In the crowded College of Business Auditorium students of all business majors and minors shuffled through passed out papers, chatted amongst themselves, and developed plans that they could carry with them through their time here at UCA.
Connie McKnight, faculty advisor for UCA’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, led the conversation and helped students through guided discussion about their personal mission statements, vision statements and future goals.
“A lot of the times when you’re in college, you’re going to lose your way a little bit and say, “Why am I doing this? Why am I studying so hard?” Or maybe you’re getting pulled in five different directions. That happens a lot and you can go back to your vision statement to get back on track,” McKnight said.
Her realness and expertise was effective in leading students to be honest with themselves about how they are doing now as a student and where they see themselves as future business professionals.
She described a vision statement as a declaration of the long term aspirations one might have.
Students then were able to grasp a deeper understanding of what they actually wanted from their degree from the College of Business while also analyzing the future steps they needed to take to make their aspirations happen.
Students at the event were all within the College of Business but UCA’s department is very vast with knowledge so there were majors and minors all falling between marketing, financial, business or even undeclared.
Students at all levels were reached, helped and given support at this event.
After the student’s vision and mission statements were created, McKnight transitioned into the topic of their future goals and the actions they needed to take to ensure that they reached these intentions.
McKnight wasn’t the only speaker; other business majors and members of RSO’s in the business realm spoke which introduced students ways they could get involved and have more opportunities in their specific field.
From the accounting club to Girls Who Code, there were options for everyone.
President of Bascom (Bears Advancing Supply Chain and Operations Management) Grant Kim spoke about the benefits of his club as well as getting involved in general.
He mentioned the Arkansas companies they have collaborated with such as Tyson and JB Hunt, emphasizing the importance of making connections and taking advantage of the opportunities granted to students within the College of Business.
Jewel Callahan, a member of Girls Who Code, spoke about the organization and their impact as well as opportunities within the club.
“This organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. We have workshops, guest speakers and we try to give you guys resume building advice and leadership advice,” Callahan said.
As each RSO and club discussed what their individual group’s goals, experiences and opportunities were, flyers were passed out so students could have better information about each and how they can fit best with each.
As closing statements were made and students gathered up their papers filled with new hopes and goals, raffle tickets were called out concluding the event in a fun way.
Check out the College of Business to stay tuned on all their future events, meetings and possible clubs to get involved.
