Veer Saini, BBA '29
Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan with dreams of a career in finance, Veer Saini, BBA ’29, knew the Ross School of Business could help him hone his business acumen. In his first year, Veer has gotten involved in several student organizations that have taught him about investing and shown him the value of action-based learning. Through his experiences inside and outside of the classroom, Veer is building a foundation that he hopes will serve as a launchpad for his future career in finance.
How did you first learn of Michigan Ross?
I’m an in-state student, so naturally, I always wanted to go to the University of Michigan. As my career aspirations grew toward business and finance, I found that Michigan Ross would be a perfect fit for me.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What made this program different from others?
Michigan Ross has a strong work-hard/play-hard mix. Everyone at this school is exceptionally smart in the classroom and in their respective organizations, but it’s also easy to have a normal conversation with anyone at Ross. People are approachable here, and the culture is welcoming, exciting, and fun!
Can you describe the community culture and the kind of support you received?
There’s never been a moment at Ross where I have felt lost. Before getting into my investment clubs, I relied on my peers in the Living Business Theme Community. Living in a hallway full of Ross students has given me access to resources and a community that has supported me with club culture, classes, and much more!
After getting into a few investment clubs, this has only improved. I’m able to text upperclassmen who have been through the process I’m currently going through and received offers at companies that I hope to work for. All of them are always eager to support me and give back. This fosters a community culture that enables giving back and making each class more successful than the last.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways you’ve gained, so far, from your degree program?
I’ve learned how important it is, as a business major in today’s world, to keep up to date with news in all sectors. It’s obvious that a finance major should keep up with market trends — but Ross has taught me to look deeper. The U.S. stock market is not enough. It’s important to be aware of foreign markets as well. Beyond this, reading the news in all industries and professions is crucial in becoming a worldly business student.
What kinds of action-based learning opportunities have you participated in?
I’ve had the pleasure of participating as an investment analyst for Victors Value Investments. This student-run investment club manages a portfolio of more than $20,000 in assets under management. Having the ability to create stock pitches with a team of analysts and vet them with the club to actually buy them with our portfolio creates real stakes that allow for deeper learning. One specific way that VVI leverages action-based learning is through our weekly investment committee meeting, where we go in depth on why the stock that was pitched during our fund meetings should be invested in or not. Further, we explore our current holdings and whether to hold, divest, or invest more. Being able to trace the real stock market with an actual portfolio puts our skin in the game and allows for greater learning opportunities.
What are your plans for the future after graduation?
I plan to pursue a career in finance after graduation. The most intriguing fields to me right now are investment banking and private equity. These jobs are highly competitive, but allow for high exposure to large deals in mergers and acquisitions, which build strong business acumen, create a solid foundation for a long career in finance, and expand the network necessary to succeed in this field.
What advice would you give students considering applying to the BBA Program?
I’d highly encourage showing Ross admissions your ability to leverage opportunities in action-based learning. The most successful students at Ross leverage this during their time at Michigan. If you can show that you’ve been doing this in high school, you’re already ahead of the curve. The classroom is only one dimension of your application, just like it is only one dimension of you as a student at Ross. Ross emphasizes learning inside and outside of the classroom.