Choosing an MBA program is one of the biggest decisions of your career, and for many people, it comes down to rankings, reputation, and career opportunities. For me, the decision to join the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University (MSU) was about so much moreโit was about culture, authenticity, and fit.
A lot of young professionals ask me why I chose Broad, and what factors they should consider when choosing their own MBA program. While my decision was deeply personal, I want to share 10 reasons why I love Broad College of Business, and why I believe it was the perfect place for me.
1. The Way I Found MSU Felt Meant to Be
Back in New York, while working at the United Nations, I came across an Instagram ad about an MBA tour hosted by the GMAC Council. At the time, I was finishing my first masterโs degree and wondering if an MBA was the right next step. I attended the conference, met the GMAC team, and even wrote a blog post about my thoughts on the MBA path.
That curiosity led me to upload my resume to different platforms, which eventually caught the attention of Kate, an academic admissions director. She invited me to MSUโs Diversity Preview Day, and when I mentioned it to my best friend, Heather, she told me โThatโs my alma mater! Youโll love it!โ And thatโs exactly what happenedโI fell in love with the school from the moment I stepped foot in Lansing.
2. The Authenticity of MSUโs People
One of the first things I noticed about MSU was how real everyone was. You canโt fake authenticity, and the people I met during Diversity Preview Day in September 2023 are the same people I know today. From students to faculty, thereโs a genuine culture of warmth, support, and real connections.
3. The Minskoff Pavilion is a Dream
If Iโm being completely honest, Minskoff Pavilion played a huge role in my decision. I visited a lot of business schoolsโColumbia, NYU, Harvard, and Rochesterโbut nothing compared to the energy and inspiration I felt walking into Minskoff. Itโs modern, innovative, and exactly the kind of space that makes me excited to show up and learn every day.
4. MSU Set the Benchmark for Every Other School
MSU was the first school I visited, and every other school I toured after had to measure up. I visited Harvard, Rochester, Columbia, and NYU, but they just didnโt feel as welcoming or aligned with what I wanted. Even Yale, which I loved, wasnโt the right fit for me because I didnโt want to take the GMAT at the time.
I had applied to only two schoolsโMSU and Rochesterโbecause they were willing to waive my GMAT, and by February 2023, when I realized my UN contract might not be renewed, I knew Broad was where I wanted to be.
5. The Best of Both Worlds: A Large Campus in a Small City
I knew I wanted to experience life outside of a big city like New York, but I didnโt want to be isolated. MSU is the perfect balance. Lansing is a college town, but it doesnโt feel like a tiny villageโit has everything you need while offering a more relaxed and immersive campus life.
6. I Wanted to Experience Real Winter
New York winters are mostly cold and windy, but Michigan winters are realโI got my first white Christmas here, and even though itโs cold as hell, I love that I can say I fully experienced winter in the U.S.
7. An Alumni Network of Over 550,000+ Spartans
One of the biggest reasons people choose an MBA program is the networkโand MSU has one of the largest and most engaged alumni networks in the country. The Broad network is real, and I love how connected the Spartan community is.
8. The Supportive Career Network
Yes, itโs true that attending a mid-tier MBA program can make recruiting a bit harder, but hiring is tough for everyone right now. What Iโve learned is that companies arenโt just hiring based on school rankings anymoreโthey care about your experience, story, and authenticity.
When I interviewed at Microsoft, I saw candidates from Ivy League schools like Yale and Harvard, but in the end, it was about the person, not the school name on their rรฉsumรฉ. I got the job because of my work, not just my degree.
9. MSU is a Great Fit for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, I needed a program that would push my thinking while supporting my career goals. The Broad MBA program has been incredibly impactful for me as a founder, business strategist, and leader. Itโs the kind of education that goes beyond textbooksโitโs about real-world application and connections.
10. It Just Felt Right
Sometimes, the best decision isnโt about rankings, salaries, or what others thinkโitโs about what feels right for you. MSU felt right from the very beginning, and itโs one of the best decisions Iโve ever made.
Bonus
Because what’s better than 10 reasons? That’s right: 11! MSU prides itself on having the best Study Abroad Programme in the country, and I was privileged to experience why.
Or on the official MSU Broad website:
A lot of people ask me for advice on choosing an MBA program, and I always say: donโt just pick based on rankingsโchoose based on fit.
Broad was perfect for me because it aligned with my values, my goals, and the kind of experience I wanted. If youโre thinking about business school, take the time to explore, visit, and see where you feel at home.
from Lansing, with Love,
Ntha
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