As Michigan Ross MBAs resume classes this Fall, a new offering from Sanger is now available to them: our micro-credential in leadership, the Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement. This micro-credential is unique among business schools in Poets&Quants’ Top 25; only two other schools offer something similar, and Michigan is the only public university to offer it.
“The Leader Endorsement was created for students who engage in leadership during graduate school in a number of ways: through our programs, through intentional reflection and growth, and through positional leadership roles,” said Jeff Domagala, managing director of the Sanger Leadership Center. “The micro-credential helps students take a step back and understand how all of the different ways in which they are growing as a leader are intertwined. This intentional reflection, guided by two opportunities to meet with our certified coaches, helps students create a narrated journey to make them stronger leaders and stronger candidates in the job market.”
The Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement consists of a number of requirements, including five of Sanger’s leadership programs, a leadership elective from the MBA curriculum, and pre-planning and reflection around an action-based learning assignment (such as MAP or a club leadership role). For many MBA students—especially those deeply interested in growing as a leader—participation in these requirements was already part of their plan for their program. Students may opt-in to the micro-credential at any time, although it is recommended that they spread their participation out over the two years of the MBA program. The program is administered via Canvas, where participants can track their participation and submit their final capstone before graduation.
The Center opened the program last academic year as a pilot to a smaller group of MBAs; seven students who graduated in April completed the certification. Brittani Banks, MBA ’22, was among the inaugural class of recipients. Upon reflection of the experience, she noted:
“Prior to Ross, I adapted my leadership style based on generic leadership advice you could find in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, or Inc. While I don’t discredit them now, the experiences I have had as part of the leader endorsement helped me realize that the difference between a good leader and a great one is adapting my style based on my assessed strengths and weaknesses not blanketed advice. Experiences like Legacy Lab and pre-assessments revealed my motivations and traits that work well in leadership. Participating in action-based projects and classes allowed me an opportunity to apply what I learned about myself in real-world scenarios. It also challenged me to stretch myself and try new approaches that I picked up through workshops. Finally, bringing all these experiences together and reflecting on my leadership style today has shown me that I am not the same person who came into Ross and I’m better for it.”
Students who complete the requirements not only emerge stronger leaders, but receive a badge on LinkedIn, honors cords, a certificate, and an invitation to a celebratory reception. Applications for the Leader Endorsement are open year-round. Students can find more information on our website or contact us at rossleaders@umich.edu for more information.
Brittani Banks, MBA ’22