Choosing the Right Executive MBA Program: The Importance of Culture and Community
One of the most challenging aspects to describe is the essence of the Michigan Ross Executive MBA Program’s culture and community. While it’s difficult to convey this through a website, email, or webinar, it’s also one of the most important factors prospective students should consider when choosing which school to attend. After all, you can put in the work and receive a prestigious MBA degree from a top-tier institution, but if you don’t enjoy the experience, and struggle to connect with professors, classmates, and staff, you will have missed out on a big part of what makes EMBA programs so enjoyable and valuable: the relationships.
Top-ranked schools like Ross all offer world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative curriculums; however, the culture at each institution can vary greatly. While some schools cultivate highly competitive environments where students are focused on competing for the highest grades and class rankings, Ross fosters a more collaborative atmosphere. Here, students actively share their diverse experiences and perspectives, which enriches their learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Don’t get me wrong, Ross students are undeniably competitive (their professional accomplishments speak for themselves), but they are also highly collaborative. They come to our program to learn from our faculty and curriculum, as well as from each other. By sharing experiences and perspectives, Ross EMBA students recognize that they can further enhance both their personal and professional growth.
It’s a great environment to be a part of and, if possible, should be experienced by those interested in our program. There are a couple of ways you can learn more about the unique community we foster here at Ross:
- Attend an upcoming on-campus Preview Day event. During Preview Days, prospective students can attend a live class and interact with current students, faculty, and staff during breaks and over lunch.
- If you can’t make it to our campus in Ann Arbor or Los Angeles, you may want to request a conversation with one of our students or alumni. We’ll be happy to connect you with someone who can speak firsthand about the community and how it has impacted their EMBA experience and beyond.
Please feel free to reach out to our admissions team, we'll be happy to help answer any questions you may have about the EMBA Program or the Michigan Ross community.
