Heng Liu, MBA, '22

As a data scientist at Ford Motor Company, Heng Liu, MBA '22, is known for his ability to solve technical problems through analytical thinking. His work gives him the ability to tackle the challenges put in front of him, but not the opportunity to make an impact on a much larger scale.

In looking at the bigger picture and considering his desire to eventually run his own business, Heng decided a Michigan Ross Weekend MBA would be the best way to accomplish his goals. He could keep working full time while developing the entrepreneurial skills he lacked, skills which could open the door to opportunities both as a business professional and as a leader.

At Ford, we create organization cells that act like a smart startup. This is ideal for me, as Ross empowers students to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. The skills I am gaining now, such as developing customer relationships or creating product marketing strategies, can be immediately applied to my current position. And when it’s time to explore funding opportunities, Ross helps connect me to venture capitalists when I start my own business.

For Heng, the many resources Michigan Ross offers are instrumental in building his business acumen. For example, the strong connection Michigan Ross has with the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. This collaboration enables him to augment his primary studies and provide valuable insights into developing a business venture. “At Ross, you really can do about anything you want," said Heng. “They have all the resources you need. All you need to do is take advantage of them.

Another important consideration that stood out for Heng was the unique opportunity Michigan Ross offers to work with a cohort of peers throughout the entire program, an advantage that other prestigious schools he was interested in did not offer in a part-time program. “With my previous master’s degree (engineering), we weren’t able to come together as a class like I can at Ross. I prefer to learn and grow with the same people. Without the cohort, it would be difficult to build and grow meaningful connections, both from my peers and the huge alumni network that is available to us."

And while working full time and going to school is not an easy task, Heng is quick to point out how well the staff associated with the Weekend MBA program keeps him on track. Besides frequent check-in meetings, every Weekend MBA student receives Weekend Words, which helps students stay connected by sharing what was covered in the previous week and what will be covered for the upcoming week.

Heng can’t stress enough to prospective students the breadth of experience that’s available from a network of educators at the top of their game. “My professors are associated with the top companies and the top industries in the world,” said Heng. “And you can talk to them daily and ask questions. It is an incredible pool of knowledge to learn from."