills in a business context.
I developed strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work through complex situations. These experiences built my core skills in analysis and communication, while showing me that I want to apply them beyond legal settings. The MM bridges that gap by giving me the business foundation to use those skills in a broader, more strategic way.
What have you done at Ross so far that has most prepared you for your career?
In our operations class, my classmates and I ran virtual companies that competed against each other, with real-time price and production-level changes to navigate. I am also working with classmates who come from all different backgrounds. Like me, they didn’t come to Ross with business undergraduate degrees. Many of my classmates aren’t from the United States, either. It’s fascinating to hear the different perspectives of my peers.
You’re also the alumni relations chair for the Master of Management Student Association. What does that position involve?
It’s one of my favorite things that I do at Ross. Reaching out to alumni is a big part of it, as is listening to my peers about who they would like to see and which companies they want to hear from. I reach out to alumni via email and surveys to ask what kinds of advice they want to offer.
I’ve also run a series of alumni spotlights, emailing alums to ask whether they would be willing to connect with students. We host virtual panels, where students can meet with alums in breakout rooms. I get to see how invested the Ross alumni are, and how they want to open doors and pay it forward. They were once in our shoes, and it’s nice to see that they want to help us grow.
What are your plans for the future after graduation?
I haven’t made my final decision yet, but I would like to apply what I’m learning at Ross about strategy and leadership, and I’m exploring opportunities in consulting or marketing, particularly in the Metro Detroit area.
My parents have always told me to be myself and give my best effort in everything I do. They’ve taught me that while you can’t control every outcome, staying genuine and working hard is what leads you toward your goals.
What advice would you give students considering applying to this program?
Just do it. Take the risk. It will be hard, but growth doesn’t happen in comfort. And you’ll be surrounded by people who make you want to be better.