Michigan

Last year, the Wall Street Journal ranked the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business number 1 in the nation. While the WSJ has yet to release its 2007 rankings, it's a good bet that Michigan will show up at or near the top. In the six years that the WSJ has published it's rankings of MBA programs, Michigan has taken the top spot twice.

According to Paul Danos, former dean of Ross and current dean of Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business (another institution that dominates the WSJ's rankings), both institutions "have achieved a very good balance between faculty research and commitment to teaching, which I think resonates with employers ... [t]hey also have nice students who aren't self-centered."

As you know from previous blogs, I believe that these two traits - balanced faculty and friendly students - are supremely important. Alone, however, they aren't enough to vault Michigan onto my application list. Happily, there's even more to the wolvereen MBA. Here's a rundown of Michigan's Five E's ...

Education ~ The above endorsement is powerful on its own, but Michigan has more than a great balance between publishing and teaching. The school believes in providing practical work experience and offers a "Multidisciplinary Action Project" - a course designed to "teach not just problem solving, but also opportunity, innovation and creativity by giving students projects that aren't clearly defined." To get another perspective, the Economist ranks it #10 in the world on personal development and academic experience.

Employment ~ Michigan is not as strong as Kellogg when it comes to placing graduates at strategy firms, but still manages to send 18% of its class to management consulting. Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain, and Booze Allen Hamilton hired 11, 10, 8, and 7 Michigan grads last year, respectively - solid numbers that demonstrate strategy firms' interest in the program. And while Michigan might not produce dozens of strategy consultants, they do boast an extremely diverse recruiting pool - #3 in the world according to the Economist.

Exposure ~ Obviously, a #1 ranking by a major publication is good for Michigan's reputation, but it's a consistent performer in several other closely watched rankings: #5 in BusinessWeek, #11 in US News, #9 in the Economist. Beyond rankings, Michigan has an ingredient that most of the schools on my rough-cut list don't have - a big, successful sports program. I know that sounds almost juvenile, but the University of Michigan is not a household name because it has a great b school. It's a household name because it's a large, respected institution with a storied sports history. An MBA from the Ross School of Business will certainly open doors in the business world, but the University of Michigan adds an intangible element - almost guaranteed name recognition - to the degree.

Environment ~ Admittedly, I've come to know Ann Arbor only through what I've read and heard. It sounds like a cool college town and that's good enough for me. Yes, the weather might be rough in the winter but, as with Chicago, I feel like I can stand anything for 18 months. The school's affiliation with Detroit is, unfortunately, a point of concern. Detroit's long decline and close connection with the ailing US auto industry does call into question the school's ability to maintain strong local affiliations. However, Michigan's growing national (and international) reputation has insulated it from the struggling local economy. I must admit, I'd also like to experience the big school atmosphere that I missed as an undergraduate. Michigan is one of the largest institutions on my list, and definitely has the best football program. Tailgating in the fall with friends isn't just a fun way to spend a Saturday; it's a fantastic way to bond. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of Michigan's environment is the business school itself. The school will be opening a new facility in 2008, just in time for my matriculation!

pEople ~ According to the WSJ, students at Michigan's b school are "considered more collegial than competitive," and enjoy a "community feeling." They're also, "experienced, well rounded, and personable." Ross' alumni network seems to serve its students well too - students responding to an Economist survey ranked the effectiveness of their alumni network #5 in the world. On communication, team-work, and analytic skills, recruiters give Michigan's students A+ marks. From a people perspective, it's hard to imagine a more appealing assessment.

In short, Michigan has all the pieces I want in a business school and I would proudly call it my alma mater.