Summary
Highlights
Dr. George Crowley, Senior Associate Dean, welcomes students, particularly first-year students, to the Sorrell College of Business. He highlights the college's purpose: to provide an overview of the academic programs, explain the Dean's office's vision, and foster connections between students and faculty. He points out that the curriculum allows ample time for students to explore various majors, with a firm decision not typically required until the third year.
Dr. Crowley introduces the 'GEETS' framework (Globally aware, Ethical, Empowered, Engaged, Knowledgeable, and ultimately Successful), which embodies the mission and vision of the Sorrell College of Business. He elaborates on each component, emphasizing global perspectives, practical engagement through internships and real-world projects, ethical decision-making, the expertise of faculty, and the goal of student success in their professional and personal lives.
Students are encouraged to keep an open mind about their major choices, as college is a time to discover passions. Dr. Crowley shares his own experience of changing majors to economics. He advises active involvement in student organizations and career fairs, even for freshmen, to gain experience and build networks. He also stresses the importance of engaging with faculty for guidance and seeking early advice on career aspirations, such as pursuing an MBA or specific fields in finance.
Dr. Crowley urges students to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and degree maps to understand their academic progression. This proactive approach allows for more meaningful discussions with academic advisors about career goals rather than just scheduling classes. He emphasizes that advisors are eager to help students navigate their college journey and achieve their aspirations.
In a Q&A session, Dr. Crowley explains that changing majors within the College of Business is a relatively simple online process with minimal implications, especially in the early years. He discusses the Music Industry Program, a new concentration in global business that combines a core business curriculum with specialized music industry coursework. He also clarifies that while the college doesn't have a direct political economy major, relevant coursework exists.
Dr. Crowley addresses a question about Accountancy Day and internships. He advises first-year accountancy students to attend Accountancy Day for networking and meeting firms, rather than expecting to secure an internship immediately, as internships for accountancy majors typically occur later in the curriculum. He recommends contacting the School of Accountancy for detailed preparation advice.
The Sorrell 360 Center's goal is to promote professional development, which involves being educated, trained, and knowledgeable in one's chosen industry. The speaker emphasizes distinguishing between a 'job' (just over broke) and a 'career' (better pay, advancement, enjoyment), encouraging students to aim for a fulfilling career.
The 360 Center assists students in three main areas: Soft Skills, Relationship Building, and Personal Wellness. Soft skills, such as problem-solving, initiative, and communication, are intangible but highly desired by employers. Building relationships through networking and attending career fairs is crucial for internships and future employment. Finally, the center supports personal wellness, encouraging students to invest in themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and to champion their unique qualities.