Gus Young, Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Yale University, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Professional Hockey Player (4 years)
Why business school? Why now? After 4 years as a professional athlete with limited business-world experience, an MBA is the most beneficial method to switch careers. Ross will provide the opportunity to not only develop the skills necessary for the modern workforce, but also gain invaluable business/learning experiences in a short amount of time.
Why Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Ross’ commitment to action-based learning, and specifically its MAP program, will allow me to test developed skills in genuine business situations. I am very excited about the opportunity to spend seven weeks in the spring working on a consulting project while having the option to travel.
When speaking to alumni, virtually every one speaks fondly of his or her MAP project. Also, Ross’ newly designed Data and Business Analytics Concentration will help develop and hone analytical skills that are increasingly in demand by employers.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? I believe I bring valuable teamwork skills to the class of 2020. Due to the nature of professional sports, player turnover and constant change in team dynamics are common. Pro hockey pushed me to integrate with new teammates in a short amount of time and that expertise will help during group projects. Also, the constant adversity (trades, injuries, low job security) will allow me to empathize and support classmates and future colleagues who face certain obstacles.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? My girlfriend Lindsay and I have lived in eight cities in the past two years!
Post-MBA career interests? Consulting/Technology.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Start the process early, even if you are not 100 percent committed to attending business school. When I first started researching schools and studying for the GMAT, I didn’t know if my athletic career would last one or two more years or seven to 10.
Because I started the process early, when I knew I wanted to switch careers, I already had an action plan in place, which smoothed the transition considerably. If you decide against business school, the work you put in improving your admissions stance (extracurriculars, extra classes, test prep, etc.) will still allow you to grow in your professional and personal life.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I spent too much time focusing on what most applicants do to prepare and thought I needed every expensive tool/prep material. I realized each person presents a unique story and has a different method in studying/applying.
My advice would be to take various aspects of people’s processes and create your own way to prepare and present yourself to admissions. Your background does not matter if you can present that story in a way that shows your commitment to personal and professional development.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? GMAT. Shocking right? As I said earlier, starting as early as possible gives you the versatility later in the process if you desire to take it multiple times or need significant improvement in one area.
Also, talking to admissions officers, current students, and alumni eased my concerns about how GMAT scores factor into the decision process.
Yes, obviously, they are important, but it truly is just one part of the application. Improving other aspects of application—extracurriculars, leadership opportunities, etc.can— balance out your profile and highlight your strengths.
What is your initial impression of Ross’ students/culture/community? When I received the phone call from the admissions team regarding my acceptance, the admissions officer talked extensively about my application/essays/experiences. That personalization Ross students receive is the first of many instances that demonstrate the positive, caring culture at Ross. The notion that one’s success is not a zero-sum game among peers is ingrained in the students from the beginning of orientation.
One thing you have learned about Ross that has surprised you? The extent of the resources available to its students. From the very beginning of orientation, we are equipped with academic, professional, and social resources to help each individual transition back to school.
Even before arriving on campus, students meet with individual career development coaches and complete online modules designed to assess each students’ strengths and weaknesses. Those results are debriefed during orientation to help each develop an academic plan and recruiting strategy.
The first few days consist of workshops, such as networking, resume building, and communication skills. No matter the desired career path, Ross has the resources and support systems in place to help you achieve those goals.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? The overwhelming number of opportunities such as classes, clubs, student funds, etc. that Ross offers. B-school students often talk about ‘fear of missing out’ and difficult decisions about which opportunities to follow. A ‘fear’ of mine is over extending myself and devoting too much time to multiple responsibilities without focusing on one or two paths.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? The number of opportunities available at Ross, which I know this somewhat contradicts what I am anxious about in my first year. I believe that combination of excitement and anxiety towards new challenges will allow my classmates and me to push boundaries and grow as people; academically, professionally, and socially.
Clear Admit Resources
Want to learn more about Ross? We encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s Ross School of Business offerings:
- Michigan Ross School of Business Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Michigan / Ross
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Michigan / Ross
