Ricky Wozniak, Ross MBA Class of 2019
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Northwestern University, economics and psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 3.5 years, e-commerce retail
Why business school? Why now? I knew business school was the right step for me when I discovered a problem that I am passionate about solving: a lack sustainability in the food system. Approaching this problem, it was clear to me that an MBA would build the skills I need to effectively lead organizations to solve it, building collaborative teams and working across functions to deliver more impactful results. I also saw business school as an incredible opportunity to learn from fellow students and industry leaders addressing similar issues and playing a role in creating a more sustainable and nutritive food value chain.
Why Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Ross students both embrace and put into action the value of making a positive difference in the world. After attending the Ross admit Welcome Weekend, I knew I found the right community, one full of supportive, energetic, down-to-earth people who are driven to make a unique impact through business.
I was particularly inspired by student groups that contribute to this culture, like Social Venture Fund, the first student-run impact investing fund, in which students invest in innovative, for-profit businesses that place social and environmental impact at the core of their business model.
Speaking with current students also proved that Ross would foster learning in ways that would best prepare me for success after business school. My professional experience taught me the value of learning through doing and building effective teams. At Ross, you have the chance to work in many groups, learning from one another’s perspective and learning how to collaborate across different working styles. From the very start, your groups are engaged in action-based learning, tackling a range of real business problems. Our Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAPs) are a great example of this: At the end of your first year, you spend seven weeks developing solutions to business problems at leading companies across the globe.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? In groups, I work to create a culture of openness to ideas that I think helps to facilitate discussion and creative camaraderie. I find that my peers value my ability to laugh at, and learn from, bad ideas to find the good ones.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I love to nerd-out about coffee and will happily talk about tasting notes of single-origin beans.
Post-MBA career interests? Contributing toward long-term sustainability goals at food and agribusiness companies.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Spend time connecting with alumni and ask questions that help you assess whether the school they attended will set you up to achieve your short- and long-term personal and professional goals. I asked for examples of how they have supported the personal and career development of their business school peers while at school and as alumni. Joining a community that celebrates and contributes toward one another’s success was of huge importance to me.
–One thing you would change or do differently? It took me a few drafts before I opened myself to write essays that reflected what makes me unique. Start with deep self-reflection on your life and what excites you about your future—there’s a good chance that will help admissions teams get excited about your future, too.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Allocating less time to GMAT studying—it’s important, but it’s also important to just finish and move onto the depth of your application.
Greatest highlight so far at Ross? I have been incredibly impressed by the community’s dedication to actively foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school. From a class-wide unity photo after the events in Charleston to a block-long line of students signing up as LGBT Allies during National Coming Out Week, Rossers create the change we want to see in the world.
One thing about Ross that you didn’t expect before arriving? I heard there would be a huge number of groups in which to participate and events to attend, but it’s tough to grasp the sheer amount until you start to fill your calendar. Prioritization is just as important to achieve business school goals as it is to achieve business results.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? Finding a balance, fitting in hobbies, and going to the gym while also achieving my business school growth goals.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m excited to continue building bonds with my peers, supporting each other as we work toward our goals, and celebrating the many wins along the way.
