FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a list of questions most frequently asked by students applying to the graduate and undergraduate programs at Ross. Browse through and if you have any remaining questions, feel free to email us at businessimpact@umich.edu.

What do you mean by impact?

For our purposes, the Business+Impact initiative defines impact as a significant, positive change that addresses a pressing social challenge. Impact is most accurately represented by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How do students get involved with Business+Impact at U-M?

During the first few weeks of the school year, B+I hosts the “Business+Impact Showcase,” which is the premier exhibition for students to learn about the numerous opportunities to incorporate impact into their education at Ross. In addition, the Business+Impact Initiative administers several student programs and events throughout the year in which students can participate. Be sure to attend the Showcase to get connected to these opportunities!

How is Ross's Business+Impact Initiative any different from similar initiatives at its peer institutions?

Michigan Ross is dedicated to building a better world through business. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners all rally around the shared vision of building a just and sustainable world through business.The Business+Impact initiative works across all facets of the school and with all stakeholders. We draw on a depth of expertise across Michigan Ross, from teaching to research to outreach — in order to elevate the role of business impact on society and the environment. This strong commitment to impact among the Ross community is unparalleled and provides students numerous opportunities to incorporate impact into their education and career.

Do I need to apply to or join the Business+Impact initiative?

No. Business+Impact is a school-wide initiative that encompasses the numerous impact activities at Ross. The programs administered by Business+Impact (Board Fellows, Summer Fund) have their own applications and timelines.

Does Ross offer tuition assistance for students pursuing the non-traditional MBA career?

The Ross School of Business Loan Repayment Program (LRAP) provides financial assistance to graduates who pursue careers in nonprofit and public sector organizations. Other avenues of funding include the Summer Fund, which provides internship funding support to MBAs, BBA juniors, and MPPs pursuing social impact internships during the summer.

Is there an impact degree or concentration on impact?

Ross MBA students may pursue a concentration in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). There is currently no dedicated degree program or certification for social impact, social innovation, or nonprofit management at the University of Michigan.

What courses in impact are available at Ross and U-M?

On our resource, Map Your U-M Journey, Business+Impact maintains a list of courses throughout Ross and the University of Michigan that focus on social entrepreneurship and innovation, nonprofit and public management, sustainability, and related topics.

If I am a student at Michigan, but not in Ross, can I still engage with the Business+Impact initiative?

Yes! In addition to courses, there are a number of co-curriculars and student clubs open to students outside of Ross. Business+Impact administers a few programs open to students of other disciplines as well, such as the Board Fellowship Program, the Impact Studio, and Summer Fund. A multidisciplinary learning environment is critical to prepare students for the complex work of tackling real-world challenges, and there are a number of ways for students to get this experience at U-M and Ross.

What kinds of jobs are available in social impact?

The job market for impact careers is diverse and growing. There are many factors to take into account when deciding what type of career to pursue, but students can be certain that they will have ample opportunity to explore and reflect on their career goals during their time at U-M.

What types of career resources are available to Ross students?

The Ross Career Development Office (CDO) plays an integral role in the MBA student experience at the Ross School of Business. CDO staff as well as student Peer Coaches are available for resume reviews, mock interviewing, and 1:1 coaching. Additionally, Business+Impact maintains a Career Resources page, which has a variety of impact-focused websites to see job listings and read about the latest trends and market news. Finally students may explore career opportunities with a number of companies that visit Ross throughout the year.

Social Impact at Michigan Ross

The Business+Impact initiative is embedding impact into every core activity of the school, including teaching, research, and outreach. Here are a few examples of the steps we’re taking:

Through our Impact Gateway, you’ll learn how to navigate a path through the broad U-M landscape of impact opportunities and ultimately pursue a career where you can make a difference.
Through Ross’s partnerships and joint degree programs on campus, you’ll work in multidisciplinary teams, work with top thought leaders, and implement straight-to-market plans with community organizations.
Through B+I’s Impact Studio, whether you’re a student or a community leader, you can engage in short-term, deep-dive projects for the greater good.
Through the unique student opportunities and community programs we administer, you’ll get the chance to engage in action-based learning challenges in Detroit, in Michigan, and around the world.