Kimmy Dennis, BBA '25

The COVID-19 pandemic made life nontraditional for many people, including Kimmy Dennis, BBA ’25. But being nontraditional is something that Kimmy has embraced; it’s led her right to where she wants to be. 

Kimmy was a junior in high school when the pandemic began and she wasn’t sure what impact it would have on her college career. With the uncertainty surrounding online versus in-person classes, she pivoted her college plans and chose to live at home and commute to Washtenaw Community College.

A career in business wasn’t initially on Kimmy’s radar, but, during quarantine, she found herself listening to a lot of podcasts from entrepreneurial motivational speakers, and the topics sparked something in her. A defining meeting with her community college advisor solidified her new path. 

“After reading through a Michigan Ross brochure and talking with my advisor about my interests, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to study business and I wanted to go to Ross,” Kimmy said. 

“I liked the structure of the program and working as a cohort. Everything is leadership-based and prioritizes working with people. It just felt so professional and fresh.” 

After one year at WCC, she applied to the Michigan Ross BBA Program and was accepted. “I didn’t even apply anywhere else,” Kimmy said. 

Transferring into Ross was seamless, thanks to her advisor who had prepared her for the transition. Kimmy also took advantage of the transfer resources available through the Ross Office of Admissions. “I went to the online info sessions for transfer students — they really helped me with the logistics of the application process and being aware of the deadlines,” Kimmy said. 

Making the Most of Opportunities

Now that she’s completed her first full year at Ross, the school continues to exceed Kimmy’s expectations. She’s found that her courses challenge her academically but also allow her to explore her creative side, which she finds to be the perfect combination. She also appreciates the support she’s received throughout the program, especially from the Career Development Office.

“They really take you through a process, from step one of not even having a resume to having an elevator pitch about yourself,” Kimmy said. “They work with you to create this whole portfolio of how to be a business person. There is a lot of encouragement and support from a career perspective.” 

Kimmy has been able to find a community of fellow transfer students at Ross through extracurriculars like OptiMize, a student-led organization that offers workshops, mentorship, and funding for students to create self-directed projects that make a positive impact. She’s also expanded her peer groups through involvement with organizations at the University of Michigan, including the Michigan All-girl Competitive Cheer, Michigan Yoga Club, and as a videographer for Michigan Daily.   

Taking full advantage of the opportunities available at Ross, Kimmy looks forward to studying abroad next winter. She will spend a semester at the Warwick Business School in Coventry, England, gaining a deeper understanding of international business and developing her leadership skills. 

Looking Toward the Future 

When it comes to her career plans, Kimmy would like to pursue digital or social media marketing, ideally in the entertainment industry. She’s also not ruling out the possibility of earning her MBA in the future. 

Kimmy doesn’t believe in the stigma of being a nontraditional student, offering this advice to those considering transferring to Ross: “Don’t be afraid to have a different or nontraditional path. We’re all on our own journey, and you can’t be behind in your own journey.”