"In my experience and over the years, the BBSA has successfully maximized walking the line that allows them to remain distinctive while simultaneously being an integral part of the overall fabric of the Ross community. I can't imagine Ross without BBSA." – Al Cotrone, Director of Career Development and Student Affairs
"My involvement with the BBSA "family" was a phenomenal experience. It taught me a great deal about leadership and I gained some very valuable friendships. It was also awesome that we were considered one of the most highly regarded organizations on campus, and many other groups reached out to leverage from our experience." -Erica Roberson,
RSB MBA '06
"BBSA has been an integral part of Michigan's success as it relates to diversity. The organization, and the people behind it, also help keep our community connected, from prospective students through to alumni. It is a special part of the Ross School." - Kris Nebel,
Former Director of Strategic Planning and Outreach (RSB), currently Corporate Recruiter for General Mills
The interest that BBSA members show in mentoring others and helping prospective students prepare to apply is amazing. We provide a variety of opportunities for interaction between current and prospective students throughout the school year, including UpClose Weekend and the BBSA Conference. We work hard to ensure that entering MBA1s feel like they're part of the Ross community and the BBSA before they even arrive on campus in the fall. -Erica Butler,
Vice President BBSA
An MBA opens up an unlimited number of career possibilities. Before starting b-school, it’s a good idea to take some time to identify your future career goals and how an MBA will help you achieve them. This self-evaluation process starts with taking personal inventory. What are you good at? What do you feel passionate about? What skills will youI need to cultivate in business school? Answering these questions will assist you tremendously in the admissions process. You will be able to speak and write naturally and articulately about your goals. Having a defined plan will also position you to quickly identify and take advantage of opportunities and resources during your first year. Getting adjusted to the fast-paced b-school lifestyle is challenging enough, so the upfront preparation will save you a lot of time.
The following list provides an overview of a few major post-MBA career options. Consider reaching out to current students, alumni, and friends you know in respective fields to get the ‘inside scoop’.
Accounting
A career in accounting can entail many different specific job functions ranging from an audit or tax consulting career with a public accounting firm to an accounting position with an industrial company to a position with the Government Accounting Office or a non-profit organization.
Common to most accountant positions is the need to secure information on processes and decisions, evaluate the efficacy of those processes and systems, and create and establish methods of improving the data flow and financial reporting processes of the companies they represent. Progression in the field results in senior management positions which daily impact significant company decisions. In addition to the obvious interest in numbers, calculations and quantitative analysis, accountants often have interest in improving systems and methods and in being a part of significant decisions which influence their companies or clients.
Consulting
Consulting has long been one of the "high powered" career options available to business school students. Companies use consultants for a variety of reasons. One reason is that senior management wants an objective viewpoint to a situation facing the company. External consultants can bring a degree of objectivity to a situation which may be politically impossible within the corporation. Experienced consultants also offer a great deal of expertise gained through years of solving similar business challenges. In addition, because of their independence, consultants can often get information from customers and other external contacts that would not be available directly to the company. Finally, many companies do not have the internal human resources to devote to a time-consuming problem.
Corporate Finance
The term "Corporate Finance" is often used to describe two separate areas. The first is within a corporation, where finance professionals work on a wide variety of projects pertaining to the financial needs of their firm, including financial and cost analysis, internal audits, Treasury functions, and business development. This work can be characterized as a combination of cyclical work (i.e. budgeting) and project work.
The other area is within commercial and investment banking. The corporate finance divisions of these banks serve the financial needs of corporate clients by providing financing, investing options and other services.
Entrepreneurial / Small Business
Although an entrepreneurial career does not typically begin immediately upon graduating from the Business School, it is certainly becoming a more popular path for many individuals with specialized industry knowledge. Keys to success include a well-formulated product strategy, capital and a great deal of energy. It is important to choose a field in which you have distinct strengths and clear interests. Let your employer facilitate development of your knowledge base before branching out on your own. Develop credibility within your area of functional expertise in order to convince future debt and equity holders that you are a low-risk entity. Make sure you are knowledgeable of the necessary financing and develop contacts for future success.
High Tech
High-tech companies look for a wide variety of backgrounds in potential hires. As with all other things in the high-tech industry, there is no "standard" profile for recruits. These backgrounds could include experience in consumer marketing, technical marketing, technical product development, and consulting, sales and general management. If there are specific qualifications that a firm is looking for to fill a specific position, they usually make it clear in the job posting itself.
Investment Banking
The business of most large investment banks can generally be divided into two categories: Investment Banking (sometimes referred to as Corporate Finance) and Sales & Trading. Investment Banking divisions are involved in debt and equity capital raising, financial advisory services (including mergers and acquisitions) and occasionally merchant banking activities, while Sales & Trading divisions engage in the research, brokerage and distribution of securities. Investment banks generally work with four client groups: corporations, municipalities (governments, hospitals, universities, etc.), financial institutions (insurance companies, money managers, venture capital and LBO firms, banks, etc.), and wealthy individuals.
Marketing and Brand Management
The Ross School of Business is considered a strong "brand management" school, with most top marketing firms recruiting on-campus. The marketing curriculum and faculty are continuously top-ranked. Product and Brand Management in all industries use general management and marketing skills to oversee the development of a product or service throughout various stages of its life cycle. Marketers develop strategic marketing plans that set positioning, pricing and strategic direction for products/services. They also develop programs to improve brand equity and increase profitability. In addition, marketers are responsible for developing communication with partners and customers along the distribution channel. Finally, marketers manage through cross-functional relationships various internal and external departments, driving all in the process toward common marketing goals and objectives. All of these responsibilities contribute to the general management experience gained from a marketing career.
Non-Profit
"Non-Profit" careers are very diverse – involving anything from working at a museum or foundation to a hospital or homeless shelter to a political campaign or advocacy group. Because career opportunities cut across all functional areas of business (marketing, operations, finance,
etc.), it is important for you to assess which area you prefer. Understand that at small-midsize nonprofits, you will "wear multiple hats" and most likely touch multiple functions.
Real Estate
The majority of real estate positions are at the MBA level and entail investment and asset management for large insurance companies and pension funds that have large and diverse investment portfolios. Some knowledge of construction, urban planning and real estate law is helpful for building a solid understanding of real estate. You need to understand and be interested in financial markets and interest rate activity as they relate to real estate transactions. Knowledge of markets, including major metro areas and their economic strengths, is also intrinsic to working in the real estate field.
