Hannah Grauze, Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, BA in Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I worked in marketing analytics at several advertising agencies for 6 years prior to business school. I started at Publicis Groupe, went to WPP, then came back to Publicis before coming to Michigan Ross.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I learned a lot about marketing and branding through agency work and knew I wanted that to be my long-term career path. At the same time, I was feeling burned out from client work and had difficulty breaking out of the agency environment. Going back to school felt like the right step to broaden my business skill set and transition into brand management.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I decided to attend Michigan Ross because it is one of the few schools in the country with a very strong marketing program. I went to Michigan for undergrad so I was familiar with Ross through friends who earned their BBAs there, and they had always described their experience as academically rigorous, supportive, and career-focused. After speaking with current Ross MBA students, I felt that Ross would be the right environment for me where I could truly see myself.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Working in analytics at fast-paced marketing agencies, I bring analytical thinking and creativity, along with a belief that strong communities are built through having fun together. My background allows me to have discussions with data-backed reasoning while having a strong understanding of consumer behavior. I’m also very invested in building relationships and creating inclusive spaces inside and outside the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love reading and one of my goals was to make more time for reading so I gathered all my friends from different parts of my life who also loved reading and started a book club, which has been going strong for over a year and is continuing without me after I moved for school!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consumer Packaged Goods Brand Management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I loved talking to all the current student ambassadors and thought it was extremely valuable and fun to hear all of their experiences.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would map out my application timeline better with lots of cushion, and I would make more of an effort to get to know the admissions team on a one-on-one basis.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wish I could’ve skipped taking the GMAT, but ultimately I think it boosted my application. Target Test Prep helped me get through it!
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Ross students/culture/community?
There were so many student ambassadors and they were all really responsive and excited to chat to prospective students. This gave me a really positive first impression and made me feel like everyone was really passionate about the Ross experience and supporting one another.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined Michigan Marketing Club, Michigan Business Women, and our tailgate planning crew (Michigan has the best tailgates in the world, definitely not biased). I didn’t want to overload myself with joining every club possible. There are clubs for every interest you could think of, and wanted to join the ones that made sense for what I was passionate about and I could actually invest time in.
What is one thing you have learned about Michigan Ross that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the range of backgrounds within my cohort. People come from such interesting professional experiences, and having that variety of perspectives makes class discussions really engaging.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited for my MAP project, which is a unique experience at Ross where you take on a real business problem for a sponsor company abroad and you spend a quarter working full with a small group from your cohort. I’m also excited for my summer internship where I can implement all the things I’ve learned in my first year!
