Professional Development
The Smeal College sponsors more than thirty student organizations which offer a variety of leadership and professional development opportunities, including:
Multicultural Business Society (MBS)
Through workshops, company presentations, and networking events, MBS attempts to bridge the gap between the notions of diversity within the University and the corporate world. MBS hosts an annual Multicultural Food Festival as one of its key events. This business casual dinner features a variety of ethnic dishes, cultural performances, and a presentation by the corporate sponsor. In addition, MBS hosts a Multicultural Fashion Show in November that showcases business professional and casual fashions, and clothing from various countries. The organization is committed to extensive interaction between corporations and its student members.
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
NABA works actively with business firms, corporations, colleges, and Penn State alumni in placing minority candidates in various business fields, while also providing technical seminars for those considering careers in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Each spring NABA hosts Netiquette, a professional development conference open to all Smeal students. The conference provides information on preparing for the next academic year’s professional development activities and career fairs. Companies that have attended Netiquette include PNC Bank, Footlocker, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Alcoa, and Merrill Lynch.
National Hispanic Business Association (NHBA)
The primary mission of NHBA is to aid in the educational and professional development of Hispanic business students. NHBA also provides networking and occupational opportunities within the business community, and provides enriching intellectual and cultural experiences. NHBA seeks to create a strong, independent Latino professional who can represent himself/herself in the corporate world and sustain a voice through which concerns of the Hispanic community can be heard. Professional development opportunities include a student leadership conference and a professional dress workshop.
Women in Business (WIB)
The mission of WIB is to increase the recruitment and retention of women students and faculty at Smeal. WIB also fosters an environment in which Smeal women discuss personal and professional issues pertinent to women in the corporate world. The goals of WIB are to aid in the recruitment of female students at Smeal by increasing awareness opportunities for women; fostering women’s leadership abilities and creating effective student leaders; supporting professional development of members; volunteerism in the community; and creating a network between women in business, corporate executives, and University faculty. Professional development opportunities include a student/faculty luncheon and a professional dress workshop. The WIB welcomes both male and female students in all business majors to join the organization.
Black Male Leadership Symposium
The Smeal College recognizes the decline of black males successfully matriculating through the business curriculum. This initiative is organized to produce stability among black males attending Smeal while making an effort to recruit and retain these young men. Two of the goals of the symposium are to develop and hone the leadership abilities and academic qualities of the young black male. Areas of focus include enhancing study skills, socializing in a majority environment, and career and professional development.
