Ace Bonkowski, MSU Broad MBA Class of 2026
Age: 23
Hometown: East Lansing, MI | Frankfurt, Germany
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Dual Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media, DHBW Mannheim, Germany
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Graduating from high school at 16, I initially wanted to study medicine and even completed a pre-med nursing internship. While this highly human-centered work was incredible rewarding, I realized the long-term career path was not truly catering to the purpose I was searching. After spending a couple of years in other service-oriented positions to reassess my trajectory before pivoting into the tech and telecom industry:
- Serviceplan Group (01/2024–07/2024): Rolled out flagship product launches like the Samsung S24 for a telecommunications client and led upselling campaigns for the Apple iPhone 15.
Founder & Freelancer (11/2021–07/2024): Scaled go-to-market strategies for early-stage tech startups, launching mobile apps from ideation to MVP. - Fraunhofer SIT (08/2020–12/2023): Drove user-centered product innovation for SaaS at a leading European cybersecurity research institute through UX research and analytics.
- Step Beyond Borders (Jan 2020 – Apr 2020, Jaipur, India): Recruited teachers by creating marketing movies and multimedia campaigns to support education access in underserved communities for women and girls
- Café in der Festung (March 2019 – July 2020, Ruesselsheim, Germany)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always been drawn to strategy: the ability to connect the dots and elevate ideas into action. Through my work in startups, creative agencies, and research institutions, I’ve come to realize that great outcomes require more than execution; they require clarity of purpose, structured problem-solving, and the ability to align teams behind a vision. I chose to pursue an MBA to strengthen those capabilities and step more confidently into roles where I can shape product and brand strategies at scale.
Why did you choose MSU Broad? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What stood out about Broad was the genuine support offered throughout the admissions journey. The Q&A sessions and outreach from the admissions team demonstrated a level of care and commitment that I found rare. This culture of support and mentorship was exactly what I was seeking. Additionally, Broad’s financial support, through scholarships and fellowships, made it feasible for me to pursue this degree as a first-generation student. That access meant everything.
Just as important, Broad’s nationally top-ranked Marketing Analytics program was a major draw. With my strong foundation in customer insights, I wanted to deepen my analytical skills to make more data-informed product and strategy decisions. I’m currently taking coursework in that area and find it both rigorous and highly relevant to my long-term goals.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I bring a unique mix of resilience, creativity, and global perspective. I’ve worked across three continents, collaborated with people from vastly different walks of life, and led initiatives ranging from early-stage startups to campaigns for global brands. But more than the resume, I’ve cultivated a deep sense of empathy and adaptability. Life has thrown me challenges early on, which taught me discipline, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in personal growth. I’m someone who builds bridges between people, ideas, and cultures. That’s the mindset I bring to Broad and to every team I’m part of.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m an avid gardener. Tending to plants and creating a space where things can grow over time has become a personal form of meditation. Right now, I’m transforming my backyard with my roommate into a small green oasis with a vegetable garden.
Post-MBA career interests:
Building on my background in marketing, design, and customer experience, I’m eager to continue working on client-centered challenges that combine creativity with strategic thinking. I’m especially intrigued by the role of technology in shaping more innovative, intuitive, and emotionally engaging experiences. Long-term, I aspire to contribute to the transformation of the fashion and luxury industry, where storytelling, craftsmanship, and modern innovation intersect to create enduring value.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It might be my marketing background shining through: Tell your STORY! People hire other people and not their resumes. Since you spend all these months researching schools, preparing applications, and studying for tests, there has to be something deeper that carries you through that. Make that stand out in your essays! There might be 5,000 people who scored similarly on the GMAT, but your motivation is uniquely yours.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In retrospect, I‘m pretty happy with how I managed this period of my life. However, I’d have started earlier to study for the GMAT. My lack of math background paired with nervousness didn‘t yield the test results I was hoping for. This was a key lesson for me that led me to stay ahead in my finance and accounting classes now that I‘m at Broad.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I would not have skipped anything. I firmly believe that the value of our achievements is directly proportionate to the amount we devote ourselves to them. Cutting corners, dodging responsibility, and playing tricks make the things that should matter shallow – at least, that is true for me.
However, that doesn’t mean I enjoyed every second of the application process. Studying for the GMAT and preparing my application while completing my Bachelor‘s thesis led to 70-hour work weeks. But pushing through formed my devotion to this program.
What is your initial impression of the MSU Broad students/culture/community?
I am blessed with a wonderful class that brings so much diversity, experience, and talent. As usual, you bond closer with some than others, but I feel very appreciated here.
What is one thing you have learned about MSU Broad that has surprised you?
I knew that Broad puts a lot of emphasis on community. However, I did not expect such a wide range of social activities, student resource groups, and cross-college events. There are so many opportunities to connect, you are just not able to attend them all.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The mathematical and financial parts of the curriculum! I don‘t necessarily feel anxious, but I am very aware I need to invest a little more resources on those. My last substantial math class took place 7 years ago and my professional background does not necessarily intersect much with that. Accordingly, you will find me practicing over and over and over again.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Probably all of it! Studying in the US has been a childhood dream of mine. However, the rough patches life throws at you sometimes combined with the financial aspect of this endeavor made it seem unachievable. With this wish coming true, I look forward to all the professional, academic, and personal development I‘m about to dive into.
