PREPARATION INITIATIVE
PREPARING TOMORROW’S BUSINESS LEADERS
The Preparation Initiative at the University of Michigan Michigan Ross School of Business is a learning community for motivated students aspiring to build successful, socially responsible businesses and apply to the three-year BBA program The Preparation Initiative (PI) helps students with limited prior exposure to high-quality quantitative courses prepare to excel academically and lead effectively While participation in PI does not guarantee admission to the business school, it develops essential mathematics and economics skills, enhancing participants' competitiveness for the BBA program. PI encourages applications from students with a genuine interest in business, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including economically distressed backgrounds or racial and ethnic minorities.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YEAR
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the program facilitated a week-long trek to New York City for 20 students, funded by generous donors. During the trek, students visited nine different companies across various industries. The PI Trek is designed to expose students to different companies and industries, helping them envision themselves in various professional roles. It also allows them to experience life and work in NYC, fostering stronger connections with their cohort and fellow PI students
Additionally, the program celebrated the graduation of the “COVID Class” of students, who began the PI program when U-M was fully remote and started at Ross during the masking period Despite these challenges, these students formed a tight-knit community and are now employed at prestigious firms such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
It was truly an honor to be a rising senior, mentor, and photographer for the senior spotlight It was a very bittersweet feeling as I gave my goodbyes to some of the seniors I may not see for a while But most importantly, there was this overwhelming feeling of joy and appreciation I had for all of the time and effort they put into the PI program over the years and I am honored to have served as a mentor alongside them. I hope that next year builds onto the momentum we created during the 2023-2024 academic year and I can't wait for the programming that the new team comes up with to help support the incoming firstyears in fresh and creative ways
Brett Sherwood BBA ’25
2023–2024
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
39 students applied to the BBA program
The program organized three treks to Detroit, Chicago, and New York City with more than 50 students who participated
Graduates have secured positions at a diverse array of top-tier companies, such as: PepsiCo, L’Oreal, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, McKinsey & Co, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase Our graduates also went on to pursue graduate studies in nationally ranked programs, including our Master of Supply Chain Management.
THINKING AHEAD
VISION FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR
During this Academic Year, Preparation Initiative aims to enhance communitybuilding events, increase alumni engagement through a new Alumni Mentorship group, and continue organizing PI Treks to Detroit, Chicago, and NYC. These initiatives are designed to strengthen student networks, provide valuable mentorship, and offer industry exposure
To support these goals, the program ' s funding priorities include securing resources for PI Treks, student scholarships especially for those extending their studies with a fifth year at UM and community-building events. Donor contributions will be utilized to support student travel, attire, technology, and conference participation, as well as to facilitate networking and social events essential for community engagement
DONOR IMPACT
Past donor contributions to PI have been instrumental in enhancing the program ' s activities and initiatives Donor support has enabled student treks, which are fully funded by donors and provide students with invaluable academic, personal, and professional experiences These treks often play a pivotal role in shaping students' passion for business. Additionally, donors have hosted PI students at their companies, such as the Detroit office of McKinsey & Co. in 2024, further enriching students' exposure to the business world.
Through these contributions, donors have significantly advanced the program ’ s mission and vision Their support has helped build a strong learning community, increase student interaction with various business sectors, and facilitate connections that contribute to future student success, as well as the success of their communities and families
Program Criteria
Students who are in their first year at U-M and who want to transfer into the Michigan Ross BBA Program
Students who had limited exposure to rigorous academics in high school
Students who are currently enrolled in one BBA prerequisite course
Students who have not previously applied to the BBA program
For more information, please contact us at: prepinitiative@umich.edu