Meet The Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2018

elifozbay-poetsandquants-classof2018

Elif Ozbay

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A positive person who believes in lifelong learning and cares for the lives of others.

Hometown: Ankara, Turkey

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have never watched a horror film. Even the trailers of horrors films are enough to make me scared.

Undergraduate School and Major: Middle East Technical University, Business Administration

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Turkish Treasury

  • Senior Associate (July 2014-Current)
  • Associate (December 2010-July 2014)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my tenure in the Turkish Treasury, I have actively taken part in the implementation of Treasury’s external borrowing strategy while managing investor and credit rating agency relations. One of my accomplishments was my involvement in my country’s Japanese Yen denominated transaction in 2014.This transaction marked the lowest ever absolute coupon by a sovereign to date in the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) guaranteed Yen market and the Turkey’s lowest ever coupon rate for a bond issuance in international capital markets.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Never underestimate the importance of essays. A good GMAT score is not enough to step in your dream school if it is not supported by good essays that reflect your fit with the school. Admission committees are serious when they talk about holistic approach. It is not just an empty phrase. Therefore, I recommend applicants to start studying for the GMAT earlier, take the exam earlier and spare a fair amount of time to write the essays.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I believe that Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) is the determining factor that differentiates Ross from other respected business schools. As a government employee, I did not have a lot of chances to experience private sector business life. I believe that MAP will be a great opportunity for me to observe the private sector more closely and apply the things I learn to the public sector.

Although it was not a key factor, the admissions team’s supportive approach also made me feel closer to Ross. When I explored business schools, I was really impressed by Soojin Kwon’s applicant-friendly blog. She is aware how tough the application process is for applicants and shows a great effort to make the process less painful.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? In the future, I would like to make a meaningful difference in my country’s future. For me, it is giving back to my community for all its contributions that shape who I am today. My dream employer and job at this point in my life would be my current employer and job. After pursuing an MBA, I plan to return to my country, work for my current organization and strengthen my organization’s position in the international realm.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? It is important to me to gain credibility as a result of both my abilities and my character. Therefore, I want my peers to look at me and say, “You can trust her on any issue.”

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.