Rissa Alfatine Prakosa, Michigan Ross School of Business MBA Class of 2025
Rissa Alfatine Prakosa, Michigan Ross School of Business MBA Class of 2025Age: 27
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Indonesia, Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Relationship Manager, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, 4.5 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have always wanted to do an MBA since I was an undergrad, so it’s one of my personal goals. In addition, I want to pivot into consulting to support my long-term goal in the SOEs or public sector, which further encourages me to pursue an MBA. In addition to that, if I were to become a leader in the future, I would want to be a good one, and I think business school will be able to shape future good leaders. I chose to do an MBA now because I think I can contribute to the business school community with my four-year experience in my field, and it feels like it’s about time I’m learning something new.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I want a top business school in the U.S., but I want it to be in a college city because the students will be relatively closer to each other, therefore giving an entirely different experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I came from banking, specifically corporate lending, handling various industries. I have a banker’s unique perspective on managing risks and viewing and valuing different firms and industries that I can share with my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I learned to sew a few years ago and actually wore the clothes I made.
Post-MBA career interests:
Management Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reflect on myself and embrace what makes me “me.” Focus on which part of yourself you want to highlight, and you will shine in your essays!
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
START EARLY! Give yourself a generous preparation period. I was rushed through the whole process; it was very stressful because I tried to do everything at once. If I could do it all over again, I would be kind to myself and give myself a more reasonable time and pace for the whole preparation process.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The anxiety! It resulted in me procrastinating because I was so scared since there were so many things to prepare for the application. If I could, I would skip the anxiety and just start the application!
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Ross students/culture/community?
The people are so friendly, and they are willing to help each other out!
What is one thing you have learned about Michigan Ross that has surprised you?
The amount of career support the program provides! It’s like they have an entire curriculum for career prep, not only in theory but also in a lot of practical aspects that you can immediately apply to boost your recruiting chances.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management. There are so many things to do, so many events to attend, so many assignments to finish, and so many opportunities and resources from the program, yet too little time.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To be in the classroom again! A discussion-based class, especially. It’s really exciting to hear different perspectives!
