Q&A: Michigan Ross Staff on the Value of Continuing Education
At Michigan Ross, growth and development take many forms, and there is no single path to building skills and expanding perspective. For some faculty and staff, that journey includes graduate programs, professional certifications, or other continuing education experiences that complement their roles at Ross and beyond.
In this Q&A, Ross staff share how continuing education has benefited them and shaped their career decisions, and how they navigated the challenges of returning to school later in life.
Jennifer Steben, managing director, Executive Education
Have you pursued an advanced degree or certification?
I’m a graduate student at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education, earning an online master’s in Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation. The program complements my work at Ross and my board service, and its online format lets me continue my studies while working and traveling. Additionally, I hold six State of Michigan certifications related to Board of Education oversight.
How has your experience in ongoing education specifically benefited you?
Ongoing education has benefited me by providing structured time to reflect and quickly apply what I’m learning in my professional and volunteer life. The ideas and tools I’ve gained through my education have been highly transferable. Most notably, insights from a research project helped me better understand the needs of an Executive Education client before designing and executing a course for them.
How has ongoing education influenced our own career path?
Ongoing education has been a guiding force in my career decisions. My commitment to and belief in continuous learning ultimately led me to leave the corporate sector and transition into academia, where learning and development are central to the work. As a U-M alum, it’s also meaningful to build my career in a way that lets me give back to my alma mater.
Why do you believe higher education is important for personal and professional growth?
Higher education is important for personal and professional growth because it intentionally exposes you to diverse perspectives. This semester, my grad program is focused on organizational change and culture in education. The feedback I am getting from my peers is great because they do not work at Ross. This allows me to draw on insights from other industries and backgrounds, mesh them with my own strategies, and apply them at Ross to achieve positive outcomes.
Another fun part of my education is that, through my research projects, I have cited the work of a lot of the faculty I work with at Ross. I’ve been able to meaningfully draw on and better understand the scholarship of faculty I work with, reinforcing the importance Michigan Ross places on research-driven, evidence-based thought leadership.
What are some common challenges adults face when returning to school? What advice would you give for overcoming those challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is finding the time for schoolwork. I’ve found the best way to manage that is to plan ahead and intentionally protect study time. My late nights and early mornings now involve a lot less Netflix and a lot more focused work.
Another common challenge is the “urgency” that comes with inspiration. When you’re learning better approaches, you want to implement them in your current work as soon as possible. My advice is to channel that into a few realistic, quick wins you can apply right away, while also accepting that some ideas will take more time and planning to roll out well.
Diane Brinson-Days, associate director, Executive MBA Program
Have you pursued an advanced degree or certification?
As a first-generation college student, I never imagined that I would one day earn a master’s degree — let alone a doctorate. Pursuing an advanced degree became a deeply personal goal: a way to challenge myself, prove my capability, and honor the sacrifices and support of my family. At the same time, I was motivated by a desire to grow professionally and position myself to make a meaningful impact in my field and in the broader community.
How has your experience in ongoing education specifically benefited you?
Ongoing education has benefited me in numerous ways. It has allowed me to strengthen existing skills, develop new ones, and deepen my understanding of emerging concepts and ideas. It has also broadened my perspective by exposing me to diverse people and experiences, while helping me stay current in an ever-evolving world. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to lead by example, especially for my son — demonstrating the value of perseverance, growth, and lifelong learning.
How has ongoing education influenced your career path?
I have always been a strong believer in the power of education and the importance of lifelong learning. Continuing my education has strengthened my perspective, deepened my expertise, and enhanced my contributions in professional and community settings. I have already seen its impact through my work with community groups and the committees I serve on, where I can apply my knowledge in meaningful and impactful ways.
Why do you believe higher education is important for personal and professional growth?
I believe higher education fosters personal and professional growth. It exposes individuals to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences they may not otherwise encounter, ultimately shaping how they see and engage with the world. Professionally, it provides the opportunity to apply theory to real-world situations, strengthening critical thinking and practical skills. Additionally, earning educational credentials can enhance career opportunities and support long-term economic and professional advancement.
What are some common challenges adults face when returning to school? What advice would you give for overcoming those challenges?
As someone who completed all three of my degrees while working, I can personally attest to the many challenges adults face when returning to school. Adults returning to school often face doubts about stepping back into an academic environment — worrying they’ll be the oldest in the room or won’t be able to keep up. Many also worry about balancing work, family, and coursework, as well as managing the financial cost. My advice is to start by acknowledging those concerns and making a realistic plan for time and finances, then lean on your support system and use campus resources early. Most importantly, don’t let fear of being “behind” stop you — it’s never too late to invest in your education and your growth.
Andrea McHale, managing director, One-Year Master’s Programs
Have you pursued an advanced degree or certification?
Yes, I have pursued my MBA, MA, and Doctor of Business Administration, each intentionally aligned with a specific stage of my personal and professional growth. My MBA laid a strong foundation in business and leadership; my MA broadened my perspective in education; and my DBA fulfilled a lifelong goal while enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to higher education. I am deeply motivated by continuous learning and view education as a way to evolve, lead more effectively, and create lasting impact.
How has your experience in ongoing education specifically benefited you?
Each academic experience has provided me with new frameworks, perspectives, and tools that I have applied to my work. These experiences have strengthened my ability to analyze complex challenges, make data-based decisions, and contribute more effectively. Beyond the practical benefits, continuing my education has enabled me to adapt and navigate an ever-evolving higher education landscape.
My education also created opportunities I would not have encountered otherwise. It connected me with mentors who challenged and supported my growth, opened doors to leadership roles in both corporate and academic settings, and expanded my professional network in meaningful ways. It also provided access to spaces such as conferences, advisory boards, and thought leadership opportunities, where I could learn from and contribute to broader conversations in graduate management education. Many of these opportunities were made possible by the confidence and perspective my education instilled, empowering me to pursue paths I may not have initially considered.
How has ongoing education influenced our own career path?
As I mentioned, ongoing education has influenced my career path by opening doors to new opportunities, including corporate and academic leadership roles. Ongoing education also equipped me with the skills and foundation to grow and succeed as I’ve moved across different industries and educational organizations.
Why do you believe higher education is important for personal and professional growth?
Higher education creates access to a wide range of opportunities. Academically, it introduces new ways of thinking. Professionally, it opens doors through expanded networks, including faculty, alumni, and peers. It provides access to organizations and industries that might otherwise feel out of reach, and helps to strengthen important skills, such as communication, leadership, and collaboration, which shape how you show up and succeed in any environment.
Higher education also offers valuable informal opportunities through mentorship, exposure to diverse perspectives, and experiences that broaden your worldview. It’s ultimately why I am so passionate about the work I do at Ross. I am now at a stage in my career and life where I can help others access those same transformative opportunities.
What are some common challenges adults face when returning to school? What advice would you give for overcoming those challenges?
Adults returning to school often face challenges balancing competing priorities, including career demands, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. I earned two of my advanced degrees while being a wife and mom of three. I completed my MA as a full-time student, and my DBA while working full-time, parenting full-time, and studying full-time. Pursuing goals and ambitions at this stage of life is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real challenges, sacrifices, and trade-offs.
Strong time management skills and a high level of executive functioning are essential, but the reality is that you can’t do everything all the time. There were moments of struggle and times I missed important events with family and friends. What made the difference for me was having a strong support system. I had family who helped make it all work, friends who checked in, and mentors who provided guidance and reassurance when I needed it most.
The moment I saw my three teenagers in the crowd at my commencement, beaming with pride, made every challenge worth it. And now, a year and a half after my doctoral graduation, I’m able to be more present at work and at home. I travel more, rest more, and spend more meaningful time with the people I love.
My advice to anyone considering continuing their education is simple: do it. There will never be a perfect time in your life to further your education. Trust that you and your support network will find a way to create a new normal.
Michael Gaitan-Flores, director of industry relations, Office of Action-Based Learning
Have you pursued an advanced degree or certification?
I will be starting my MBA as part of the incoming Weekend MBA cohort here at Ross! Since graduating from Michigan State University in 2016 as a first-generation college student, I have known I would eventually want to return to school to continue growing and advancing in my career. Over the past four years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the Ross curriculum has had on our students and alumni. When it came time to decide my next step, pursuing an MBA was the right choice for me.
How has your experience in ongoing education specifically benefited you?
While I haven’t begun my WMBA program yet, I’m excited to be immersed in the Ross student experience, which I hope will directly enhance my current work coordinating impactful Multidisciplinary Action Projects and Consulting Studio projects for our students. Sometimes the best way to support a program and deliver stronger outcomes is to fully step into the experience yourself. I’m looking forward to bringing that perspective back into my role.
How has ongoing education influenced our own career path?
Preparing to begin my program has already helped me think more intentionally about how I want to grow professionally. I am excited to strengthen the skills I use in my current role and deepen my understanding of core business principles. I also expect the coursework to translate beyond my work at Ross, supporting the more thoughtful, informed perspectives I aim to bring to the municipal boards and committees where I serve.
Why do you believe higher education is important for personal and professional growth?
I believe that higher education, trade school, or any form of continuing education gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves and explore new paths in their personal and professional lives. We all have different goals, and investing in education can help accelerate those ambitions.
What are some common challenges adults face when returning to school? What advice would you give for overcoming those challenges?
One of the most common challenges I hear from current and former WMBA students is that there never seems to be enough time in the day to balance personal, professional, and academic responsibilities. My advice is to be intentional about building a strong support system. Connect with others in your program, learn how they manage their time, and don’t hesitate to share what’s working for you. That community can make a significant difference.
