Student FAQs

Please read through the FAQ before contacting the Open Road team.

LOGISTICS

When is Open Road during the summer?

Open Road will begin the Sunday April 29th, 2018. This is the weekend after the end of MAP and Ross Commencement.

Can we go 4 weeks instead of 5?

We recommend you spend 5 weeks on the road. Iteration is really important to your journey, and from our experience (and that of many MBAx teams before us), 5 weeks is the sweet spot. If there’s no way for your team to commit to 5 weeks, just let us know when you apply.

Where do we stay when we’re on the road?

Hotels and/or Airbnb or VRBO. This partly depends on the budget and the accommodation costs in the cities you end up visiting, and any potential corporate sponsorships.

Are there any restrictions on where we go, geographically speaking?

Geographic constraints depend on your route. We discourage teams from selecting cities that are more than a 10 hour drive from one another for safety and sanity reasons. Beyond that, the nation is your oyster.

Do we have to start in Detroit?

Yes, or surrounding areas (e.g. Flint).

TEAMS

Do I need to apply as a team of four?

Yes, please complete the application with your team already in place.

Can I apply with a team of all graduating MBA2/3s?

We need to put MBAs on the road who will return to Ross and carry the program forward into next year. That said, teams with a combination of MBA1s and their older, wiser peers have been very successful in the past and will be considered.

How many teams are you going to select?

We would love to send 2–3 teams. This is dependent on the candidate pool as well as final budget for next summer.

Who picks the teams?

Several of the former 2017 Open Road Fellows as well as prior Ross MBAx Fellows will review applications, conduct interviews and make final team selections, with input from our trusted advisors.

FUNDING

What is covered in terms of financial support? What do I pay out of pocket?

Your hotel/accommodation cost, gas, car(s), and flight back to your home city / internship location are covered at cost. You will also receive a stipend which will cover your meal costs. So, the only out of pocket expenses should be the fun optional stuff (concert, anyone?).

ENTREPRENEURS & PROJECTS

Where do we find entrepreneurs to work with?

Open Road alumni are continually sourcing businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. who are a fit for the program and express an interest in hosting an Open Road team. However, if you’re selected and you’d like to source some or all of your own entrepreneurs, we encourage you to do so.

What types of projects do you actually do?

It’s totally up to you and your team to scope the projects with your entrepreneurs. No two projects are exactly alike, because, of course, no two entrepreneurs are alike. Take a look at the “Our Journeys” section of the website for a sampling of past projects.

What happens if my team doesn’t get selected?

If you are not selected to as a 2018 fellow, all that means is that we will not provide you financial support to hit the road. However, there is nothing stopping you from joining the movement! If you are committed to having an Open Road experience, we will support you with our time and non-financial resources, regardless of whether your team is chosen.

TEAM EXPECTATIONS

What happens once teams are selected?

Prior to hitting the road, you’ll create a team charter, develop your roadmap, select entrepreneurs, and scope your projects. Depending on when you hit the road, this may occur primarily during Winter B (which, FYI, overlaps with MAP for Ross MBA1s). Open Road alumni will help guide your team through this process, including holding an onboarding and kickoff session in Winter B.

When we’re on the road, what support is available?

Open Road and Ross MBAx alumni will provide weekly virtual support to all Ross teams while you’re on the road. We also have Ross faculty advisors who are available for your support.

What expectations do you have of teams while on the road?

Your first priority is working with and learning from your entrepreneur. After that, in addition to checking in with the Open Road alumni coaches weekly, we need your help in telling your stories from the road. This will likely be in the form of weekly blogging and frequent social media posts.

What about after our road trip, what are the expectations?

One of the key components of Ross Open Road is that it is “student led.” As an Open Road alum, if you’re returning to campus, we’ll look to you to carry on the program, working with our advisors and supporters at the Zell Lurie Institute, Center for Social Concerns, MBA Program Office, and others. Your involvement can vary depending on your interest and strengths, but we expect all Open Road alums returning to campus to contribute in some way to moving the program forward.

For questions not resolved by the FAQs, please contact us at: RossOpenRoad17–18@umich.edu