As a business student, we have the unique opportunity to enhance our education through involvement with student-led business organizations. The Pamplin School of Business offers 9 opportunities for YOU to get involved, interact and network with students and professionals! Here’s what two of our student leaders have to say about their experience with business clubs:
OLIVIA MULLER
Junior, Marketing Major
UPMG Co-President, Alpha Kappa Psi Member
How long have you been involved with School of Business organizations?
I have been involved in UPMG since freshman year. It wasn’t until second semester of sophomore year that I took on a position. I was first the Advertising Specialist and this year (my junior year) I am the co-president! I have also been a member of AKPsi since sophomore year.
What is your favorite part of being involved with business clubs?
My favorite part of being involved in business clubs are all the opportunities that are presented to me. I get to meet so many people in the business world so it makes networking really easy.
Advice for students who want to get involved?
My advice for students who are looking to get more involved is to just do it. You are presented with so many opportunities and if you can, get involved with a leadership position. It will help prepare you so much for the real world and it is a really great experience!
MICHAELA ANDERSON
Senior, Finance, French Major, Minor: Mathematics
UP Investment Association President
How long have you been involved with business clubs?
I have been part of UPIA since my sophomore year. I jumped right into being involved by being a sector leader and giving my first pitch when I knew basically nothing about stocks. Junior year, I continued that role but under the title of equity analyst. At that point, I’d also talked to the current president to let him know I’d be interested in a leadership role the following year, so I was involved with decisions being made in the club without being on the executive team, officially. This year I am president of UPIA.
What is your favorite part of being involved in business clubs?
With UPIA, I love that it’s hands on. It’s dealing with real money and investing it. In general, however, I’d say that being involved in business clubs gives you great networking opportunities. Even though I’m not officially a member in many of them, I will still go to meetings when there are speakers that interest me. Those speakers are always there voluntarily and happy to meet you and talk with you afterward too. Additionally, you can befriend the upperclassmen in these clubs and they can be a valuable resource for you too.
What advice would you give students who are looking to get more involved with on-campus clubs?
The simplest advice I can give is to go for it. If there’s an opportunity to get involved without being on the executive team, do it. That’s how you’ll meet people. And if you’re interested in being in leadership, I would express that early to the current executive team. I know, as president of UPIA, I’m looking for who I can pass the club off to when I graduate. I’m always open to an email, too, when someone wants to know more about the club, when we meet, how to get involved, etc. If you want to get involved with a club, all it takes is going for it.
To learn more about our business organizations and how you can get involved, visit http://business.up.edu/default.aspx?cid=9044&pid=456.