Chloe Pham

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

“A curious soul, I thrive in forging connections and exploring new ideas.”

Hometown: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a big foodie! I was born and raised in a family of three generations of chefs—my mom, grandma, and great-grandma were all professional chefs, so a love for food runs deep in my family.

Undergraduate School and Major: La Trobe University (Australia) – Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Business Analyst – Bridgestone

Michigan Ross is best known for experiential learning programming like MAP, Living Business Leadership Experience, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge. What experiential program interests you the most (and why)? I’m incredibly excited about the MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects) program because it offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world business challenges. It’s a rare chance to immerse myself in a new industry and understand its dynamics from the inside out. Another program that excites me is the Detroit Initiatives, where I can serve as a consultant to help non-profit organizations in Detroit scale and improve their operations. Bringing my business experience to support these organizations in making a greater impact aligns with my passion for using business as a force for good, while also honing my consulting skills. The combination of practical learning and meaningful community involvement is something I find truly inspiring.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Michigan Ross’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the key reasons I chose Michigan Ross was Ann Arbor. Having lived in big cities my entire life, I wasn’t sure how I’d adapt to a college town, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. The sense of community here is incredible—everyone is fully committed to being part of this environment and actively engages with one another. I love that I can live within walking distance of my friends and can reach out to them for help at any time. It truly feels like reliving the college experience but in a vibrant, dynamic setting. The University of Michigan, being a major public school, adds so much energy to the town. Plus, the location is ideal—just 30 minutes from the airport and a four-hour drive from Chicago, making it easily accessible for both travel and networking.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Michigan Ross? Football is something that unites the entire Ross community. I knew almost nothing about the sport when I first arrived, but after spending some time here, I’ve come to enjoy watching football—and of course, tailgating! I didn’t realize how powerful it could be until I experienced it firsthand. Whether I’m boarding flights in Chicago or Detroit, I always spot fellow Wolverines proudly wearing Michigan gear, a constant reminder of just how strong and far-reaching the Ross network is. Even homes in Ann Arbor proudly fly the Michigan flag. “Go Blue” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a sense of belonging that I didn’t fully understand until now. Coming from a different country, I feel fortunate to experience American football because it’s helped me connect with the culture. I’m excited to experience more of this camaraderie, both on and off campus, as I continue my journey here.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that the Ross School was the right MBA program for you? Why? I always had my mind set on consulting, so Ross was really a no-brainer with its consistent, strong placement in consulting. One thing that really stands out to me is the FACT group. It’s an accountability group that I can turn to during challenging times, and that kind of support is super important to me. Consulting recruitment at Ross is very robust with a structured program. The Consulting Club meets weekly to deliver education sessions. Having both general training and small group support.

On top of that, the Ross network is strong and active in so many different industries. Not only can I tap into the MBA network, but I can also reach out to UMich alumni as a whole, which is pretty big considering UMich is a huge research school. That kind of reach and support across industries made Ross the right choice for me.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? One of my unique qualities is my open-mindedness and international outlook. Having spent three years in Australia for college and traveled to 20 countries, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. This global exposure has taught me how to adapt, collaborate, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I plan to bring this international experience to the Ross community, and I’m excited to continue expanding my worldview through travel during my MBA.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At one point, I was the product manager for an entire product line at Samsung, overseeing $16 million in annual revenue and responsible for P&L. I managed pricing, promotions, and played a key role in expanding the product into a new sales channel, resulting in a 30% sales growth. At the time, I was just a year out of college, so working closely with senior management and leading a team was a significant challenge. One of the standout moments was presenting product pitches at a conference with over 200 retailers and participating in sales meetings with the owners of the largest consumer electronics retailers in Vietnam. This experience really allowed me to understand the business inside-and-out, as I delved into the nitty-gritty details—from simplifying complex technology features, to making them more accessible to users, to aligning product strategy with broader business goals.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Michigan Ross’s MBA program? Everyone has a story, and telling yours authentically can set you apart. The key is to show, not just tell. Be specific—sometimes even the most generic experiences can carry deep, personal meaning. What matters is why those experiences are important to you. When I arrived at business school, I was struck by how diverse my classmates are—not just in terms of nationalities and careers, but also in their personalities and life experiences. The more I learned about them, the more amazed I became. Everyone brings something unique to the table. So don’t sell yourself short—your story matters, and it’s worth telling.

One of the most valuable things you can do when choosing a school is to talk to as many people as possible—current students, alumni, and even faculty. These conversations will help you understand the school beyond its brochures and rankings. Many schools have student and alumni ambassadors, so make the most of those resources.

For me, speaking with students and alumni was incredibly insightful. If I could go back, I’d have connected with even more people to get a fuller picture of each school’s culture and community. Through these conversations, you’ll get a sense of the school’s vibe and whether it’s the right fit for you. Remember, these people will also be part of your network as you navigate your career after graduation.

In the end, it’s not just about finding a school that looks good on paper; it’s about finding a place where you can grow and thrive. Your story, your journey, and your connections will be a key part of that.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MICHIGAN ROSS MBA CLASS OF 2026