Ella Squire, MSU Broad MBA Class of 2028
Age: 21
Hometown: Livonia, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, B.S. Biology, Health, and Society
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Operations Specialist at Bivouac Ann Arbor for 2.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I realized right before graduating college that while about to earn my B.S. in biology, the medical field was no longer the path I felt passionate about. After transferring to UMich for my junior and senior years of undergrad, I worked for two and a half years at Bivouac. The workplace and people I had experiences with there quite literally changed my life trajectory. I realized then that I found far greater joy and happiness working in a field like Bivouac and had the opposite experience when preparing for post-graduate necessities for medical school. Finally feeling confident to follow my true aspirations led me to apply for MBA programs where I ended up at Broad. I wanted to continue with school in this new field of study to build the skillset I knew would best help me succeed in pursuing a career in outdoor apparel and equipment. I do not enjoy waiting around for things to materialize which is why I chose to go straight back to school instead of taking time off or working in jobs I did not truly see myself enjoying, I am a strong advocate for choosing a lifestyle your career can support.
Why did you choose Michigan State Broad? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Out of the other programs I was offered a position in, Broad was by far the most engaging and passionate. It was always a two-way street through the application process with Broad, I wanted to get into the program and they wanted me to attend. Broad offered me opportunities to stand out as an MBA as soon as they could, all paired with a driven and dedicated admissions team that was easy to connect with.
As far as factors impacting my decision, being an in-state student at a ranked university for the program I was most interested in was crucial for me. Even before speaking with anyone from admissions, I knew that if I got offered a spot in the MBA class that I was going to be in a good place to be prepared and set up for success for post-graduate school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I am a very social person, someone who initiates and coordinates social events or projects, and someone who is always involved. I thoroughly enjoy engaging others in the class or my group to guide everyone to a common goal, ask questions when we are confused and need additional information, or just need a uniting voice to get things done. While I have a friendly and welcoming demeanor, my classmates know not to mess with me and that I am someone who is not afraid to take on difficult challenges or situations. Hence, I would say my differentiating contribution is my assertive, but outgoing and friendly personality in social and professional settings.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have two adventure cats, one boy and one girl! My oldest is three years old named Ophelia and she has been on several camping trips and multiple national parks. She is a very fluffy tortoiseshell with quite an attitude. My second is turning one right after new year, he is a red smoke maine coon. He was actually my college graduation present and was shipped over from Russia!
Post-MBA career interests:
Operations and logistics/supply chain in the outdoor apparel and equipment industry. Working for Patagonia or Arcteryx would be my dream companies.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Apply for the program! I would say I put a lot of work into my essays as well, and the writing process was incredibly reflective as well.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I would have applied earlier on because I missed a few of the admitted students events and opportunities to meet people in my class. While I see the benefits of having a rolling application cycle, I wish there were more concrete application dates.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I honestly would not have skipped anything, I feel that all parts of the application enabled me to put my best image forward for the program.
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Broad students/culture/community?
Everyone is incredibly driven and competitive, but friendly and genuine. I have never met such supportive classmates who are happy to go out of their way to help others even if they get nothing back. After spending time with them, this has only held to be true and I feel at home with the Broad community.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am in the works of creating a fishing club for the MBAs, a way to get people out of the classroom and connect together doing other activities. I am also a part of the BWMBAA where I was recently named the first-year MBA representative. I am also active in the MBAA for social activities when I am not working or in class.
What is one thing you have learned about Michigan Broad that has surprised you?
The amount of opportunities that Broad has put in front of me is astounding. There is always an event going on for people to take part in to explore something for their path of interest. I have never been in such an enabling community like Broad.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to continue getting to know my peers and working with them. I truly believe that good people enhance any kind of experience, which is why I am involving myself in so much. I have already made amazing friends and professional connections from my time in Broad and I cannot wait to learn more.
