The Michigan Ross Executive MBA Program Marks 10th Anniversary of Expansion to Los Angeles

An anniversary celebration was held earlier this year at the Hotel Indigo in Los Angeles — the same location where the LA classes are held. More than 150 current EMBA students and alums, representing all 10 graduating classes, came together to network and share stories and successes.  

“The feeling of the event was palpable,” said Lynn Fernando, EMBA ‘21, entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Ross EMBA Ventures/REV Advisors. “It was motivating and inspiring to be around like-minded, driven, and ambitious people from the various classes. It was great seeing how everyone has been able to leverage their Michigan Ross EMBA connections.” 

The network is the Michigan Ross difference,” said Fernando. “There are so many Michigan alumni here in California and we all support each other in such a unique way. We also have opportunities to form relationships with the Ann Arbor cohort, which is great.

A student experience that spans coasts

As in Ann Arbor, students in Los Angeles experience an inclusive community made up of engaging faculty, a powerful alumni network, and a diverse group of accomplished executives.

“We’ve essentially taken the Michigan Ross culture and Executive MBA experience and transplanted it out in California,” said Eric Davis, EMBA admissions director. “We’ve been able to maintain the excellence of our program while expanding its accessibility to outstanding leaders across the country and internationally. Whether in Ann Arbor or Los Angeles, EMBA students receive the same transformative education and support needed to take their careers to the next level.” 

I’m a West Coast guy, but it’s obvious that the Michigan brand extends far beyond the Midwest — it’s a global brand,” said Will Covington, EMBA ‘17, senior vice president of finance, Children's Institute. “There’s always a hefty ‘Go Blue’ wherever I go.

Puneet Manchanda, Isadore and Leon Winkelman Professor of Marketing at Michigan Ross, who has been teaching at the Los Angeles location since its inception, recognizes the value of bringing unique perspectives into each cohort. 

“Having students from across industries creates engaging discussions in the classroom,” he said. “EMBA students are open-minded and hungry for knowledge. They are also great at contributing their own experiences to enrich the learning environment.”

Two locations, one curriculum

Programming in Los Angeles mirrors the Ann Arbor curriculum, which includes the personalized Leadership Development Program and action-based learning experiences, like ExecMAP, that are woven throughout the 21-month program. Students in both locations also benefit from the same executive coaching and career resources throughout the program and beyond. 

The once-a-month, in-person residencies — as well as interactions outside the classroom — have helped students and faculty form a close bond and a lasting network. 

“The LA cohorts have been fantastic in including faculty and staff for dinners and events – they genuinely want to connect and get to know us and we’ve been able to build strong relationships because of it,” said Manchanda.

Looking ahead

The Executive MBA Program provides organizational leaders with a high return-on-investment. In addition to developing broad leadership skills and an organizational perspective, students also typically see a salary increase of 47% within two years of starting the program, according to Financial Times. 

The Executive MBA Program is U.S. News & World Report’s top-ranked program in Southern California and No. 2 on the West Coast.

“As we look toward the future of the Executive MBA Program, we intend to maintain a strong focus on our presence in Los Angeles and continue to look for additional opportunities for growth,” said Davis.

Learn more about EMBA in LA and Ann Arbor