Extending Our Reach

Professional development and learning opportunities outside of the classroom are abundant for College of Business students, but it doesn’t stop there.

While there are in-house opportunities like Executive in Residence, College of Business faculty and students alike also participate in and put on a variety of events for those outside of the College - sharing their knowledge and Bengal pride with the community and across the state.

WELCOME BACK SKI NIGHT

The spring semester starts with a winter welcome - for the third year, Welcome Back Ski night offered College of Business students the opportunity to hit the slopes at Pebble Creek free of charge. The event allows students to catch up with friends and faculty and prepare for the semester ahead.

LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Early in the spring semester, College of Business undergraduate and graduate students in club leadership roles were offered opportunities to expand their networks and professional skills in Boise, ID. Events included completing a service project, hearing from a variety of industry professionals and participating in escape rooms.

FINANCE SIMULATION

In March, the College of Business hosted middle schoolers from the Pocatello Community Charter School for a probability / finance simulation with faculty members from the accounting, finance and management departments. The simulation introduced students to the College of Business and showed them real-world math applications.

“It was wonderful having so many engaged and eager middle schoolers on campus,” said Clinical Professor of Management Julie Frischmann. “Their enthusiasm was contagious. We look forward to hosting this event annually and inviting all local middle schoolers. The future is bright.“

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

Continuing their longstanding tradition, College of Business students and faculty offered students and community members in need the opportunity to get their taxes filed for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). From late January to mid-March, the team filed over 400 returns. Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting Tim Anderson, who lead the program this year, stated, “It’s a great way for students to learn and give back to the community at the same time.”

PERSONAL BRANDING WITH ISU SOCCER

During a series of four classes, marketing professors John Ney and Dr. Haley Hardman worked with the ISU soccer team on team development and why personal branding is important.

“When Head Soccer Coach Dustin Downey contacted us, we were delighted,” said Hardman. "Not only was it inspiring to see a coach who strives to set his players up for success on and off the field, but it was also exciting to put a spin on personal branding for name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. It was a blast collaborating and bridging gaps within the Bengal family!”

EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE

The College of Business Executive in Residence (EIR) program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of classes and groups, meet one-onone with students and network with students and faculty. The events are opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable connections with highlevel leaders in a variety of business fields and learn about their rise to success. This semester’s EIR was Jessica Yeats, Principal Data Scientist for NVIDIA’s Autonomous Driving Unit.

“From the moment she set foot on campus, Dr. Yeats’ intent was truly to connect with the students and give them guidance with regards to their future plans and careers,” said Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Iris Buder. “Her presentations not only provided a thorough background of the steps she took along her journey through college, and after, to get to the point where she is today, but also provided very concrete advice and recommendations for students who are about to graduate and looking ahead in their careers. She advised them, for example, how to set up their LinkedIn profile, what soft and hard skills to focus on, and also provided recommendations about the importance of networking and building a community in and outside of work. She was also very approachable and relatable, and thus was easily able to connect with our students.”

FIFTH GRADE VISIT DAY

The semester wrapped up with the College of Business hosting nearly 100 local fifth graders for a campus visit. We hope there were some future Bengals in the mix!

The spring semester starts with a winter welcome - for the third year, Welcome Back Ski night offered College of Business students the opportunity to hit the slopes at Pebble Creek free of charge. The event allows students to catch up with friends and faculty and prepare for the semester ahead.