Engaged Leaders, Learning at Their Own Pace: Meet the Newest Members of the Michigan Ross Online MBA Program
Recently, 102 accomplished professionals from around the world joined the top-ranked Online MBA Program at the Ross School of Business.
The fall OMBA students live and work in 24 U.S. states, with 78% based outside of Michigan. They are participating in live, interactive class sessions utilizing the digital education studios and will come together on campus and around the globe for three in-person residencies.
These students come to Michigan Ross with an average of seven years of work experience in diverse professional backgrounds, including finance, healthcare, automotive, and the military. Most will continue to work while pursuing their MBA, maximizing the flexibility of the online program.
Their undergraduate degrees also span a wide range of disciplines, such as engineering, business and economics, and social science/humanities, bringing valuable perspectives and insights. Additionally, 39% already hold an advanced degree.
Below, meet six of the newest members of the Michigan Ross OMBA Program.
Stefan Kim
Hometown: Flushing, NY and Shelton, CT
Current job: Vice president, finance, White Birch Management
Undergraduate school/major: University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Science in accounting
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
Being part of a team that successfully guided our firm through a difficult 2020 fiscal year into a healthier financial position versus before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
Extended exposure to firm strategy and executive-level meetings have required me to reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses as a professional. I want to improve my technical skills as a strategic thinker and performance analyzer, as well as step up my executive-level communication abilities.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Michigan difference. There's a pride and connectivity with the school and the broader university that drives everyone toward excellence through hard work. Ross also carries the reputation of being a school that is pushing to improve and innovate itself constantly. The program itself is flexible yet filled with chances to network, connect, and apply our learnings in various settings.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
The people — including the faculty, staff, and classmates. I've already made some friends from the Welcome Weekend and have realized how smart, driven, and personable everyone is. I'm looking forward to getting to know my classmates more and learning from them, while hopefully teaching them some things along the way. Learning and teaching take a kind of vulnerability that typically brings people together, and takes teamwork to the next level.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
It already has! Some frameworks I've learned in the first two weeks of the Competing in Global Business course have changed the way I think about how interest rates and foreign exchange risks are connected. I hope to take away more frameworks to attack technical issues/exercises, be able to present and communicate precisely and effectively, and think in new ways when it comes to solving problems. Ultimately, my goal is to provide value to my firm and be more effective as part of an executive team.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
The program has already surpassed my expectations. The investment by the school in the state-of-the-art studios is second to none. The amount of work the professors have put into making sure the courses are as effective as full-time, live classes is awe-inspiring. The faculty have also developed experiences online and on campus with my classmates which make me truly feel like a part of a cohort of students navigating through the program together. It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine. Go Blue!
Yeshi Soleti
Hometown: Milford, CT
Current job: Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer, Lockheed Martin
Undergraduate school/major: University of Connecticut, Storrs; computer science and engineering
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
I have led large-scale, high-priority efforts focused on delivering robust and artificially intelligent solutions to enhance flight safety risk assessment and mitigation processes at Lockheed Martin. My expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning techniques, and effective project management skills, led to the successful delivery of a tool that automatically identified potential flight hazards. The project was a huge success for the organization and I was selected to present at an international aviation safety conference in Vancouver, Canada.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
I wanted to gain more exposure to business operations across various industries and understand business value through a different lens. As an engineer, I am very detail-oriented and want to understand, from a broader perspective, how the technical solutions generated impact the business financially. I also enrolled in this program to enhance my leadership style and learn to navigate through challenging business situations. More importantly, I really wanted to attend a program that was rigorous yet flexible for full-time employees. This is crucial for my career development as I can simultaneously apply the skills I learn in my courses to my job.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Ross OMBA Program excels at transforming students into authentic, confident, and effective business leaders. Ross stood out to me due to its top faculty, intensive coursework, and ability to provide working professionals with an immersive MBA experience. It was very important for me to find a program that cultivated a collaborative and engaging environment despite being virtual. The Ross residency opportunities make the program unique as it will challenge me to innovate and solve real-world business problems outside of my domain.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am very excited to network with students in my program who have experience working in various industries. I find it very inspiring to share and learn from others, and I am looking forward to learning more about some of the business challenges they currently face at their companies. The in-person residences and Multidisciplinary Action Projects are so rewarding because a group of students will combine their expertise to deliver an impactful solution with business value.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
Pursuing my MBA at Ross will provide me with the tools necessary to navigate difficult business situations, such as trying to satisfy customer needs while experiencing financial and operational challenges. Coming from a heavy technical background, I strive to learn more about how the solutions we develop impact the business, and how I can leverage my engineering skills to make strategic business decisions. I hope to gather insights regarding various industries to lead transformation in the technology sector.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
So far, I am having a wonderful time as a student in the Ross OMBA program. I recently attended Welcome Weekend in September, where I met with outstanding faculty and engaged with fellow students. I am so glad to be part of the program and am beyond ecstatic to continue my journey at Ross!
Xiaohan Wang
Hometown: Tianjin, China, currently living in Columbia, MD
Current job: Scientist, AstraZeneca
Undergraduate school/major: University of Minnesota, biochemistry; Penn State University, MS, biochemistry and molecular biology
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
Establishing production and quality control processes for several products that have now been commercialized and are contributing to COVID-19 research and personalized medicine.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
Coming from a scientific background, I hope to develop my career into a cross-functional leadership role within the biopharmaceutical industry. I believe that gaining deeper insight into other business areas will ultimately help me succeed in this goal. I decided to take the Ross OMBA journey to gain a holistic view of business while working as a scientist in the biopharmaceutical industry.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
Ross has a reputation for its excellent education and broad alumni community. The OMBA program has exactly what I am looking for — the flexibility to continue working while attending classes remotely, and opportunities for in-person interactions such as residencies and Welcome Weekend. I was also attracted by their signature MAP program and the concept of action-based learning.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I look forward to broadening my horizons, both through coursework and collaborating with classmates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. I’m excited for opportunities to continuously apply MBA learnings to my everyday work.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
More than just knowledge, a Ross MBA offers me opportunities to practice leadership, gain the courage to meet greater challenges, and become my best self. These are invaluable assets for developing my career.
Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
The synchronous lectures are really engaging. Everyone is on the camera, and the professor teaches from the thoughtfully engineered digital studio, making the feeling of distance (and tiredness after a work day) go away. The case discussions in these lectures are inspiring and helpful for integrating the knowledge from the asynchronous sections into real-world problem-solving.
Melissa Luther
Hometown: Detroit, MI, currently lives in Houston, TX
Current Job: Risk & controls advisor, ExxonMobil
Undergraduate school / major: Michigan State University, supply chain management
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
I designed and implemented a new supply chain strategy to transform a key process for our flagship operation in South America, which generated local economic growth and hundreds of millions of dollars in savings.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA program?
Growing up in Detroit, it was always my goal to earn an MBA from Ross. Beyond the flexibility the OMBA program affords, I knew I was not going to be sacrificing an in-person experience from a top 10 program because of the design and technological investment Michigan has made for students near and far.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
I’m really excited for the in-person residences and MAP, which are two key experiences unmatched across competing programs. Additionally, Michigan Ross provides extensive resources outside of the classroom to help me grow and build my career.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I’m most looking forward to learning from our world-renowned faculty and building new relationships with my classmates.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
Ross graduates are vast and make a big impact wherever they lead. I feel really proud to join that network, expand my perspective, lead with confidence, and make a difference with an MBA from Ross.
Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
I’ve been very impressed with the classroom studio. “Cutting edge” doesn't seem to do it justice. The technology makes our experience really engaging, so we feel more connected with each other and the way our professors deliver content. It’s as if we’re sitting together in person.
Ryan Goodhew
Hometown: Currently stationed in North Carolina, at MCAS Cherry Point
Current job: MV-22 “Osprey” pilot, U.S. Marine Corps
Undergraduate school/major: Trine University, criminal justice
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
My greatest professional achievement to date has been the privilege of serving as a company commander for an adjacent unit comprising over 100 Marines, all while maintaining my responsibilities as a pilot within my squadron. This was a unique opportunity that few Marine Corps aviators experience, allowing me to acquire an entirely new skill set while directly influencing the welfare of those under my command.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
I decided to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program in order to expand my knowledge and experience in the civilian business world. After dedicating the past eight years of my life to military service, my expertise has predominantly centered around how a military organization operates. Opting for an OMBA at Michigan Ross allows me access to an amazing cadre of professors, a top-rated educational experience, and offers me a unique chance to connect with individuals I may never have encountered otherwise — all while continuing my service.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Ross OMBA Program stands out to me because of its blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Ross offers courses that allow me to interact with instructors in real time during bi-weekly synchronous sessions while also providing the flexibility to complete asynchronous sessions at my own pace.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am most looking forward to the in-person residencies and unique elective courses that Ross offers. The in-person residencies will be a great opportunity to meet with other people in my cohort while solidifying my understanding of the coursework with hands-on experience and real-time feedback.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
Pursuing my MBA at Ross will help me successfully transition from the military to a civilian career with the support of the Career Development Office and the extensive alumni network that Ross provides.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
I highly recommend attending the Welcome Weekend offered on campus during the fall term of your first year. I just returned from mine and it was a fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to meet many remarkable people in my cohort, explore the University of Michigan's amazing campus, and even attend a Wolverines football game — which they won!
Victor Nehikhare
Hometown: Benin City, Nigeria, currently living in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Current job: Process engineering consultant, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Undergraduate school/major: University of Benin, BEng electrical electronics engineering; University of Manchester, MS, international business and management
What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
I have had the opportunity to work in three industries: telecommunications, oil and gas, and banking, across three countries. I have led projects and provided automation assurance in a liquefied natural gas plant responsible for 7% of the world's LNG supply. Most importantly, I have had the privilege of collaborating and connecting with amazing people.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
I have always been deeply curious about the inner workings of the firm and how it engages with its stakeholders. The Ross OMBA Program, in my view, was the perfect opportunity for me to satisfy this curiosity in a top 10 MBA Program while simultaneously advancing in my career and supporting my family.
What made the Ross OMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
My top three reasons were: the Michigan Ross reputation, the program structure including MAP and the three required residencies, and the networking opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am looking forward to developing new networks and applying what I learn in the program in my current role and daily life. About a month in, I am already seeing results.
How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
The Ross MBA will support my career development and network within North America, which I now call home. I believe it will enable me to provide value to those who invest in me, as well as provide me with the tools and techniques required to excel as a leader.
Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
I am proud to be a Wolverine. Go Blue!
