Shivangi Vasudeva, originally from New Delhi, India, has long dreamed of opening her own restaurant. To take the first step, she earned a degree in Hospitality Management and spent nearly five years in the hotel industry, working across departments — including Sales and Marketing — with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service to boost revenue and satisfaction.
A passionate foodie since childhood, Vasudeva realized that passion and hospitality expertise alone wouldn’t guarantee a successful restaurant. Acknowledging the high failure rates in the industry, she recognized the need for deeper business knowledge — especially in logistics and operations. That led her to pursue an MBA in Logistics Management at Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration (CMU CBA).
“I chose CMU’s MBA programme because of its strong focus on practical learning, industry connections, and flexibility for international students,” she says. “CMU also offers a diverse learning environment with small class sizes, which allows for direct engagement with professors and peers.”
Her decision paid off. While she hasn’t launched her restaurant just yet, she’s taken a major step forward — securing a role at ITS Logistics Headquarters in Reno, Nevada as a Drayage Executive.
“I’ll be starting in June 2025 as part of their training programme for recent graduates,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity to challenge myself, grow professionally, and make an impact in the logistics world.”
Beyond academics, CMU offers a supportive environment, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences that contribute to students’ personal and professional growth. Source: Central Michigan University
A university that offers great value and prioritizes student support
Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, CMU is one of the state’s largest public universities and a leading destination for international students. It was recently ranked fifth in the US for international student support by Frog Hire (formerly F1 Hire), placing it alongside institutions like Stanford and Princeton.
Affordability is another key strength. CMU offers the lowest tuition among Michigan’s research institutions and provides generous financial aid through scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Students gain a high-quality, AACSB-accredited education — without the heavy financial burden.
A flexible and career-focused MBA
CMU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) equips students with essential business skills in areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, and management. The program also emphasizes data-driven decision-making and business analytics — critical competencies in today’s global market.
Students can customize their degree with 11 emphasis areas, including several STEM-designated specializations such as logistics, business data analytics, project management, and cybersecurity. For Vasudeva, the logistics track aligned perfectly with her career aspirations.
“The MBA programme at CMU has been a game-changer for my professional growth, especially in helping me transition into the logistics industry,” she says.
“MBA 690 is one course that has played a very important role in my learning process. The Capsim business simulation required my team to manage a virtual company, making real-time decisions on finance, operations, and marketing. It helped me develop a big picture understanding of business strategy, risk management, and leadership.”
Through networking events, career fairs, and faculty connections, CMU students gain industry insights, built connections, and positioned themselves as strong candidates. Source: Central Michigan University
Real-world learning and personal support
CMU’s commitment to experiential learning extends beyond the classroom. Faculty integrate current business trends and case studies into lessons. Students with entrepreneurial goals can enter the New Venture Challenge to win startup funding. Graduate assistantships offer financial support and opportunities for research and teaching experience — adding valuable experience to résumés.
Just as importantly, international students receive outstanding personal and academic support. Vasudeva highlights the mentorship and availability of faculty, which made a significant difference in her success:
“This experience not only strengthened my confidence in navigating the business landscape but also played a key role in securing a full-time job offer before graduation,” she says.
MBA student Yaw Owusu Adarkwah echoes her sentiments:
“The faculty here are awesome and genuinely care. Pam, our MBA advisor, always checks in. After our meetings, she’ll ask, ‘How’s the snow? Are you adjusting? Are you warm enough?’ That level of care is amazing. Even outside academics — like when I couldn’t find a room — a staff member walked me there. You wouldn’t get that kind of support everywhere.”
From campus to career
To help students succeed beyond graduation, CMU provides a wide range of career development resources — including job fairs, leadership workshops, and guest lectures by industry professionals. As MBA student Adarkwah notes, these resources foster both professional growth and personal development:
“Through faculty mentorship, networking events, and hands-on learning, I’ve developed critical skills that directly support my career goals.”
Learn more about Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration.
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