After earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma, Mike Ross began his career in industry education as a Home Study Instructor for the Gemological Institute of America. From the outset he was involved with improving the texts that provided a foundation for the Institute's teaching efforts, and he became one of the first members of the GIA Course Development team. In the 1980s Mike coordinated the team that updated GIA's core courses in gemology. He also worked on the GIA Fine Jewelry Sales course, and was principal author of the original AGS Way course for the American Gem Society. In the 1990s, as Assistant to GIA's Vice President of Education, Mike played a part in extending Institute activities worldwide. He helped develop GIA Association Training, and launch GIA's programs in Hong Kong, Russia, and Thailand. After leaving his staff position, Mike helped plan and write the GIA Colored Stones Essentials course. Upon request, he also edited "Diamonds: from Birth to Eternity," by Arthur Wilson, published by GIA in 1982. Recently he consulted as a subject specialist on American gemology for "Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann.

Since joining Performance Concepts, Mike has contributed gem profiles for Weekly Meetings, worked on the new AGS Way course, and participated in the development of the new Diamontology and Gemology courses for the Diamond Council of America.