Shared journeys and powerful NEW ADVENTURES

Students from around the world and all walks of life find opportunities and support to thrive in CMU’s College of Business Administration.

TODAY’S BUSINESS CAREERS DEMAND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

International students find opportunity, support while expanding a diverse culture CMU’s College of Business Administration is not only a hub of academic excellence, it’s a diverse community where students from across the globe come together to pursue their educational and professional aspirations.

Nearly 40% of CMU’s international students are enrolled in the College of Business, drawn by its hands-on learning opportunities, robust network of business connections and world-class reputation.

Associate Dean Sanjay Kumar said the college fosters an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can learn, grow and prepare for success in a global economy.

Through faculty mentorship, an innovative curriculum and a global outlook on business, CBA equips students with the skills and community needed to thrive in a competitive, interactive world.

From overseas to the Great Lakes state

From Bangladesh to Brazil, international students leave their homes and comforts behind to build a brighter future at CMU. While the opportunity is exciting, it also can be riddled with anxiety.

“These students choose to be here, but it’s still nerve-wracking,” Kumar said. “CMU is a different place from what they’re used to. Cultural norms are different. Infrastructure is different. It can be a feeling of promise as well as, ‘What am I getting myself into?’”

For Naina Rajan, a graduate student from India pursuing her MBA, the chance to study in the United States was an opportunity not easily found at home. Competition for placement in top academic institutions is fierce in India, one of the world’s most populated countries.

“Getting a business degree has always been important to me,” Rajan said. “Understanding business from an international perspective is critical, and studying in the U.S. gives me that exposure. It’s an opportunity I might not have had if I stayed in India.”

For Rohith Jellella, also from India, the Master of Science in Information Systems program allows him to enhance his technical skills while learning how to be a business leader.

“I’m interested in growing my technical abilities, but I also know it’s important to get management experience as I continue to grow in my career,” he said. “I can achieve both goals here.”

Another unique advantage of becoming a CMU Chippewa is the opportunity to enroll in STEM-designated graduate programs, which offer extended visa options. This allows students like Rajan and Jellella to gain practical experience in the U.S. after graduation.

Providing academic and personal support services

While the excitement of studying internationally is significant, homesickness can be a challenge. In India, it’s standard for students to live with their parents into adulthood.

“When you’re awake here, your family is asleep, which makes staying in touch difficult,” Rajan said. “Cooking traditional Indian food helps me feel connected to home. I’ve even discovered ingredients and dishes from regions across India that I hadn’t been exposed to as much. Here, when I shop at a grocery store, flavors and traditions from across India converge.”

F1 Hire rankings

F1 Hire rankings are based on return-on-investment metrics for international students, such as average post-graduation salary, salary-to-tuition ratio and number of students who apply for permanent residency. These criteria help international students evaluate universities that provide strong academic foundations and paths to career advancement.

CMU’s top placement underscores its dedication to delivering high-quality education and career opportunities to all students, with a focus on helping international students thrive in an increasingly globalized workforce.

CMU’s International Student and Scholar Services unit supports students with everything from immigration information to cultural adjustment and academic success.

“For many students, this is their first time in a foreign country, and many are facing some level of cultural shock,” said Ling Zhang, executive director of the Office of International Affairs and Graduate Recruitment. “We are dedicated to helping international students adjust to all facets of life as a college student in the U.S.”

One resource is the International Welcome Center in Ronan Hall, which provides information on health insurance, transportation, visas and more. New international student orientation helps students acclimate to campus life, connecting them to events, student organizations and employment opportunities.

Shaping global business leaders

CBA is committed to preparing all students for success in today’s interconnected business world. The college’s focus on data analysis and social skills ensures students graduate with the competencies necessary to excel in modern workplaces — wherever they call home.

Being exposed to a mix of cultures, experiences and ideas deepens student understanding of themselves and the world around them.

“Success today requires not just textbook knowledge but an understanding of international perspectives gained through real interactions,” Kumar said. “This type of exposure is beneficial for all of our students, and international representation in the college is a commitment we’re excited to continue to grow.”

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS FIND SUPPORT, CAMARADERIE IN CBA

On-campus resources mean not having to navigate the journey alone

CMU’s first-generation college students — those whose parents have not attended college — make up 20% of the student population.

First-generation students bring unique perspectives and a figureit-out determination that helps them thrive. Still, their challenges are generally unlike those of other student groups.

“When I began my college journey, I had a multitude of questions,” said Heidi Garay-Estupinian, a senior from Troy. “Being first to go to college means you’re first to navigate college in all its essence — from financial aid and college credits to picking an area of study.”

Recognizing the need for support, the college has implemented numerous measures to serve all students, especially those who are the first to chart the college course in their family.

Welcome to the HUB

The college’s Office of Student Engagement and Professional Development — known as “the HUB” around Grawn Hall — launched in fall 2022 and is a one-stop-shop for support students need from the time they step on campus until graduation.

The HUB is a one-stop-shop from the first day a student steps on campus until they graduate.

“We see ourselves as a connector,” said Amy McGinnis, CBA’s director of student experience and a management faculty member. “There are a lot of great things happening across CBA — student organizations, admissions and recruitment work, programs, opportunities to get engaged — we want to help students know what is available to them.”

Whether students need a place to study, are looking for opportunities to get involved within CBA or just need advice, the HUB lives up to its name by being a go-to resource, especially for firstgeneration students.

“The HUB and everything it offers has been a tremendous source of support for me,” Garay-Estupinian said. “In particular, Dr. McGinnis has helped guide me throughout my journey at college. She’s held my hand through numerous job interviews and has really brought out my inner potential.”

Dr. Amy McGinnis guides a student in the HUB.

Learning to lead through the Queller Leadership Scholars Program

With its first cohort this academic year, the Queller Leadership Scholars Program — started through a gift from alumni Dave and Penny Queller — is empowering first-generation students through programming that provides professional development and fosters leadership.

In addition to earning a financial scholarship, the students meet weekly and participate in leadership development programs, formal assessments and mentoring programs. They also gain exposure to business professionals through volunteer opportunities, networking events and speakers, and learn to navigate college with the support of those who have already walked a similar path.

“The hardest thing for me to navigate as a first-generation student was being on my own,” said Haylei Drope, a senior from Chesaning who is in the Queller Scholars cohort. “The support services are so helpful because they have connected me with students and faculty that are going — or have gone — through the same situation.”

The Quellers hosted the cohort at their home in Petoskey for an overnight retreat. Activities included team-building, forming relationships and connecting with a group of business executives during a panel on the Queller’s back porch.

“Penny and I are so proud to work with CBA and the HUB to support a first-generation scholars program for students of promise,” Dave said. “We hope this program elevates student awareness of their potential within their area of

Amy McGinnis, CBA’s director of student experience and a management faculty member, works with a student in the college’s Office of Student Engagement and Professional Development, more commonly known as “the HUB.” study and leadership opportunities while creating a career framework that maximizes their professional development.”

For Garay-Estupinian, involvement in the cohort has not just helped her refine her leadership skills — it’s brought her connection and support.

“Being part of the Queller cohort has made me feel extremely supported and seen as a first-generation student who navigates a million things,” she said. “It’s such a relief to be part of a group that understands exactly what you’re going through and roots for each other’s success.”

Helping first-gen students thrive

CMU’s commitment to providing resources for first-generation students earned the university membership to the national First Scholars Network in June 2023. The network, powered by the Center for First-generation Student Success, will help CMU implement numerous evidence-based measures across campus.

“A lot of conversations around what it means to be a first-generation student include having different kinds of support available at home as they navigate this journey,” McGinnis said. “We are committed to intentionally thinking about the ways we can engage first-generation students and help them succeed.