by M. C. Jennings | Oct 31, 2024 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Marketing, Outcomes, Professional Development, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights
Senior marketing major Carol Queiroz from Brazil recently completed a rewarding internship at Imaginuity, a marketing agency based in Dallas. Her experiences during this internship have not only enhanced her skill set but also prepared her for future career opportunities.
Carol’s internship at Imaginuity was part of a rotational program, allowing her to gain hands-on experience in various departments. Throughout her time there, she explored areas such as social media, user experience, website creation, and client partnership. This exposure to diverse aspects of marketing provided her with a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
One of Carol’s favorite aspects of the internship was building website pages. This opportunity allowed her to combine her creative skills in content creation with the technical skills required for website development. She relished the chance to see her ideas come to life in a digital format, reinforcing her passion for marketing.
Carol said that learning to be adaptable was one of the greatest lessons she gained from her internship. She learned that even in areas where she initially had little interest, there were valuable insights and skills to be gained. This lesson in flexibility is one she believes will serve her well in her future career.
Interning at Imaginuity has opened numerous doors for Carol. The diverse experiences she gained will enable her to apply for various job opportunities after graduation, equipped with a unique skill set that few candidates possess. While she has been encouraged to apply for a full-time position at Imaginuity, Carol has also been accepted into a master’s program in communication at ACU, which she is excited to pursue.
For students seeking internships, Carol offers some sage advice: “Go to the career fair! I got my job there. Also, talk to Jasmine as much as possible. She is a good resource to help with your resume and job search.” She also recommends building a network on campus and maintaining relationships with professors which can open unexpected opportunities in the future.
Carol credits her time at ACU as essential preparation for her internship and future endeavors. The Professional Development team, in particular, has been instrumental in her journey, providing support and resources throughout her college years.
Being a business major at ACU has not only equipped Carol with technical knowledge but also essential life skills. She values the lessons in negotiation, networking, and entrepreneurship that she has gained, stating, “This knowledge is something that no one can take away from me and something that I will carry with me for life. I am very grateful to have received all of this at COBA.”
As graduation approaches, Carol reflects on her three years at ACU with gratitude. Her advice to current students is to savor every moment of their journey. “The whole process you’re going through on campus is preparing you for life off campus,” she emphasizes.
With her newfound skills and experiences, Carol is well-prepared to take on the next chapter of her life, whether in a full-time role or as a graduate student. Imaginuity has played a pivotal role in shaping her future, and she looks forward to what lies ahead.
by M. C. Jennings | Oct 3, 2024 | Accounting, College Decisions, Current Students, Faculty Testimonials, Faith Infusion, MAcc, Outcomes, Placement stories, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights, Uncategorized
Senior accounting major Katelynn Oksanen spent her summer break interning at EY’s Dallas office, where she gained invaluable insights into the world of auditing. Katelynn’s experience not only deepened her understanding of the audit process but also equipped her with skills that will serve her well in her future career.
At the outset of her internship, Katelynn participated in a comprehensive training program alongside other audit interns from the region. This training provided her with foundational knowledge and set the stage for her subsequent hands-on experience. One highlight of her internship was the Intern Innovation Experience, where she explored data visualization and analysis tools crucial to the accounting profession. This exposure to cutting-edge technologies broadened her perspective on the role of data in auditing.
Throughout her time at EY, Katelynn collaborated with various teams, assisting with multiple components of the audit process. This collaboration not only enhanced her technical skills but also allowed her to develop a deeper appreciation for teamwork. “I enjoyed working with the teams I was assigned to and getting to know the employees and other interns at the firm,” Katelynn reflected. “The hands-on experience I gained is something that’s hard to replicate in the classroom.”
Katelynn’s internship also reinforced her ability to communicate effectively within a team, a skill that is essential in any professional setting. She noted that this experience provided her with a clearer understanding of what auditing looks like in a large-scale business environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Looking ahead, Katelynn is excited to share that her internship is leading to full-time employment with EY. This opportunity reflects her hard work and the connections she made during her internship.
For students seeking internships, Katelynn offers invaluable advice: “Put yourself out there! There are many companies eager to hire you and get to know you. In addition, don’t be afraid to reach out to ACU alumni. ACU has a strong alumni network that wants to help ACU students find jobs and internships.”
Katelynn credits her time at ACU for preparing her for this pivotal internship. “Many of my courses and professors provided real-life scenarios and deeper knowledge that prepared me for the tasks involved in my internship. Additionally, many resources on campus helped me prepare the documents needed to secure a job, such as resume-building services through COBA’s professional development staff. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a business student at ACU has been the exceptional support from our professors. They genuinely care about their students and make an effort to get to know who is in their classroom. It’s evident that they want to see their students succeed!”
As Katelynn embarks on her professional journey, her experiences at EY and the foundation laid at ACU will undoubtedly propel her toward success in the accounting field. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the impact of internships and the importance of seizing opportunities in one’s academic and professional journey.
To learn more about the College of Business at ACU, click here.
To learn more about ACU’s Career fair, click here.
by M. C. Jennings | Sep 26, 2024 | Academics, College Decisions, Current Students, Marketing, Outcomes, Student Spotlights
Senior marketing major Noah While efficiently combined his academic knowledge with practical experience through an internship at Red Mansions Realty during his summer break. Throughout his tenure, Noah engaged in a diverse range of marketing activities, including the development of training materials for real estate agents. His contributions encompassed creating training materials for agents on procedures for tenant move-in forms, operating 360 cameras for property reviews, and utilizing marketing tools such as Canva to enhance their market presence.
Additionally, Noah undertook various office tasks that contributed to quality control and operational efficiency. He worked with the handyman to manage minor projects, such as smoke detector installations and worked to strengthen investor relations within the property management and commercial real estate sectors. His responsibilities included maintaining up-to-date investor documentation and loan details, thereby supporting both internal and external stakeholder communication.
Noah noted that the aspect he enjoyed most about his internship was the positive and communicative environment fostered by his colleagues. He commented, “There wasn’t a day that I felt uncomfortable and they really made the workplace fun and easy.” Through this experience, Noah learned that effective communication is essential for the smooth operation of a business and that mastering the art of clear and efficient communication with vendors, investors, and employees significantly enhances organizational flow and success.
The internship provided Noah with great insights into the real estate and property management fields, areas he has been interested in since high school. This experience not only deepened his understanding of the industry but also expanded his professional network in New Braunfels, enhancing his future job prospects.
Noah offers valuable advice to prospective interns to get an early start in their internship search as they can be challenging to obtain. “Once you do get an internship, dive straight in and be the best example of ACU you can possibly be with your work ethic and values that you have learned thus far.”
Noah said that his time at ACU has equipped him in several significant ways. Firstly, it has fostered more independence and confidence in his decision-making. Additionally, the networking opportunities and connections he’s made have been invaluable. Personally, he said “My faith has grown since being at ACU, which has reshaped my perspective on the business world. This most definitely is going to prepare me for life after graduation because keeping God first is what really matters.”
As he reflected on his favorite aspect of being a business major at ACU, Noah said that it’s been getting to know the professors at ACU saying, “You can see God shine through these professors daily while teaching and that is something I will cherish and look up to forever. Hearing that your professors are in the same Bible classes at church or serving as elders is really cool and admirable.”
To learn more about the College of Business Administration, click here.
To learn more about COBA’s upcoming Career Fair, click here.
by M. C. Jennings | Nov 2, 2023 | Academics, Accounting, Careers In..., COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Outcomes, Professional Development, Uncategorized
written by special contributor Lance Fleming
Each year, ACU’s College of Business Administration (COBA) graduates students ready to move into
professional fields in numerous types of businesses at every level of an organization. Sometimes, it’s in a company run by an ACU alum who wants to help students at their alma mater secure employment. Other times, it’s a global brand looking for the best and the brightest employees.
Whatever the case might be and whatever employers are looking for, more often than not, ACU graduates – and in particular, ACU COBA graduates – are usually at the head of the line when it comes to new hires each summer.
So it shouldn’t be surprising that more than 50 companies from across the state and Oklahoma were represented on Thursday, Oct. 5, for the first joint Career Fair sponsored by COBA and the Department of Engineering and Physics at the Hunter Welcome Center. COBA also has in-house career preparation led by Professional Development and Internship Director Jasmine McCabe-Gossett. Students also have access to the ACU Virtual Career Center with resources to help them create resumes and cover letters.
McCabe-Gossett (2010), who joined COBA last year, sensed a need for a Career Fair. After months of preparation, on October 5, that happened giving COBA students a chance to sit across from potential employers, put their resumes in front of them, and allow them to talk about themselves and what skills they would bring to an organization.
Various companies with both a local and international presence participated in the fair, providing our students with options that appealed to all. Business and technology students were able to engage with companies within the following industries: real estate, hospitality, IT services, consulting, distribution, financial services, sales, healthcare and more. One student noted, “I have never attended a career fair, but it was great! It was so cool to be able to see many different options in internships, companies, and people!”
These companies weren’t just looking for full-time employees, either. Internships have become a way for companies to put a student and potential future employee through an on-the-job interview, a point McCabe-Gossett tried to drive home to some of her students going into the Career Fair.
“We want to connect students with employers, especially students looking for full-time employment,” she said. “But a considerable focus is to connect employers to potential interns. In the lead-up to the event, we hosted several different workshops to help students feel comfortable and confident, starting with a workshop focused on identifying personal values and what it looks like to live out your faith in the workplace authentically. We had a panel of professionals who came in and spoke about that.
“The Career Fair turned out to be geared more toward internships,” McCabe-Gossett said. “During this
season, many companies are laying off employees, but we know it’s still strategically important to build a pipeline, and internships are a big part. I told the students not to dismiss the internship experience because it’s a great foundation\opportunity that can open doors for them. Some students were disappointed, but I tried to help re-frame their thinking regarding how you leverage an internship.”
Another area where McCabe-Gossett and others helping her with the Career fair tried to re-form thinking centered around the experiences students might have working as interns or part-time workers at faith-based camps or events. While that experience fits neatly into the ACU experience, sometimes it doesn’t catch the eye of a potential employer, something McCabe-Gossett said she tried to help some students with as they prepare themselves to hit the job market.
“A lot of times, our students have faith-based experiences, so we talked about how to translate those experiences to a compelling resume and what values they can bring to the workplace,” she said. “Those are wonderful experiences, but we also want our students to be able to go toe-to-toe with anyone for any job. This is beyond talking about what you did but digging into how you did your job and the result.”
And this year’s success has McCabe-Gossett already thinking about the 2024 Career Fair.
“We’ve had Meet the Firm Nights in the past, which was specific to accounting majors, and that’s wonderful,” she said. “But I wanted to cast a wider net this year and probably a wider one next year. It was a heavy lift, but I’m glad we did it because I now have this Career Fair to show potential employers. We have ACU alumni who are killing it in the business world, and they’re in positions of power, so why not ask them to come back here and represent their companies? I’m trying to create a playbook to present to alumni who work at Google or AT&T or wherever to help convince them they should come back here and represent their company at future events.”
For more information on professional development in COBA, email Jasmine McCabe-Gossett at jcj05c@acu.edu.
by M. C. Jennings | Oct 10, 2023 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, College Decisions, Current Students, Marketing, Outcomes, Professional Development, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights, Uncategorized
Written by special contributor, Lance Fleming
When most people go to Arkansas in the summer, it’s to take advantage of some of the great outdoor
activities offered by “The Natural State,” such as fishing, kayaking and canoeing, exploring lakes and rivers, hiking, mountain biking, and visiting national parks and nature centers for which the state is known.
But Bryanna Monteiro spent her summer as an intern for the state’s most visible business: Walmart. Instead of spending her days outside enjoying what Arkansas offers, she was working inside on networking and connectivity. Her work paid off, however, as the senior marketing major from Orlando, Florida, earned an offer and accepted a job with Walmart that will begin after she graduates from ACU.
We recently caught up with Monteiro to get a sense of her internship and how ACU prepared her for her work in the summer and beyond.
Q: What did you do in your internship?
Monteiro: “I was a merchandising intern in Department 72: Networking and Connectivity. I was given a project over the summer: content quality score acceleration within our department. At the end of the internship, I presented the project to leadership, where I talked about my strategy for what items to remove, move, and improve.”
Q: What was your favorite part of the internship?
Monteiro: “All the valuable experience it gave me because of all the incredible people I met, from other interns to people who work internally at Walmart and external people Walmart works with. I feel like I learned so much from getting to hear others’ experiences as well as the wisdom they were able to share with me.”
Q: What are the most significant lessons you learned in your internship?
Monteiro: “The importance of progress over perfection and focusing on opportunities and growth rather than just the challenges that may arise with things out of your control. There is always more to do, and moving forward even when things don’t go to plan is essential.”
Q: How do you see this experience aiding you in the future?
Monteiro: “This was truly the most incredible experience because I learned to be confident in my abilities and skills without being afraid to share my input. I met so many amazing people who supported me but also challenged and pushed me so that I would grow both personally and professionally.”
Q: Is this job leading to full-time employment with Walmart? If not, what are your plans after graduation?
Monteiro: “Yes, it is! I will be moving to Bentonville, Arkansas, post-graduation.”
Q: Do you have any tips for future interns or students looking for internships?
Monteiro: “Do an internship!! I cannot stress this enough. I don’t believe there is such a thing as looking back and regretting not having done more internships. Be yourself and know what you’re passionate about/what you are good at so you can find the right fit for you. Connect with your professors and anyone you meet; that will be important when looking for opportunities. Finally, ensure you intern at a company you see yourself working at or are open to because it could lead to future opportunities, and you won’t waste your time.”
Q: How has your time at ACU prepared you for this internship, employment, or graduate school after graduation?
Monteiro: “My time at ACU prepared me for this internship/future post-graduation job because I am an individual rather than just a number at this school. My professors have supported and encouraged me in every aspect: in class and when I was preparing to take on this internship. All my courses have equipped me with the skills necessary to succeed in my role. ACU provided me with all the additional resources I could use when preparing.”
Q: What’s been your most memorable experience as a business student at ACU?
Monteiro: “The application side of every class I have taken because it allowed me to take what I am learning and use it in scenarios I may encounter later. I love COBA’s community aspect in that all the professors want you to succeed and are the biggest support system in helping you achieve your goals.”
by M. C. Jennings | May 19, 2023 | Academics, Alumni Spotlight, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Human Resource Management, Management, Outcomes, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights
Written by special contributor Lance Fleming
Each day, students across the ACU campus display the university’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world through their actions and acts of service on the campus. Each year, students like those are nominated by their academic departments. From those nominations, 50 scholars are selected by the ACU Faculty Senate to receive the University Scholars Award for their graduating class.
Among those 50 scholars who demonstrated outstanding scholarship by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, earning 90 hours towards their degree, and continuing the pursuit of knowledge in their research field, seven are students from the College of Business Administration. The COBA students who received this year’s University Scholars Award are Kathryn Crawford, Gracie Isham, Matthew Roberson, Will Harris, Diego Lozano Welsh, Ben Blackmon, and Garrett Powell.
We have been highlighting each of those seven individuals over the last few weeks, including this profile of
Diego Lozano Welsh. A native of Coppell, Texas, Diego recently graduated with a 3.87 GPA as a business management major. In June, he will begin work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Sinacola, a construction company in Frisco, Texas.
As a student, Diego – a member of Frater Sodalis – was instrumental in reviving the Lighthouse Catholic Student Organization, which was hit hard by COVID in 2020 and almost disappeared. But with the help of sponsors and parishes in Abilene, Diego led the effort to bring the organization back to campus. He was also part of Lynay, and as a freshman, he began doing volunteer work with “Palm House Kids,” a group that provides children from lower-income families a meal and a place to play and teaches them about Jesus.
Diego recently answered a few questions about his time at ACU and in COBA, covering everything from his most influential class to the most unique thing he’s been a part of while at ACU:
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself at ACU?
Welsh: “The most important thing I’ve learned about myself is that I have been equipped to spread the gospel. I learned how to involve my faith in everything that I do. This allows me to show my hope in Christ and bring that hope to others.”
Q: What professor or class has impacted you most and why?
Welsh: “Dr. Matt Deeg greatly impacted my development during college. I was lucky enough to have a class with him for three consecutive semesters. During those semesters, I changed my major and concentration a few times. He walked with me each time, having conversations to help lead me in the right direction. He was a fantastic teacher whom I learned a lot from professionally. However, the most significant impact he had in my life was personally, as a mentor and a friend.”
Q: What has been your experience in COBA?
Welsh: “I have loved every moment in COBA. I got to work as a COBA student ambassador during my senior year, giving tours to high school students and working in the offices for recruitment. That allowed me to have a different perspective on COBA. I saw the faculty and staff every day and experienced the culture in COBA. This was such a fantastic opportunity; it allowed me to build relationships with everyone working there and see them as real people: these relationships and all the experiences I had in COBA combined into a beautiful experience at ACU.”
Q: Of all the things you’ve experienced at ACU, what do you believe will have the most impact on your life?
Welsh: “The relationships I built will be the most impactful. The way that I learned to build relationships with mentors and the friendships I developed will shape how I live the rest of my life.”
