First-Generation College Students at Michigan Ross Share Their Experiences in One-Year Master’s Programs

At the Ross School of Business, 57 students, or 17% of the Classes of 2024 in the four One-Year Master’s Programs, Master of Accounting, Master of Management, Master of Business Analytics, and Master of Supply Chain Management, are first-generation.

While first-gen students break down barriers and forge new opportunities, they also face unique challenges, from potentially limited support to things like imposter syndrome. To help bring awareness to the hard work of our first-gen community, we asked eight first-gen OYM students to share their experiences as the first in their families to attend college.
 

Jie Shen

MAcc ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I am planning on working in either audit or tax in a public accounting firm after graduation. I will also be taking the CPA exam.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student, as well as an international student, means that I am probably facing more challenges and uncertainties. However, these experiences have also provided me with opportunities for exploration and personal growth.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
The Master of Accounting Program offers students considerable flexibility in choosing electives, enabling us to tailor our coursework to our career goals. The school also provides a variety of helpful workshops. Most importantly, our program's strong sense of community fosters mutual support among students, who are willing to help each other by sharing their insights and experiences.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
Sometimes being a first-generation student can be stressful, therefore, don't hesitate to seek assistance and guidance when you feel overwhelmed. Michigan Ross offers a wide range of resources and support services, so remember that you're not alone in your academic endeavors.

Presley Snyder

MAcc ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I plan to pursue a career in public accounting and become a CPA.  

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
While I may be a first-generation student, I’ve never felt like one, as both of my parents are extremely successful without a four-year degree. I’ve always felt a high internal drive to do all I can to succeed.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
Michigan Ross and the OYM program directors have always made me feel supported as I navigated Ross. They are always willing to do anything they can to help students succeed.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
My advice for incoming first-generation students would be to never lose sight of yourself in your studies; there is always going to be work to be done, so leave time for yourself to relax and have fun!

Maria Viera Fuentes

MBAn ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I plan to pursue a career in economics/government/technology.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Growing up in a Spanish family and being the first to go to college fills me with immense pride, as this achievement is thanks to my family’s support with opportunities they never had. When I think about what it means to be a first-generation college student, it is a deep sense of personal growth and responsibility. It is about being the trailblazer who explores paths never considered before in my family, such as establishing my own business, emigrating to another country to change careers, and becoming part of the vibrant Wolverine community. Being a first-generation student is also facing the fear of failure, picking myself up after setbacks, and overcoming obstacles, all while dealing with that nagging imposter syndrome.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
As a non-native English speaker, transitioning from a second bachelor’s degree online at Pennsylvania State University, the University of Michigan has marked my first experience at a U.S. university with in-person classes. Michigan Ross has offered a wealth of resources to support my educational journey, from professors’ guidance to Career Development Office events designed to prepare you to network with potential employers, as well as a variety of organizations and clubs that also provide collaboration with important companies to make positive impacts in the world.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
Always stay curious, not only within your program but also outside of it. Actively engage with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as this will inspire you to overcome any hesitations in seeking support, connecting with advisors, or joining clubs to explore new ideas. Take advantage of opportunities for networking, attend career development events, and dive into extracurricular activities, as these experiences can open doors to your future career. Furthermore, share your journey and experiences with others, as your story has the power to both inspire and connect with fellow first-generation students.

Vivi Nguyen-Santamaria

MBAn ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I aspire to apply data analytics and technological solutions to humanitarian initiatives, focusing on areas like employment rights and social equity.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
As a first-generation college and graduate student at Michigan Ross, I see my educational journey as an exciting communal progression rather than an individual achievement.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
Under the guidance of Dr. Oblinger, and with the support of Counseling and Psychological Services therapists, I've experienced significant personal growth. Faculty members and our career advisor at the CDO, John Goebel, have enabled me to take on independent projects that have deepened my learning and connection with data ethics.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
Being a first-generation graduate student comes with unique challenges. I recommend seeking support proactively. Consider reaching out to CAPS therapists; you don't need to wait until you're in crisis. Think of it as curating a path for your own personal development.

Also, actively participating in activities and discussions that promote cultural understanding and inclusivity can be a transformative experience. Not only does it enrich your personal journey, but it also celebrates the diverse cultural narratives that each student contributes to the learning environment at Michigan Ross.

Yuyang (Maggie) Feng

MSCM ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I plan to pursue a career in the supply chain industry, exploring areas such as supply chain analytics, demand forecasting, purchasing and logistics, and sustainable supply chain management.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student makes me feel like there’s a lot of pressure to use this amazing opportunity that my parents never had and make it great. This is new for both me and my parents, which makes it even more special for our family. I know they are proud of me for what I have accomplished, and will always support whatever I do. They motivate me to try new things every day, and I am excited to see what I can do in the future to give back to them and the community.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
Michigan Ross provides lots of career advice through the CDO, which takes a mentorship role to students who need career guidance. In addition, the professors and staff members at Ross show lots of support to students because they are aware of the challenges that can be faced by both first-generation and non-first-generation college students. They always make sure to offer extra help, encouragement, and understanding to those who need it. It makes me feel very comfortable chasing my dreams, knowing that there’s such a strong support system behind me.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
My biggest advice is to never be afraid to speak your mind and do what you want to do. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be a college student, and you should always do whatever it takes to make this opportunity memorable.

William Yu

MBAn ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
I plan to pursue a career as a data scientist/analyst.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I am not only a first-generation college student, but also the first to study in the United States in my family. It forced me to be proactive and adaptable while pursuing my academic and professional goals. I am always grateful to realize that I have a future ahead of me that was once beyond the reach of my parents.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
I have always felt supported from the beginning of our program. Since the Ross MBAn Program is a very small but diverse cohort, everyone knows each other, and I can always feel the support of my fellow classmates, both academically and psychologically. Sometimes I spend seven days a week with my classmates — doing classwork or practicing for mock interviews on the weekdays, and watching football games or playing golf on the weekends. Our program gave me a sense of belonging, where I can be myself and learn from my classmates. Also, the professors, career office, and advisors at Michigan Ross are always available when I need any help.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
Being a first-generation college student is definitely a process of stepping out of your comfort zone. It is tough and might take some time to adapt to college life, but stay optimistic and seize the opportunities in front of you that your parents didn't have.

Tayebah Chowdhury

MM ’24

What is your post-graduation career goal?
Following graduation, my goal is to leverage my background in public health, combined with my master of management, to become a transformative force in healthcare. I aspire to create innovative strategies that elevate the quality of healthcare services while, more importantly, enabling me to actively contribute to the well-being of my community.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student is a source of immense pride and purpose for me. It symbolizes breaking down barriers and opening doors that were previously closed to my family. My achievements are a reflection of the sacrifices my parents have made. Their unwavering support and dedication have been the cornerstone of my journey.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
At Michigan Ross, I have felt supported by the professors and advisors who are not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my growth and success. The sense of community among the students in my cohort has created a collaborative environment that has been instrumental in my learning experience.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
It is important to remember that your uniqueness is an asset. Embrace your background, and don't hesitate to seek support and resources. Shift your perspective on how you approach challenges — view them as opportunities for growth. Most importantly, prioritize your well-being. You can't unleash your potential if you're not at your best.

Rickey Shackelford

MM ’23

What is your post-graduation career goal?
Due to the support and skills obtained in my time in MM, I am currently an operations associate for McDonald's Corp.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being first-generation defined my resilience throughout my time as an undergrad and in the MM Program. I learned quickly that I needed to lean on the many support foundations that had my best interest. Within the MM Program, these foundations included the CDO and the wonderful Ross faculty and staff. During my time in MM, some peers and I who really embodied the first-gen identity recognized the need for more financial support for future low-income and first-generation MMs. This inspired us to fundraise on Giving Blueday and create a new scholarship called the MM Opportunity Scholarship that we hope will grow and impact as many first-gen students that need it.

How have you felt supported in your educational journey at Michigan Ross?
I think the professors and staff at Michigan Ross had the biggest impact on my academic career in MM. They were always willing to meet outside of class hours and connect me with the right people at the right time. I can honestly say that they had my best interests in mind and really wanted to see me succeed; that's the kind of support that helped me and many other first-gen students at Michigan Ross propel into our careers, and I am very grateful for that.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-generation college students?
Don't be afraid to seek support! Speaking from experience, it's really easy to fall into a rut and feel like there's nobody there for you. But, the reality is that there are a plethora of staff, communities, and alumni who specifically want to see a first-generation college student like yourself succeed.