JR Ramsey, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 40
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Metropolitan State University of Denver, Communications with an emphasis in Public Address and Rhetoric.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Roughly 15 years. U.S. Air Force and various roles within the Financial Sector.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had worked enough different roles in my prior industry to know that it was not a good fit for me as a long-term career. Additionally, I had been passed over for multiple leadership roles in favor of other candidates with an MBA which made the decision to go back to get mine an easy choice.
Why did you choose OSU Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I have a wife and three kids and wanted to get a quality education without uprooting our family. Applying to Fisher was an easy decision. Even if I was not already living in Columbus, I still would have chosen Fisher. The affordability, small class size, generalized preparation, and the competitive but collaborative culture that is fostered here make it unique. Fisher encourages a growth mindset and actively looks to bring in people who will steward that culture. Overall, the ROI on attending Fisher makes it a great place to study.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
This is hard because I feel like all my classmates bring a lot of value that I benefit from. I am going to say that being older than the traditional MBA student gives me a unique perspective on the program and the material we study.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
My third son was born two weeks before the start of orientation.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan on moving into the Brand Management sector after graduation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend the fall preview day. Getting to interact with some of the faculty and 2nd years confirmed that Fisher was where I belonged. I quit applying to other schools because there was no other school that fit my personality and my goals the way Fisher did.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Honestly? Nothing. I applied early so would encourage anyone thinking about applying to get their application submitted sooner rather than later.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Prepping for the GRE with two little kids at home was entertaining but less than ideal. If I could skip that part I would.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
I mentioned it earlier but the fact that all the students have a growth mindset. It makes it a fun place to be. We are all trying to learn from each other and help each other be the best that we can. There are a lot of programs that have a reputation for being cutthroat but in my experience you won’t find that at Fisher.
I also think the diversity of backgrounds in every class makes Fisher unique. My classmates include a published author, a tattoo artist, and a former chef. I doubt you will find that combination in most MBA programs.
What is one thing you have learned about OSU Fisher that has surprised you?
How diverse our alumni network is. Whatever career field you are interested in we probably have someone working in it who is willing to share their experience.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Having to do the entire process virtually while living in the same city was a little odd but not disruptive.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting an internship.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really excited about the Business Lab in the Spring Semester where we get to work as consultants with a local company.
