E R B I N ST I T U T E U N DERG R A D U AT E F E L LOWS
LEAD WITH PURPOSE
BUSIN ES S + SUSTA IN A BILI T Y
A
t the Erb Institute, we see business as a driving force for good. We believe that it is imperative for the next generation of business leaders to be equipped with just and sustainable solutions to solve the largest problems our world faces today. The Erb Undergraduate Fellows program was designed for undergraduate students who are passionate about the role that business can play— and must play—to make a more sustainable world. As an Erb Fellow, your experience in this program will help you lead with purpose after graduation—equipping you with the skills and experiences necessary to make decisions for a more sustainable world.
This program is open to rising juniors who are majoring or minoring in either the Ross undergraduate program or the PitE undergraduate program. Students are strongly encouraged to complete either Environ 207 or Environ 208 before joining the program.
Education
Community
Co-Curriculars
Apply today! erb.umich.edu Questions about the admissions
YOUR IFUTURE S WA I T ING
process, requirements or application? Email erbfellows@umich.edu
Curriculum
Co-Curriculars
Community
To meet the program’s curricular requirements, you’ll take courses from Michigan Ross, Program in the Environment (PitE), and other schools across U-M to customize your educational experience and develop a deeper understanding of business and sustainability.
The Erb Undergraduate Fellows program is designed to offer you educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom. To meet the program’s co-curricular requirements, you’ll complete 5 co-curriculars each academic year, selecting from a series of workshops and active learning opportunities available to all Fellows. Through
You can’t create sustainable change alone. The Erb community is here to offer support and guidance as you reach toward your professional goals, and as we all work collectively to find solutions to the world’s largest problems.
The program requires 12 credits of coursework that you’ll take during your junior and senior years, focused on the intersection of business and sustainability. To meet this requirement, you can select the courses that best meet your interests, needs and schedule from a list of preapproved 300- and 400-level courses.
Examples: ENV 314: Food Literacy for All BE 401: The Economics of Sustainability EARTH 344: Sustainable and Fossil Energy BA/STRATEGY 445: The Base of the Pyramid: Innovation & Social Impact ENV 395: Public Lands & Natural Resource Law and Policy URP 423: Introduction to Urban and Environmental Planning ENV 475: Environmental Law
these opportunities, you’ll dive deeper into the realities of pursuing a career in business sustainability. Opportunities include: Hands-on business sustainability workshops on topics like Design Thinking; Internal Carbon Pricing; Corporate Political Responsibility; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Business sustainability career visioning workshops. The Erb Institute also provides funding for students to attend business sustainability conferences and training programs. In addition to co-curricular requirements, students will also have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects and other Erb-specific activities: Impact Projects to engage in hands-on learning opportunities, working directly with business sustainability practitioners and attending business sustainability conferences.
Access to local, regional, and international business sustainability leaders in energy, finance, food and agriculture, consulting, consumer goods and more
As an Erb Undergraduate Fellow, you’ll join a passionate group of students committed to business sustainability. You will be invited to engage at events designed to foster a strong sense of community and belonging. These include a community retreat, holiday party and spring graduation celebration. You will also have the opportunity to apply for a leadership position as part of the Erb Fellows Council, a dedicated group of fellows who work directly with Erb staff and their peers to provide professional development opportunities, help students navigate program requirements and lead the creation and continuation of an inclusive community for all Erb Fellows.
In addition to the Undergraduate Fellows community, you will be a meaningful part of the larger Erb Institute community of change agents: faculty, postdoctoral fellows, staff, graduate students, alumni and business partners.
Student leadership positions on the Erb Fellows Council
Erb On the Road Each year, we provide the opportunity for Erb Undergraduate Fellows to to get outside of Ann Arbor to learn firsthand from business sustainability professionals in a variety of industries. This educational and networking opportunity will get you outside of the classroom to engage directly with businesses—from start-ups to multinational corporations—and community members tackling real-world sustainability challenges.