Dean Williams Jr., Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2028
Age: 31
Hometown: Pompano Beach, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Naval Academy, B.S. American Politics & Law
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy, 8 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’m at MBA to fill the role that I know will allow me to bring my greatest strengths to bear for the benefit others and give the greatest value to society and the workforce through a union between information and results, delivered through intellectual horsepower, analytical rigor, and excellent communication. For me, that role is in strategy consulting at the forefront of change and innovation. On my way there, I’m looking to develop every skill and every trait that I’ll need to succeed in that mission.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Ross because of the community, drive, and hands-on learning that all intersect here. Everyone who comes here wants those things. The community is centered on team-work, friendships that last, and a network of mutual supporters. The drive here is contagious, with ambitious and inspiring students and staff. The hands-on learning is Ross’ guarantee that we build the skills and tackle the problems that the workforce want now and in the future, building our credentials, accomplishments, and abilities in real time.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I love streamlining and standardizing success for others going through processes I’ve been through before. For MBA1’s, I’d like to gather and all the best tips, practices, do’s and don’t’s for every step of the recruiting process, passed down by MBA2’s and observed in real time through MBA1s, into a follow-along guide that will boost all MBA1’s average recruiting outcomes even higher across the board, taking our already-elite recruiting performance to another level that persists and keeps climbing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love car-karaoke: hop on the road for a drive, no destination in mind, just drive, put on great songs, and sing along.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy Consulting, eventually specialized in finance, investments, portfolio strategy and similar areas.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Two things: 1) Talk to current MBAs at Ross and other schools. You get to know the people, culture and experience pretty well that way. 2) Use the career-planning frameworks I built with cognitive psychology. It called out all my highest matching careers before MBA, and the results still held up after tests I took for the MBA program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d simplify how I help recommendation writers understand and prepare for their recommendation letters and forms. The most important piece is a detailed example template of what their finished product should look like. They are the ones writing the letters; but candidates help themselves and recommenders by providing a detailed example as close to what’s expected as possible. To avoid overwhelming recommenders, any detailed guides or background info about the candidate should go in an optional supplemental folder or document.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I actually did skip the one thing I can think of. Visiting schools without the right reasons. If the culture, people, or location of a school aren’t in your top 3 reasons for going there, you don’t necessarily need to visit. Culture and people were very important for my choice to join Ross, so I visited multiple times; but for other schools, that’s not always in the top of what’s most emphasized or advertised. You’ll know for yourself where that applies. Showing interest is a good reason to visit too though.
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Ross students/culture/community?
It lives up to all the best things people say about Ross. Everyone’s here to connect, win while supporting each other’s wins, and build real experience and real accomplishments that grow our professional value in real time. The culture here makes sure that lasts long after graduation. Community and long-lasting relationships aren’t just encouraged at Ross. They’re the reality baked into the program and experience through the intentional structuring and culture students and staff keep alive and improve on every year.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined multiple social clubs and affinity groups because that’s where you hang out with 1st years and 2nd years to have fun off-the-clock doing whatever we’re curious or passionate about and, work together on-the-clock to make sure we all succeed. That’s where you make the memories and relationships that last a lifetime.
What is one thing you have learned about Michigan Ross that has surprised you?
Ross does so well at making sure spouses and partners are included and involved in whatever way they want here. It’s awesome. Everyone’s actively welcomed and invited to join social clubs, professional clubs, fun nights out, and more here. It’s so intentional that we have a 6th classmate section made up of spouses and partners. Really cool.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Growing while helping my classmates and seniors through coursework, projects, clubs, and extra-curriculars.
