Business is a game of risks for great rewards, but there’s a science behind how it all works. This has never been more apparent with increased digitization in the world of management and finance. The market is now in need of astute minds who can draw on data patterns, algorithms, and technologies to solve complex business problems. That’s where the graduates of Michigan Technological University College of Business come in to take charge.
Though this business school sits at the welcoming, small-town Houghton in the northernmost part of Michigan, its students are making waves beyond its borders. They are fully immersed in a technological culture where digital literacy is key to success. The college knows that graduates with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) savviness will have an edge over others in business development, which is strongly reflected in its blended, multidisciplinary curriculum.
An education of the future
If you think MBA degrees are a thing of the past, then you’ve been doing them wrong. Michigan Tech College of Business proves that MBAs blended with technology are crucial to the future. The Master of Business Administration (TechMBA®) program is a one-of-a-kind learning experience that equips students with foundational skills and the cross-discipline advantage of studying at a top engineering and technology research university.
The result? Not only can graduates demonstrate aptitude in recommending appropriate technologies to business solutions, they can also offer unique alternatives that stand out against competitors. The fusion of technology in its courses makes the MBA experience at the College of Business more valuable, hence why it is ranked within the top five MBA schools in Michigan.
Meanwhile, the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program pairs technical engineering skill sets with business acumen to produce well-rounded graduates who can seamlessly assume leadership positions in tech-intensive firms. The numbers speak for themselves: the median annual wage for engineering managers is US$140,760 in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
If you already possess a STEM background, the MEM is the perfect platform to catapult you to the top of the industry. By putting engineering knowledge at the forefront of operations management, the program allows you to advance your technical knowledge while simultaneously building your leadership and communication skills. An MEM degree will signal to employers that you’re ready to add value to their overall strategic goals.
Umair Riyas came across the MEM program while looking for degrees geared for engineers who seek further education in management. “Michigan Tech has a tailored program that fits well into my career plans. It has a solid reputation with alumni based in prestigious companies around the globe,” says the native Sri Lankan.
“The operations management class I took was well set up for practical information and real-world problem solving.” Thanks to attentive professors and hands-on, focused learning in management topics merged with various engineering tracks, Riyas is able to apply his instructors’ teachings in the workplace.
Supporting tomorrow’s industry leaders
Michigan’s abundant natural resources makes it an ideal place to learn about natural resource management through the college’s Master of Science in Applied Natural Resource Economics (NRE). The small but accessible program size provides students with ample opportunities to carry out research with an outstanding faculty active in national and international research.
As an NRE student, you can customise your research to tailor it to your interests and future research goals. The courses emphasise real-world topics that study environmental issues together with elements of policy analysis, economic theory, and commodity markets. As a result, this specialised program, fusing environmental management and economics, has produced outstanding graduates, including senior economics officer for the Asian Development Bank and academics in higher education.
Student-faculty interaction is highly prioritised in the College of Business. Being a member of its community opens new doors for you to network with others and form significant industry connections that prepare you for real-world business as you advance in your career.
For MBA student Cora Essenmacher, grad school did not start easy. With lots of conversations with her advisor Dr. Mari Buche, however, she overcame her obstacles — and gained many skills along the way. “I have received endless support from my advisors and my teachers,” she says.
Michigan native Jacob Mihelich, who graduated from the Master of Science in Accounting program in 2021, feels the same. “Of everything I could say about my time at Michigan Tech, I don’t think anything compares to people I met. From the moment I set foot on campus to the day I graduated, I felt nothing but welcomed in the College of Business,” he reflects. “I had professors who not only challenged me in the classroom, but also gave me the one-on-one attention I needed to reach my greatest potential.”
When measured against peers, the college’s accounting students earn the second-highest CPA pass rates and the highest average score in the nation. Combined with a faculty that provides consistent mentorship and guidance, it’s little wonder that Mihelich decided on a school that’s closer to home. “I was constantly pushed to do more and to try harder, while also knowing that I had a support system when I needed it,” he adds. “I am eternally grateful for my time at Michigan Tech, but more importantly, for the people I met.”
Success isn’t achieved single-handedly; it takes a community to nurture the best parts of oneself into their fullest potential. At the College of Business, many courses feature group projects where you’ll work with team members from diverse backgrounds. The ability to work as a team is another plus for career-readiness, hence why employers often express satisfaction with Michigan Tech graduates. If you’re ready for an experiential, STEM-based business education that will shape the future, click here.
Follow Michigan Tech on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram