Adeola Aro (Ross, ‘20) chose to attend business school to strengthen her business acumen to achieve her career goals. Early on, Aro engaged with the Consortium (CSGM) which provided her assistance in the admission process, and now as a student at Ross, a community of peers and collaborators. In our interview, Aro shared how Consortium has helped her along her MBA journey.
MBASchooled: When and why did you decide to go to business school, and how did you hear about the Consortium?
I led a tech migration project at a previous job and had an opportunity to work with several different areas of the business. I realized that I had very little insight into how those areas operated or even how marketing supported those teams. It was then that I understood that there were gaps in my knowledge that business school could fill. I started researching different programs and I learned about the Consortium (CGSM) through a friend who was about to start business school at Kellogg that year.
MBASchooled: During your MBA experience, what resources did Consortium provide to you to assist in your transition and experience?
The consortium was instrumental in preparing me for my recruiting journey through the Orientation Program and early access to employers the summer before classes started. Our Consortium Liaisons (and MBA2’s) prepared us for interviews by reviewing our resumes, assisting with our elevator pitches, and connecting us to alums at various companies. I was able to successfully land an early offer with a tech company as a result. This experience allowed me to hit the ground running when school started in the fall and shift my attention towards academics and leadership involvement.
MBASchooled: The transition to business school can be challenging for any student. What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did being a part of the Consortium help overcome these challenges?
After being out of school for almost 8 years, I made the transition back to school. One of the more difficult parts for me was not sitting in class and relearning concepts that I hadn’t seen in years – it was dealing with the feelings of imposter syndrome. The CGSM community was helpful by providing a community of people that I felt comfortable admitting that I was having trouble in a particular subject. I experienced a level of psychological safety within the community that allowed me to be open with my emotions and eventually move past them.
MBASchooled:One of the valuable aspects of Consortium is the network that it gives you. How has that helped you?
The Consortium at Ross provides a safe space and community of generally like-minded individuals that just get it. Oftentimes, business school can be draining with multiple competing priorities. The community gives me a space where I can just breathe and be. No explanation needed. For me, this is super valuable and allows me to recharge and reconnect.
MBASchooled: How does Ross promote a more diverse and inclusive culture for students of all backgrounds?
Ross demonstrates their commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture by the programming they support or give us freedom to develop. An example of this is a newly launched series called “Food, Friends, Culture” in which students from various backgrounds share their food and traditions with the student body. It’s been wildly successful so far. Most recently, we heard from my peers in the Africa Business Club. Our Admissions and Programs Director, Soojin Kwon was called up to the front to learn a few popular West African dances. As funny as it was, she graciously stood up and joined in on the dancing.
Additionally, many of the student club leaders are women, our MBA council president is a woman. In the class of 2020, all the section presidents are women with 2 being part of underrepresented minority groups. I think our programming and leadership make-up shows how much Ross supports and creates a culture that drives diversity and inclusion.
MBASchooled:How has being a part of the Consortium helped you grow and develop?
I serve as a Consortium Liaison for the Class of 2021 and the experience has helped build my confidence as a public speaker as well as practice community building.
MBASchooled:What advice do you have for underrepresented students who are considering business school?
Ask a lot of questions! Business school is such a huge commitment and you’ll want to make sure it’s right for you and your goals. Gather as much data so that you can make the best possible decision for yourself. Also, don’t sell yourself short. Don’t tell yourself no. Give it 100% and let the schools decide, not you.