Alexander Downs, BBA ’21

Alexander Downs came to Michigan Ross from a nontraditional path: as a veteran, cross-campus transfer student. After serving six years as an active-duty military member, Alexander found his way to U-M with sights set on a degree in math and physics. As he started his coursework, however, he realized there were many other opportunities to apply the type of analytical thinking that attracted him to math and physics — and that included the world of business. 

One of his first introductions to the Ross School of Business came from a friend who Alexander met his first year at U-M. The friend was a first-year student at Ross, and Alexander said his friend made Ross “sound pretty great.” But it wasn’t just knowing someone at Ross that persuaded him to apply. “There were a lot of benefits that stuck out to me, like Ross’ active recruiting culture and large alumni network, which might not be as prevalent in other college programs.” 

Meeting with the Ross veteran coordinator also helped Alexander transition to the program. The coordinator helped him understand his tuition benefits, and as well as the Ross curriculum and how his existing credits could transfer over. When asked about his transfer experience, Alexander said, “Overall, it was definitely a smooth transition from my previous LSA college [at U-M] to the business school. I completed the essays, made sure I met all the requirements, and then just waited to hear back.”

In the military, high achievement was part of the culture, so I really enjoy that about Ross because it’s what I’m used to.

Once he started his sophomore year as a Ross student, Alexander found the environment suited him well. “In the military, high achievement was part of the culture, so I really enjoy that about Ross because it’s what I’m used to.” Alexander says Ross has given him an opportunity to apply his military problem-solving and leadership skills in the classroom, but also helps him fill in the gaps that his military background didn’t offer. With his additional years of experience, Alexander says, “I’ve also had the chance to act as a mentor to students, whether it’s helping them with time management, organization, leadership, or managing stress.”

One unexpected outcome of Alexander’s time at Ross? A focus on the world of esports. Considered entertainment by some and business opportunity by others like Alexander, esports has emerged as an industry poised for rapid growth. It’s an industry Alexander sees a potential career for himself in after graduation, one in which he can apply his interests in consulting and business strategy. 

Alexander currently serves as the president of the Arbor Esports student club.“Esports is an industry that’s getting really big, really fast. Right now our club hosts bi-weekly tournaments and annual charity events, but as president, over the next two to three years I’m looking to bring in industry professionals to speak as well.”

Aside from the chance to focus on an emerging market like esports, Alexander said knew that he had made the right choice transferring as a cross-campus student to Michigan Ross when he found himself on a flight to New York City in the fall of 2018. He was on his way to the headquarters of Morgan Stanley, which flew him out for a finance bootcamp for student veterans. “They were accepting 50 undergraduates and 50 MBAs; I applied and luckily was invited to come out. All I can say is that it was an awesome experience and I never could have imagined something like this before coming to Ross.”