BMGT 495: Strategic Management
What Did I Do?
I took a course called Strategic Management where the purpose was to act as a manager in multiple case-based scenarios and uncover how we would act in those situations. It was an important experience for me to take this class because it taught me the ways to develop business-level solutions as well as how to work cohesively in corporate group settings. We did a lot of case briefs, which used real-world business problems that we were required to solve. Without this class, I wouldn't have the hindsight needed to operate efficiently in a work environment. With an internship coming up this summer, I am confident in my abilities to handle different types of problems that come my way as well as how to function with my team to solve problems.
What Did I Learn?
This class taught me a lot of important skills and techniques that are valuable for my future. First, I learned how to approach real-life situations by thinking critically and analyzing problems. You need to have an open-mind in the business field meaning that you can't only think of one solution. You need to figure out multiple ways to solve a problem and then discover which solution will provide you with the best results. Secondly, I learned how to develop my presentation skills by honing in on the dos and don'ts of project presenting. By working with GEICO representatives directly, I was able to get the necessary feedback on how I should be presenting if I was in a business meeting.
I have grown as a person and a student in a variety of ways because of this class. For one, I am much more confident in my public speaking abilities. I was never overly fond of speaking in front of people and always got extremely nervous. I now know how to properly interact in a business meeting setting and how to be well composed when presenting to people. I have also grown in the way that I think about problems. I was always one to take the easy-way out once I found the answer. Now, I take my time and look at each scenario possible, developing solutions that are time-efficient for me and financially solvent for the client or company.
Above is my GEICO presentation. This presentation highlights both what I learned from the practicum class and how I've grown from the class and the experts in the fields. It shows how a team came together to collaborate on an extensive project and develop a solution to a real-world problem
My Advice:
BMGT 495 was one of the required classes for my major and it also counted as a Scholars practicum course. My advice to the future scholars students would be to find something that they are genuinely passionate about. Whether it be an internship, service experience, or a class, find an opportunity that will develop you for the future. Reach out to people sooner rather than later and be confident in your own self. People are going to like you for you and don't change yourself for somebody else. If you find something that your passionate about and don't like what you are doing, don't get discouraged. It will lead you to a path where you can find a job or opportunity that you love and it will be what you do for the rest of your life.
