Vermont Business Magazine Saint Michael's College in Colchester has reported recent updates to its undergraduate business education within the School of Business and Technology. One of the most compelling reasons for further building these programs is to ensure that Vermont can retain skilled talent – a shared goal for both the state and the college.
Evolving the Business program and going deeper
The Business Administration major has traditionally been one of the most popular programs at Saint Michael’s College. The program is designed to prepare students to successfully navigate the complexities of contemporary organizations, balancing both theory and practice. Students broaden their perspectives by completing a second major or minor, including in Finance or Accounting, and by completing an internship or organizational consulting course.
The program has recently been expanded to include a new major, Digital Marketing (a blend with the Digital Media and Communications department) and two new minors, Human Resources Management and Project Management. These programs have been added over the last few years in response to students’ growing interest and marketplace trends. They provide students with the opportunity to dive even deeper into topics that are important in the modern workplace. We also hope graduates of the program will contribute to the overall economic impact of the College and help retain talent within the state of Vermont.
State-of-the-art tech available for student-run investment organization
In 2024, Saint Michael’s students with an interest in finance, economics and investing launched the Student Investment Fund. Students in this organization manage a portfolio of investments, with guidance from an Investment Advisory Commitee made up of Saint Michael’s trustees. The Business program is now integrating the Student Investment Fund into its Investments class, as well as creating a one-credit experiential learning course connected with the Student Investment Fund. This is not just an educational initiative – it is a transformational experience that equips students with real-world financial decision-making skills.
Thanks to a generous alumni donation, the program has been able to create a student lounge on the first floor of Jeanmarie Hall to enhance students’ experiences and to be the home of the Student Investment Fund.
The Student Investment Fund Lounge features:
- A large monitor displaying Bloomberg News to keep students informed on global financial markets.
- A large monitor displaying a live stock ticker with real-time updates from global financial markets.
- Collaborative workspace areas for students to engage in portfolio analysis and investment strategy discussions.
- Comfortable seating and whiteboards to encourage brainstorming, ideation and faculty-student engagement.
Community connection
The Saint Michael’s Business program is committed to engaging with the business community through its Vermont, industry, and alumni connections. The more opportunities students have for connection and discussion with professionals, the more knowledgeable and skilled they will be when entering the workforce.
Last year, the Business Administration program, in collaboration with campus partners, hosted a discussion on artificial intelligence, how it is being used, and what the future of AI holds. The event featured three alumni who are working in industries that deal with AI or who use emerging technology for their jobs.
Several events in the summer and fall are bringing more business leaders to campus, expanding on the success of the AI event:
- July 24-26, 2025 – Saint Michael’s College hosted the 47th Annual Society for Case Research & Global Jesuit Case Series Summer Workshop, which was organized by Ignited. This brought together over 30 faculty from throughout the U.S. to engage in case study research. Our faculty plan to publish case studies on Rhino Foods, Citizen Cider and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
- Sept. 16, 2025 – Saint Michael’s College will host Emiliano Void, Founder and CEO of nuwave Equity Corporation, who will give a talk titled “Workplace Belonging and the Future of DEI.” This event builds on the consulting work that students did for nuwave Equity in Spring 2025. Students in this small class worked with Energy Co-Op of Vermont as well.
- Sept. 24, 2025 – Saint Michael’s College will host a panel discussion titled, “Toy Story: The Ethics, Economics and Professional Opportunities in the Toy Industry.” Representatives from Vermont Teddy Bear, Hasbro, and Tytan Toys will comprise the panel.
SMConnects launching in Spring 2026
Beginning in spring 2026, the College is offering a new opportunity for students – an Honors Hybrid Co-op called SMConnects – in partnership with Leadership Champlain, a division of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce. This model aims to blend academic learning with meaningful, project-based work experiences that directly serve local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Students selected for the Hybrid Co-op will complete 260 hours of work-based learning experience during the academic semester, earning 8 academic credits and receiving compensation for their work. Leadership Champlain will connect SMConnects Fellows with regional employers that have short-term, high-impact projects.
SMConnects Honors Co-op offers a hybrid, student-centered experience that keeps students actively engaged on campus while also doing meaningful, real-world work. This is what sets this model apart from traditional cooperative education models, which often require students to pause their campus involvement or leave campus for full-time placements.
Saint Michael's College, Colchester. www.smcvt.edu
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