Students in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration don’t just do their learning on campus. It is industry visits to real-world businesses, such as those offered through CBA Business Learning Communities (BLC) that give students insight they will not find in the classroom.
 
Students from the two CBA business communities called Business Leaders – Start Your Future Today and Business Around the World – Global Perspectives, recently traveled to Kansas City and toured three businesses: mySidewalk, a civic engagement technology company; Kauffman Stadium, home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals; and Smokehouse Barbecue.
 
“The BLC industry visits allow students to explore professional opportunities throughout a variety of business-related fields,” said Megan Friesen, assistant director of academic success and advising. “Students have the chance to network with employers and alumni, become familiar with a professional working environment and inquire about skills and experiences they should purse to be competitive in the job market and prepared for their careers.”
 
A group of 21 freshmen business majors, along with two junior BLC mentors and four staff members, made the trip. Those who went were impressed with what they saw, even though it all took place on a whirlwind one-day tour.
 
“The BLC trip was an unforgettable experience where our learning community bonded together. It had the perfect mix of fun and being informative,” said Luke Cutler, a freshman business administration major from Omaha, Nebraska. “I saw more of what the world, and the professional world, has to offer. Listening to what the employees of mySidewalk said, life is unexpected and many times skills along with our degree will get you places.”
 
Opportunities such as the industry trip to Kansas City attracted Cutler towards CBA. The CBA business learning communities allow students with similar academic and career interests to live together and enroll in some of the same classes, and have access to upperclass student mentors. The BLC offers multiple activities designed to help students grow academically, professionally, personally and socially.
 
“I wanted to be exposed to new people. I thought the activities and trips they go on were enticing and I thought it would help determine my major,” Cutler said. “The trips are extremely important for your personal assessment and understanding the real world. Education is a necessity, but how you use that education and the skills learned with it is just as important.”
 
Morrie Carlson, manager of tours/educational programs for the Kansas City Royals, echoed Cutler’s thoughts as he led the group on a tour of Kaufmann Stadium. After leading the tour around the home of the defending World Series champions, Carlson answered questions from the group.
 
“Morrie provided great insight into how the students can create meaningful experiences in college to better market themselves in the future,” said Samantha Kennelly, a graduate assistant in the college’s Office of Undergraduate Programs. “He emphasized hard work to help build integrity and character throughout their lives in any type of work they are doing.”
 
To learn more about the business learning communities, visit cba.unl.edu/blc. Published: April 5, 2016