In this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we meet six members of the Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2028 who are eager to build on their experiences, explore new opportunities, and make a meaningful impact.
First up is Dean Williams Jr., a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent eight years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Looking to transition into strategy consulting, with an eventual focus on finance and investments, Williams chose Ross for its combination of ambitious peers, supportive community, and hands-on learning opportunities. He hopes to bring his military leadership experience and passion for helping others succeed to the classroom, including developing resources to help classmates navigate the recruiting process. Next, Minahil Salam brings a unique perspective shaped by her background in mental health and education. After earning a master’s degree in social work, working as a therapist, and supporting high school students through Columbia University’s Achievement Initiative, Salam decided to pursue an MBA to complement her understanding of people with business and analytical skills. Mohit Venkatesh joins Ross from Bangalore, India, where he spent four years as a Flight Simulation Technology Engineer at Airbus. His experience solving complex technical challenges sparked an interest in the broader business decisions that drive product development and organizational success. With post-MBA aspirations in operations and supply chain management, Venkatesh chose Ross for its action-based learning approach and opportunities to build on his engineering background.
Then, for Patrick “Pat” Rives, an MBA at Ross represents an opportunity to strengthen the leadership skills he developed over seven years as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer. Sponsored by the Army to pursue his degree, Rives plans to return to military service as an instructor at West Point, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders. Fellow Army veteran Tyler Szczecina brings a combination of military and financial services experience to the Class of 2028. After eight years in Army Special Operations, including service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, he transitioned into wealth management and gained experience in property management. A first-generation college student and father of three, Szczecina is pursuing his MBA to pivot into industrial operations, manufacturing leadership, or operations consulting.
Rounding out this group is Zora Ponder-Jones, an Atlanta native and Georgia Tech graduate who spent four years in marketing consulting at Accenture. Seeking to move closer to the brands, audiences, and cultural experiences that inspire her, Ponder-Jones is using her MBA to explore opportunities in sports, media, and entertainment marketing. Ross’s collaborative environment, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community immediately resonated with her.
Click through the following pages to learn more about their journeys to Ross, their advice for prospective applicants, and what they are most looking forward to at Michigan Ross.
