Find more photos on our Facebook page!
On August 29, the Bryan School of Business & Economics hosted the inaugural Bryan Back to Business event. During the day, students participated in informational panels with graduate students, area employers, faculty members, and alumni. In the evening, they attended a party to celebrate the new academic year.
“The purpose of Bryan Back to Business was to inspire career-readiness and professionalism in our students. Our goal was to give students access to industry leaders and professional role models to encourage them to start thinking about their post-graduation pursuits earlier. We also wanted to show our students that we value them and want them to succeed. We hope that the event promoted school spirit and made students proud to be part of the Bryan School,” said Lizzy Tahsuda, Graduate Career Development Specialist for the Bryan School.
At the panel discussions, students met with recruiters, graduate students, alumni, and faculty, all willing to answer questions from the future business leaders. Each 45-minute panel was repeated at least twice between 9 am and 4 pm, allowing students to find opportunities to balance their class schedules with the panel discussions. Topics included: what to expect in graduate school, what employers look for in job candidates, how to find a faculty mentor, and what alumni wish they had known as students.
“The back to business panels gave me valuable lessons and potential relationships with leaders in the Greensboro community,” said senior George Mihtsentu.
Afterwards, students met at UNCG’s baseball stadium for the Back to Business party. Party-goers were welcomed free food trucks and music by UNCG’s own DJ Supreme. In addition, students who attended at least two panels received a free Bryan School t-shirt and were entered into a drawing for prizes.
Students played corn hole, danced, and started building their Bryan School network. Students also had an opportunity to network with representatives from Speedway and Red Ventures, who sponsored the party.
“This event was amazing,” said student Tyran Speed, “and was an interactive way to connect with my peers outside of the classroom”.
“Over 500 students participated in Bryan Back to Business, with over 250 attending more than one panel. The feedback we received was very positive and it is awesome to hear students describe how the event has inspired them in some way,” said Tahsuda. “We are so excited to continue Bryan Back to Business as an annual tradition!”
Due to the success of the inaugural Back to Business event, it will become an annual program. The Bryan School is already planning the next event and will be using suggestions from the students’ feedback survey to help generate new ideas.
Contributed in part by senior DeVante’ Monds, Marketing Intern
