UVM teaches undergraduates "business savvy"

In two short weeks, University of Vermont senior Anna Griem, was able to earn 6 units of college credit, land the internship of her dreams, and learn the business basics that would put her on track for her first job post-college. She did it with UVM Continuing & Professional Study’s ‘Business Savvy,’ an intensive course for non-business majors that teaches career-building skills.
Young job seekers face a grim reality. Last April, the unemployment rate for Americans ages 16-24 was 19.5 percent, a record high. One in four college-educated adults work in jobs unrelated to their degrees; that rate increases to 40 percent for those ages 25 and younger. However, there are signs of hope: the National Association of Colleges and Employees reported that employers anticipate hiring 13.5 percent more new college graduates in 2011 than they did in 2010.
In ‘Business Savvy,’ students gain real-world experience by developing confidence and competence in the basics of accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategy. They complete a week-long business simulation, attend networking dinners with local business leaders, and participate in an etiquette dinner, hosted by the Post Institute.
Then, they can put their skills to the test through an internship through VBSR (as availability permits). Participating businesses include Dealer.com, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Seventh Generation. Students receive a free one-year membership to VBSR, giving them an opportunity to attend networking events. To date, VBSR’s internship program has placed 100 students in paid internships.
Rebecca Cohen, a 2010 graduate of UVM who wanted to pursue a career in Vermont, credits the internship with helping her land current job at All-Earth Renewables. Cohen was formerly an intern at both CCTA and VBSR.
‘Getting experience in the type of setting you want to be in helps you stand out, especially in today’s competitive field,’ Cohen said. ‘The skills I learned in networking, resume-building and interviewing were invaluable in helping me find and get my dream job.’
Additionally, there are advantages for local businesses who participate in the internship program.
‘The benefit to employers is two-fold: companies are able to determine the resources they need by employing and training interns,’ said Tracey Maurer, director of the Vermont Business Center at the UVM School of Business Administration. ‘They are also able to harness the energy and enthusiasm of talented and skilled interns.’
University of Vermont Continuing Education started offering ‘Business Savvy’ as a course to students in 2003. Annual enrollments range from 25-35 per class with students in majors as diverse as philosophy, psychology, history, English, political science, and nursing.
The course is open to non-business majors, business minors, and recent alumni who want to prepare themselves for the real world of work. This year’s course will run May 23-June 5.
With ‘Business Savvy,’ UVM Continuing Education continues to be a source for professional development within the community, a place for both individual students and businesses to grow through lifelong learning.
About University of Vermont Continuing Education
Continuing Education (CE) helps thousands of non-traditional students continue their education at the University of Vermont. Through collaborations with the various colleges and schools, CE offers courses and programs to help students explore their options to advance or change their careers.
Source: ksvc, public relations