Steven Ross
MBA Student
Emphasis
Sustainable Business Strategy
Internship
Sustainability Intern
tw telecom inc.
Education
BSBA, Logistics and Marketing
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Employment History
Integrys Energy Services, Inc.
Risk, Pricing, Operations & Trading
Nationwide, United States
Biography
When I decided to go down the path of sustainable business, little professional examples were accessible. I did all I could to study where the environment meets people as an undergraduate, then I worked in the energy industry with the intent to take that knowledge to my desired career path. That opportunity arose in 2009. At that time, I was fortunate to have been working out of Denver, CO, the final destination following a professional rotation program which saw me living in Green Bay, WI, Ann Arbor, MI and Chicago, IL for seven months to a year at a time. Denver was different, and I immediately felt more at home in a culture that embraced the environment, health, natural lifestyles, and let’s be honest is super fun too. Despite my then employer divesting of half its business, and poor economic prospects elsewhere, the offer to move and keep a job was on the table. The time was right however, to take that next step. Once I was accepted to the Leeds MBA program at CU-Boulder I knew where the next two years of my life would be.
My experience at Leeds has been incredible to say the least. Where to begin really? As a club Co-President of Net Impact I could talk about my efforts to drive our club to Gold Chapter status, the Net Impact national conference, or my volunteering for our annual case competition. Then there are the class projects; two in particular had us providing valuable insight for Boulder based companies in outdoor apparel and skincare. But the people are why my time here so far has truly been worthwhile. I have met numerous professionals in too many industries to remember; plenty that have jobs I might consider someday. Professors have stretched my understanding of business’ role in society while others have redefined what a class should really be. I have a cohort of classmates that I respect, some of which have helped me to the top of my first 14’er, and raced with me around a snowy obstacle course in honor of a frozen dead guy.
After all that there is one notable thing lacking here. With the amount of students seeking a career in sustainable business I expected an undertone of competition you might find typical to other MBA programs. Instead, I found aspirations among our class ranging from energy, water, and education, to developing economies, natural/organic products, agriculture and more. I have to say, this diversity has created a broad level of camaraderie that is lasting, and truly rewarding.
