Undergrad Blog

Business Undergraduates In Leadership Development (BUILD) Program

Toni Driver of Nordstrom speaks during a recent BUILD Program Workshop

The BUILD Program has had a very successful start to the year with 205 students attending at least one of our Fall events. That’s double the participation rate for the Fall 2008, and there are no signs that we’re slowing down. By now, many students have learned that the BUILD Program hosts leadership workshops and events, and business students can earn a certificate and an invitation to a recognition reception after attending eight BUILD Program events. There is no need to register ahead of time, just attend the events and sign in as requested.

This quarter, BUILD kicked off the year by partnering with the Retail Management Program to welcome Toni Driver of Nordstrom who spoke about communicating correctly in the work place, and how to increase your professionalism. Larry Flax, the CEO and Co-Founder of California Pizza Kitchen, flew in from California just for our event, and the students enjoyed hearing about his entrepreneurial experiences as much as they enjoyed the free CPK pizza. Toward the end of his speech, Larry asked students to always remember the acronym ROCK– Respect, Opportunity, Communication and Kindness– because in his opinion, you can’t advance in business without them.

On November 11, many students celebrated the Veteran’s Day holiday by sleeping in, but we had over 60 students join us for the Student Leadership Summit, a day full of workshops, discussion groups and teamwork challenges. An impressive group of students contributed their ideas of what “leadership” really means, practiced communications and conflict resolution skills, learned about dress etiquette, officer roles and resume building and even completed a scavenger hunt around campus while taped together in large groups.

The BUILD Program is wrapping up the Fall quarter events this week with a video conference sponsored by Global Business Week. This opportunity will allow undergrads to sit in on an MBA course and observe the class interactions with the Chairman and CEO of Orix, Japan, Yoshihiko Miyauchi. The Global Business Center is providing a copy of the case to be discussed to everyone in attendance.

If you haven’t attended a BUILD Program yet, it’s not too late. There are 11 more events planned for Winter and Spring quarters, most noteably an “Effective Networking” workshop in January, followed by the annual Foster Career Networking Night on January 27. Keep up with all of the BUILD Program events on the website or the facebook page, as new events are continually posted.

A student contributes to a communication activity during the Student Leadership Summit.

Posted by Jennifer Kitchen - November 17th, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

Annual Undergraduate Diversity Services Autumn Quarter Kick-Off Karoake & Games Night 10/22

Hey: what can i say? I’m a sucker for karaoke.

I can’t sing to save my life, but the Annual Undergraduate Diversity Services Autumn Quarter Kick-Off Karoake & Games Night was all fun.
-oh and more than that:
…there was free food!

Prospective and Current Foster students belt out R & B Hits

-but more than that too:
…there were internship opportunities and academic advancement all over the place!

From PWC Pricewaterhousecoopers [we had a celebrity in the house; current Foster Student, Matt Herring who was on the back of the PWC magazine talked to us! lol] and other organizations were on-hand to meet with students personally like INROADS, and then Foster student organizations on campus, like the Association of Black Business Students, Hispanic Business Student Assocation and other organizations as well as specific academic programs interested in working directly with students of color. My favorite was learning about getting a Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB) to attach to my Business Administration Degree and incorporating study abroad. I also learned about Case Competitions for Foster school locally and nationally – we got the “FRESH-men-FOUR“ going into our first one next weekend, so that will be something to look forward to in future posts!

-Jordan Dacres (Pre-Business, Freshman)

Posted by placson - November 13th, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

2009 DECA Leadership Conference – Reflections from a Undergrad

deca

Although the DECA Leadership Conference, held on Monday October 26, was early in the academic year, the early timing didn’t hold back the eager high school DECA students. With business hopes and dreams, the students came loaded with questions looking for advice and any knowledge they could attain.

A DECA leader and national champion myself, I remember the fall being an overwhelming time of year, applying to colleges and putting time into the DECA competitions. Representing the Foster School our team gave students relatable guidance as many of us were in their shoes only a few years ago. Without a huge difference in age we were able to help build their confidence at a stressful time of the year and talk to them about the Foster School of Business. It was nice to be able to give them the advice I wish I had received. I am very thankful for the experiences I had being part of DECA and hope to see them on campus in the near future!

Submitted by Brandon Barron’12 – Foster School of Business Student Ambassador

Posted by jai - November 9th, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

CISB Program Hosts International Business Career Panel

Last Thursday the CISB program (Certificate of International Studies in Business) hosted an international business career panel featuring four exciting individuals from across the global career spectrum. Panelists discussed their professional backgrounds and international experience as well as provided valuable advice to participants.

Susana Murillo, VP and Country Manager for Latin America, Canada, Spain and Portugal, US Bank
Susana provided a wealth of advice for students. First and foremost–follow your passion! Even if you can’t achieve your dream job right away, invest the time to learn as much as you can. Susana suggests conducting informational interviews to discover how people sitting in your ideal career got to where they are. Also, be persistent. You can be turned away from a hundred jobs, but it only takes one offer to get you on your way. Concerning international business, she says it is much more than travel. Globalization is about experiencing new people, cultures, and business. Business has the power to do good things—Susana originally was interested in the Peace Corps.

Eric Hsu, Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce
Eric brought a unique set of experiences to the panel as the only member from the public sector. After a start in the banking industry, he made a move into the Department of Commerce as a Foreign Commercial officer. He has lived all over Asia including Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and New Delhi. He illuminated the fact that despite popular thought, the government actually provides ample overseas opportunities. Most of these are available as a Foreign Service Officer for the USDA, State Department, or Commerce Department. His other guidance included having a focus but remaining flexible. You might not be able to get from point A to B in one step, but be patient and adaptable. If you take the time to develop a skill-set, opportunities will come to you.

Coletta Vigh, MBA student
Coletta is one of our very own Husky alumna and Foster MBA candidates. After graduating from the UW with a degree in Japanese language and literature, she moved to Japan for two years to cement her language skills. She says foreign language can be key to gaining access to certain industries—she was able to land a technology related position with no tech experience! It also provides you visibility with people that not might not otherwise be possible and can lead to expedited promotions.
How can an upcoming graduate handle this tough economy? Volunteer! Volunteer positions can open doors….Colletta was offered a position based on her work with a salmon fishery.

Stephen Svinth, CISB Chinese track alumnus, New Product Buyer, Fire Mountain Gems
Carpe diem! Stephen found his first job by calling up a company he saw on a box at Home Depot. He then landed his current position by chatting with the company CEO on an airplane—now that’s networking. For whatever position you end up in, Stephen recommends being analytic and able to build a strong argument.

-Elizabeth Comley (Senior, Marketing & International Business)

Posted by placson - October 28th, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

NABA West Coast Conference ‘09

UW Students at NABA Conference (Members - Association of Black Business Students)

: Young Executives of Color Orientation: YEOC Alumni Student Panel (Current UW Students)

In all seriousness on this one though; this has to be one of my greatest networking events that I’ve been to so far this year. It’s only been a couple of weeks into my freshmen year at the UW and before I know it, I am off on an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Student Conference. I got this opportunity because I made a good enough impression on Ernst & Young exec’s during the YEOC alumni student panel at the September Young Executives of Color Orientation.

During the NABA Conference, I learned SOOOOO many things about myself and the others around me in just three days. The one thing that sticks out and I can’t get rid of: “You’re always on.” From the moment you walk in, someone is watching you. So you always have to mind your p’s and q’s – from how you act, to what you’re wearing and your appearance. This is all taken into account. I interviewed with a lot of people and met other students who were in the same place as me [4 freshmen out of roughly 100 college students]. I learned from others who have already been in my shoes and received great advice. I loved talking to people who were already in the workplace, ready to impart tons of knowledge on to young students like myself. Overall, it’s an experience I won’t forget.

-Jordan Dacres, YEOC Alumnus (Freshman, Pre-Business)

Posted by placson - October 23rd, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

UBC Peer Mentorship Kick-Off

Two students discuss goals for the quarter during the UBC Peer Mentorship Kick-Off

The Undergraduate Business Council’s brand new Mentorship Program got off to a great start with our Peer Mentorship Kick-Off last Wednesday, October 14th. The program, which has two tiers, focuses on pairing new students with an upper classmen mentor during Autumn Quarter, and then pairing those upper classmen with professional mentors later in the school year. New students learned about the program during their summer orientations, and were encouraged to register in order to ease the transition to UW. Over the course of the Autumn quarter, mentors are required to meet up with their mentees on at least five occasions and are encouraged to attend Foster and campus events together.

More than 80 students are participating in the program this quarter as either a mentor or mentee. The majority of the students involved were at the Kick-off, where mentors and mentees discussed goals and swapped contact information over pizza in a casual setting.

Ashley M. Farnsworth (Senior, Marketing & HR Management), Co-Chair – Undergraduate Business Council

Mike McLaughlin and Alex Wortman get to know each other over pizza.

Posted by Jennifer Kitchen - October 23rd, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

Foster Fall Welcome 2009

Officers from MUSH table at the Fall Welcome

This year’s Foster Fall Welcome was the largest yet with 22 groups tabling and a many students making their way through Balmer Commons during the event. Student organizations and program offices set up displays to help new and returning Foster students understand all of the opportunities that are available, and snacks and drinks were provided.

This annual resource fair is a tradition in the first few weeks of the Fall quarter, and allows students to connect with Foster clubs, departments and programs in order to enhance the undergraduate experience.

If you missed the Fall Welcome and are interested in checking out the student clubs, you can find them on the Foster School of Business website!

Posted by Jennifer Kitchen - October 23rd, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

2009 Business Career Fair

UMCA officers coordinate the annual Business Career Fair

Undergraduate Management Consulting Association (UMCA) hosts the annual Business Career Fair every fall quarter in the beginning of the school year. Even though UMCA focuses on careers in management consulting and investment banking, the Business Career Fair features companies hiring for all types of careers. This fair has always been advertised campus-wide and is a great opportunity to interact with recruiters. Hence, this event has always been highly anticipated by both students and employers. Both parties have consistently found success each year where students receive internship and job offers as well as employers hire talented students to add value to their companies.

In the current state of the economy, we were presented with a few problems in planning for the Business Career Fair 2009. As companies continue to cut their budget, recruiting continues to decline. Therefore, the main concern was: With more students seeking jobs than ever, how do we increase employer attendance to offer more networking opportunities for students?

Students meet recruiters at the annual Business Career Fair

Current student Holly Rubert talks with alum Susan Kramer (BA '07) during the Business Career Fair.

This year, a committee of eight worked meticulously on developing ways to increase employer attendance and cut costs without degrading the students’ or employers’ experience at the fair. On October 13^th, after over 3 months, 1100 emails, and 450 hours of planning later, it all came together in 4 hours as students interacted with over 80 employers, developing relationships, and finding the right fit for themselves and the company. Employers were impressed with the quality and quantity of the students. Many recruiters complimented our UMCA Resume Book, which was given to all employers, featuring the profile and resumes of all UMCA members. In regards to the quantity of students, a recruiter quoted, “I haven’t spoke with this many students in four years.” As for me, it was an extreme pleasure to be working with an enthusiastic committee of UMCA members and officers; although, none would have been possible without the help from the Foster School of Business, UW Career Center, SAO office, and HUB services.

If you are interested in being involved with the Business Career Fair 2010, come to our UMCA meetings on Wednesdays 7PM in Balmer 214.

We wish all students the best of luck during recruiting season!

Rocky Tang (Junior, Finance)
Career Fair Coordinator
Undergraduate Management Consulting Association

Posted by Jennifer Kitchen - October 23rd, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

Dawg Daze Ice Cream Social

UPO staff serves ice cream while students choose their toppings.

Over 300 students, faculty and staff converged on Balmer Commons on September 29th for the annual Foster Ice Cream Social, which is a part of the Dawg Daze program to welcome students to campus.

The Undergraduate Programs staff served free ice cream and everyone was encouraged to build their own sundae with various toppings.

The event was the first chance for newly admitted Freshman Direct students to mingle with faculty and staff, while older students and a wide array of students interested in business from across campus enjoyed the festivities as well.

Posted by Jennifer Kitchen - October 23rd, 2009 - 0 comments - Permalink

Foster Leaders Go To Camp!

Foster Student Leaders

46 Foster students and six staff members spent two nights at Camp Huston in Gold Bar, Washington, in late September for the Foster Undergraduate Student Leadership Retreat.

22 business student organizations sent representatives who practiced communication and conflict resolution skills, discussed the impact of diversity, and found ways to collaborate between groups. The students all mastered a low-ropes challenge course and concluded the weekend with an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt.

The annual event, now it its fourth year, is held the weekend before Autumn classes begin in order for student organizations to better collaborate and communicate with each other during the school year. Business student organizations are required to send two representatives, and those students are tasked with teaching the group about their clubs, and then brining back information and ideas from the retreat to their membership.