2025 MBA To Watch: Christine Corsi, Michigan State (Broad)

Christine Corsi

Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University

“Dedicated, driven, and people-focused. Passionate about community impact, Detroit, and exploring cultures worldwide.”

Hometown: Utica, MI

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve had pets in my life since the day I was born. I’m a supporter of adopting animals, and my last four pets have been adopted.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Michigan State University – BA, Hospitality Business & BA, Criminal Justice (specialization in Security Management)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? United Wholesale Mortgage – Director of Investor Relations

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Ecolab – St. Paul, MN

Where will you be working after graduation? Ecolab – Financial Analysis Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

  • Second Changes Animal Resources (Volunteer)
  • Broad Women MBA Association (President)
  • MBA Finance Association (Treasurer)
  • Graduate Supply Chain Management Association, Multicultural Association (Member)
  • Russell Palmer Career Management Peer Coach
  • Participated in 2024 Western Michigan ACG Cup
  • 2024 Broad MBA Outstanding Award
  • 2024 Broad 1st Year Faculty Award
  • Forté Fellow

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school?  Being a Forté Fellow and a part of the Broad Women MBA Association has allowed me to connect with amazing women from a wide variety of backgrounds. Being able to recognize the remarkable achievements of women who came before us while also supporting the development of women in or entering the business world is fulfilling and brings me great joy.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Being a part of the founding Investor Relations team at a company as it transitioned to the public market via a SPAC merger is one of the most rewarding achievements in my professional career. Joining without prior experience in the discipline was a significant challenge, but it allowed me to learn an immense amount. I enjoyed supporting the transition from private to public, helping establish the function, and supporting its growth through the first two-and-a-half years.

Why did you choose this business school? l chose Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business MBA program for two key reasons: its collaborative environment and smaller class size. I thrive in a setting where teammates support each other’s growth, and a win for one is a win for all. That is exactly the culture I found at Broad. Both small and large class sizes offer unique advantages, but a smaller class allows for greater involvement in the classroom and extracurricular activities, personalized support from professors and faculty, and the opportunity to build connections with all of your classmates. This is certainly something that Broad has to offer and has truly enriched my MBA experience.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a tough choice because I’ve had many great professors, but Kevin Markle stands out as my favorite. He taught Financial Accounting in our first semester of the program and created an inclusive learning environment that supported students regardless of their prior experience with the subject. He provided multiple resources to accommodate different learning styles, helping students deepen their understanding. His passion for this essential business topic is evident, and he even volunteered his time outside of class to host a session on global taxes as an introduction for students. His enthusiasm for teaching makes learning more engaging end enjoyable.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course was Foundations to Negotiations/Complex Negotiations. Negotiating is a key aspect of every business function, often present even when we don’t realize. Effective negotiation goes beyond what we see in movies; it’s about building relationships and adapting your approach to each situation. This “hands-on” class allowed us to participate in weekly negotiations, giving us the opportunity to experience a wide variety of scenarios. I started the class with anxiety at the thought of negotiating, and I left with the confidence that, with the right preparation, it’s possible to navigate negotiations more comfortably.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite event was a new trip hosted by the Graduate Supply Chain Management Association during my second year. It was a trek to Traverse City, MI, where we visited several local businesses. The experience was incredibly educational as we met with a startup incubator, a ground SaaS provider in the space communication industry, a cheese producer, and many others. Learning outside the classroom and seeing companies firsthand provided valuable insights that complemented our coursework. While there, we also connected with local Spartan alumni and enjoyed the beauty of Traverse City. The trip was a perfect blend of education and fun, creating a great bonding experience for everyone who attended.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I spent a long time considering my decision to pursue an MBA. Because of that, I carefully thought about my priorities and what I might have to forgo. Getting an MBA is a significant commitment, both financially and in terms of time. Once you’re in the program, you quickly realize just how many opportunities are available, but even if you dedicate all your time, it’s impossible to do everything. Understanding my reasons for pursuing an MBA and stepping away from a full-time job for a few years helped me prioritize what mattered most to me. While there are still experiences that I wish I had more time for—such as studying abroad, attending more events, or preparing for certifications—I’m grateful for everything I was able to participate in and feel satisfied with my choices.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Michigan State University has gone by many names throughout its history, starting as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. Founded as an agricultural school, it continues to have an outstanding agricultural program. However, Michigan State is known for much more than agriculture. It also boasts highly ranked programs in various fields, including business. The Broad College of Business offers a strong alumni network, accomplished professors, and excellent resources to support students in their studies and career growth. This was exactly what I experienced. Alumni are always willing to help fellow Spartans, my professors had a wide variety of interests and expertise, and the school provided countless resources that have contributed to both my professional and personal growth.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? The spirt of the university is felt throughout the area, and East Lansing truly embodies the essence of a college town, especially on game days. In the fall, during home football games, the campus transforms into a vibrant gathering place where students, alumni, and fans come together to celebrate. Michigan State’s campus is beautiful year-round, but there’s something extra special about it in fall. The combination of the energetic game-day atmosphere and the stunning fall colors is an experience I will cherish and look forward to revisiting after graduation.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? I’m happy to say that I have yet to see a movie or TV show that truly reflects my experience within business. While short-lived, the show American Auto was a comedy about a management team constantly learning to adapt to the changes within the auto industry. Though many aspects of the show didn’t resonate to my own experience, I could relate to the moments when market shifts required quick navigation or the uncertainty of launching something completely new without knowing how customers would react. While most people won’t experience exactly what the characters did, the show offers valuable lessons in responding to unexpected challenges, something everyone will face throughout their career.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? With the rapid rise of AI, it has become a constant presence in both our personal and academic lives. AI was integrated into our coursework and speaker sessions, but the class that I found most valuable in understanding AI was a FinTech course. This class explored the history of AI, its learning methods, the more technical aspects of a regularly-used tool, and how companies are utilizing AI today. It was fascinating to gain a deeper understanding of AI, as many of us interact with it daily without truly grasping even its high-level workings. As AI continues to shape our careers in various ways, having a foundational understanding of how and why these tools work empowers us to make better decisions and use them more effectively.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? There are many people I could have chosen, but based on her commitment, passion, and willingness to take risks, Aaloka Kotwal is the person I admire most. She comes from a textiles background, having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Textile Sciences. After working in the textile industry and for a non-profit, she made the decision to pursue her MBA. Sustainability is a cause she’s deeply passionate about, and combining her scientific background with business education and experience allows her to make the impactful decisions that are important to her. I was impressed by how she entered the program with clear goals, having done extensive research on what she wanted to achieve and what to expect throughout the MBA experience. She remained true to her passions, even when some encouraged to go in a different direction. While in the MBA program, she has dedicated herself to serving on the board of three student resource groups: Broad Consulting Club, Broad Women MBA Association, and the MBA Association. Given Aaloka’s passion, dedication, and positivity, I’m confident that she will go on to accomplish amazing things.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My first, near-term goal is to grow within the Ecolab finance function. I aim to not only learn about the various roles within the function, but also make a meaningful impact in the positions I hold. Ecolab is deeply committed to providing products and services that improve health and safety, and I’m excited to contribute to that mission within the finance team. While I worked closely with the finance team in my previous role, outside of my internship, I haven’t yet been part of a finance team in my professional experience. This excites me because it gives me the opportunity to combine everything I’ve learned in my previous roles, the knowledge gained in the classroom, and my internship experience into something that will support my growth in finance and making effective decisions that will impact Ecolab and its customers.

My second, long-term goal is to blend my business experience with my passion for giving back to my communities. Community and people are incredibly important to me, and I find the most purpose when I can contribute to the communities that have given so much to me and to others. I look forward to the day when I can fulfill that purpose, and I’m excited to see how my career evolves, with more to come later as I find ways to make a meaningful impact.

What made Christine such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Christine is a service-minded leader with exceptional values. She has been instrumental in establishing several initiatives designed to enhance connection between our two MBA classes through professional, social, and community-driven activities. Her work as President of the Broad MBA Women’s Association is an example for all to follow, as the group continues to be one of the most active in the MBA program over the past year (9 events) with the most proactive membership. One of her most notable contributions is the development of a professional trek to Detroit, with experiences designed to connect students to the city at a deeper level.

As the Treasure for the Finance Club, Christine’s contributions impacted the academic and professional development of first year MBAs, many of whom struggle in quantitative courses when they come to Broad. The efforts of Christine and her colleagues ease the transition for these students. Through help workshops and tutoring sessions, they increase the quantitative acumen of our first-year class, reducing grade concerns.

Christine’s steady hand as a leader is one of her best qualities, and we are excited to see her professional journey unfold further after she graduates. We are thankful for her contributions and wish her continued success.”

Wayne R. Hutchison, Ph.D.
Managing Director
Full-Time MBA and STEM MBA

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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