Andrew Green, Online MBA '22
After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s in communications, and then enrolling in Northwestern’s artificial intelligence masters program, Andrew Green felt he had a strong analytical background. But as he began working in his field, he soon realized he wanted to further his business knowledge. As he said, “I believe that in 10 years it will be necessary to have both a strong analytic and strong business background.” Andrew wanted an online program that could function alongside his work schedule, and that would give him the tools to bridge the gap he felt in his business knowledge. Getting a meaningful experience out of his education was important for him, and closing his knowledge gap was essential to finding success later in life.
To Andrew, the Online MBA at Ross seemed like the perfect opportunity to build his business savvy. He was looking for a school with strong alumni connections and cross-educational experience that could help bridge the gaps in his knowledge while strengthening the skills he already had. After doing his research on classes and connections, Andrew stated, “I found that Ross has a reputation for being one of the best cross-functional MBAs in the country. Knowing this was a huge confidence boost, and I knew I’d get the wide-ranging knowledge that I desired.” Andrew was interested in being able to do work from home, as he was dedicated to his job and life in Seattle. Having a program that was flexible, was equally as important as engaging his interests. As he looked into the Ross Online MBA program, he realized all of this was possible, with a few extra perks: he’d have the opportunity to connect with the Ross campus during in-person residencies. The 3-4 days spent at the residencies wouldn't take away from Andrew’s schedule and would allow him to bond with his classmates more.
When arriving for his residency, Andrew knew he already had a slice of what Ross had to offer. He’d always chatted with his classmates online and enjoyed the virtual lectures, but meeting everyone in person, for him, was a different experience entirely. “It was really cool to learn their stories, their motivations, and simply get to know the person behind the computer.” During bonding events, Andrew got to see Ann Arbor and experience a Michigan hockey game, go bowling, and explore the campus. With the in-person residency, Andrew was able to apply the skills he was learning online to real-life scenarios. He and his classmates went on to participate in the Leadership Crisis Challenge, a 24-hour crisis simulation program that showed Andrew how to lead in a high-pressure scenario and how the lessons learned in the classroom transferred to the workplace. “In the LCC, you are an executive team, but the skills translate no matter where you are in your organization. I have already been able to use some of my learnings in my workplace and feel truly grateful for the experience.”
For Andrew, it was important to be able to continue living his life without being overwhelmed between school, work, and home. With the flexibility of the Online MBA, life doesn't feel like a juggling contest. He budgets his time between work and school, doing homework for 2-3 hours a night and leaving time during the weekend to enjoy himself. But no matter how busy things can get, he still makes time for his wife. “She’s been extremely supportive,” he said. “No matter how busy school is, I always make sure to take a break to eat dinner with her, catch up on how her day was.”
As he continues his Online MBA, Andrew hopes that students considering the program follow in his footsteps. “My advice is simple: apply. I feel like so many people worry about the time, effort, and cost of applications that they self-select themselves away from quality programs.” For him, the time put into the program is worth the payoff. He encourages prospective students to take the time to learn about all the Ross Online MBA has to offer, take time to look over the application, and reach out if they have any questions. “By getting the generalized education that the Online MBA provides, I will have doors open for me, and I am confident that I will be flourishing throughout my career regardless of where I decide to go.”