New Program Prepares Students for Study and a Life in Business

Letters and Sciences (LTSC) continues to find new ways to serve the needs of undeclared undergraduate students at the University of Maryland College Park. With the phasing out of the Markets and Society program, Letters and Sciences has inaugurated the Business Exploration Series (BES) in the Fall of 2013. This program serves students who believe they may be interested in pursuing a major that would lead them to a career in business. BES provides an opportunity for students to choose classes and programs that assist in the advising and exploration of academic majors that can aid in achieving their career goals, both in and out of the business school.

The BES Advisory Committee, with members drawn from across the campus community, will guide the expansion of the program's future offerings. Currently, the program offers a number of courses, seminars, and workshops for the Letters & Sciences student who is interested in business but has not enrolled as a business major.

UNIV 100
In the fall semester Letters and Sciences offers the course The Student in the University (UNIV 100). This course is specifically for students interested in business. These sections are open to incoming first year students, and offer many of the same skills and support students in other sections of UNIV 100, but also add additional seminars and information to help students explore the programs of the Smith School of Business, other majors on campus that can successfully prepare students for their career plans, and information on the specific requirements that students will need to meet their goals.

The course culminates in a group project where students across the sections compete in a business pitch competition in front of University faculty and industry professionals.

Business Exploration Series Colloquium
In the spring semester BES offers the Business Exploration Series Colloquium (UNIV 108). This one-credit course offers career preparation for students interested in working in the business world. Topics range from the practical, such as resume and cover letter preparation, to the exploratory, such as alumni and internship panels.

Exploratory Seminars
Whether enrolled in UNIV 100 or 108 or not, all Letters and Sciences students are welcome to register for a BES seminar. These seminars are mandatory for BES classes and supplement their curriculum, but are accessible and helpful to all Letters & Sciences students. Speakers represent offices, schools, and majors across the campus community, all providing students with information that will help them navigate their university and future careers. Both academic and career-oriented in nature, exploratory seminars provide students with ideas and knowledge to help them take their next steps.

BMGT Admissions Workshops
Admissions workshops help Letters & Sciences students be as successful as possible in their application to the competitive limited enrollment program admissions process for the business school BES offers admissions workshops to not only inform students of the requirements and recommendations necessary for their application, but also to review individually their resumes and cover letters. This personal advising exemplifies the service provided by both the Business Exploration Series and Letters and Sciences in helping students to "Prepare to Declare."

More information can be found at: Business Exploration Series. You can also reach the Coordinator of the Business Exploration Series, Lisa Jenice Scheeler, by email at lscheele@umd.edu.