Michigan Ross Application Essays for 2019-20
Short Answer questions: Select one prompt from each group. Respond to your selected prompts using 100 words or fewer (<100 words each; 300 words total).
Group 1
• I want people to know that I:
• I made a difference when I:
Group 2
• I am out of my comfort zone when:
• I was humbled when:
Group 3
• I was aware that I was different when:
• I was challenged when:
Essay 1: Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. Please share your short-term career goal. Why is this the right choice for you? (300 words)
Optional Essay:
This section should only be used to convey information not addressed elsewhere in your application, for example, completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate.
Michigan Ross Winning Sample Essays – 1
Ross Career Goal Essay: Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. Please share your short-term career goal. Why is this career goal right for you? (300 words)
The last four years have seen me imbibe the spirit of marketing, strategy, and consumer awareness as a marketing executive in ABC, California. From customer satisfaction to customer delight, I have learned on the job, working on the implementation and deployment of strategies at the ground level. However, I find myself drawn towards the actual making of these strategies, to be involved in the marketing mix, right from inception, so I wish to delve deeper into global marketing by pursuing an MBA in International Business. It will provide me with an in-depth perspective of how business is transacted globally, with insights into global strategic management and innovation, key components to thrive in the ever-challenging business world.
In the next three to five years post my MBA, I wish to carve a niche in the field of international marketing as a Brand/ Marketing Manager in a leading Multinational organization like Amazon, Google, Apple or Tesla, eventually moving on to a broader role of Chief Marketing Officer. My experience in ABC, California will be an asset in this field while I shall employ my newly acquired skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and business management to give flight to my lofty ambitions. In the words of Philip Kotler, ’Marketing takes a day to learn. Unfortunately, it takes a lifetime to master’. My thirst to master Marketing and position myself as a global leader in the field is the driving force behind my aspirations. Future businesses are poised to be more competitive and collaborative than ever; whether it is international expansion, mergers or acquisitions, the global marketplace is breaking down international borders. With China, Japan and India dominating the world GDP index, global business is indeed going through a paradigm shift and I wish to be a part of this transformative experience.
Michigan Ross, with its inclusive culture, has people from diverse backgrounds learning together and I believe its collaborative environment will give me an opportunity to experience different cultures, make lifelong friendships and form professional networks in the half million strong alumni. I am positive that the two years here will empower me with business acumen, strategic analysis, and social proclivity to take the world in my stride, ready to meet business challenges as a market-savvy global leader.
What are you most proud of and why? How does it shape who you are today? (400 words)
“We are four months behind schedule and our suppliers keep pushing back delivery. Who has the answer? This young man?” Our CEO was not serious, but everyone looked at me. It was my first meeting as the youngest project manager on a $70M program to launch a production line in India. “Sure! Why not?” I said. I was now side-by-side with some of the most experienced company executives, handpicked to directly lead a $5.5M project. The journey was intimidating, but I was excited to work with a strong team across five countries. I knew the opportunity would be an important step toward my goal of being COO at a Germany-based global automotive giant.
The challenge was immense. The Indian team was taking days to release raw materials, causing delays that threatened the German supplier’s planned vacation. Having lived in both places, I understood the cultural differences: Europeans will not compromise work-life balance, while in hierarchical India requiring many approvals is standard. I worked with both sides to negotiate a solution. I explained the Indian process to European suppliers, requesting them to work with the logistics team to plan ahead. I also convinced local Indian management that streamlining the approval process would prevent catastrophic delays.In the final phase, the German suppliers suggested to release substandard equipment. Under pressure, local management was willing to let the proposal slide. However, I learned from prior experience that this compromise would lead to an operational bottleneck, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. I presented a cost-benefit analysis, and persuaded management to allocate additional resources to alleviate the bottleneck. Both suppliers and company leadership applauded my insistence on long-term benefits over short-term haste.The program was delivered on time, and our executives praised me for pulling the team together.
I am proud of my contribution, combining technical expertise and business acumen, building international bridges, and rallying resources from different functions. This experience taught me the importance of listening to other’s perspectives. My current position requires working with suppliers and clients in 24 time zones. When our suppliers are not shipping quality products, I listen, identify conflicts of interest, and present solutions for long-term success. Looking forward, I want to combine my industry experience with Ross business skills to lead a top Indian automaker and build it into a major global player.
