The Grossman School of Business recognizes eight student-led clubs that focus efforts on providing resources, connections and educational opportunities to students with like-minded career interests. This semester, because Grossman School of Business students understand the importance of networking, and want to ensure students studying from afar have the same opportunities to stay connected, clubs followed the guidelines laid out by the university and Student Government Association (SGA) to host meetings virtually. Club leaders met early on in the semester to discuss potential meeting formats and all clubs decided to host weekly or bi-weekly meetings virtually using the Microsoft Teams platform, and many decided to host willing UVM alumni as guest speakers. Although the clubs value the in-person connections, the virtual meeting platform allowed them to invite guests from as far away as Germany to participate.
Throughout the fall semester many UVM alumni took time to participate and continue to connect directly with our student clubs, and recently we caught up with several of our student leaders to learn about the conversations held.
With a focus on connecting students striving to turn their passion into a self-sufficient business, the Entrepreneurship Club hosted Sammy Hedlund during a meeting on October 19th. Sammy graduated from UVM in 2019 and is the founder of his entrepreneurial endeavor, Takeout Shorts. “We invited Sammy, because many members of our club are interested in learning how to take those first steps to start their business,” said club president and Grossman senior, Ben Collins. Sammy started his business while a junior at UVM and was able to illuminate how to develop a social media strategy. “Many members have already doubled or tripled their following after implementing Sammy’s tips” said Ben.
The Women in Business Club focuses on building a lifelong community of women who work together to achieve their personal and professional goals through mentorship, support, and friendship hosted Yvonne Prang during a club meeting on October 26th. Yvonne graduated with an MBA from UVM in 1997 and is the senior director of Global Rewards Center of Excellence at McDonald’s located in Munich, Germany. Yvonne spoke about her experiences working for a global company and the challenges she faces being a woman in business.
“Women need to train their assertive muscles and get the right support,” said Yvonne, “we should lift others as we climb, help each other along the way.” The key takeaway from the hour-long discussion with 30+ female identifying students was to be honest with yourself, leave your ego at home, and seize your opportunities.
Marketing Club which offers member the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the marketing profession and improve networking skills, hosted Nora King during a club meeting on October 28th. Nora graduated from UVM in 2016 with a Public Communications degree and is now the director of marketing and fan engagement at UVM Athletics. Nora spoke about her path from Victory Club intern with UVM Athletics to her current position. She highlighted the importance of an internship stating “I would not be here today if I didn’t take a chance with UVM Athletics as an intern during my undergraduate studies.” Other advice she shared was to always say thank you, get an internship and don’t be afraid to fail.
“I am so energized by our student clubs taking the initiative to set up these guest speakers. As a proud UVM alumni I know the network is robust and many are willing to help, the hardest part is simply reaching out,” said Grossman club liaison Rachel Narkewicz. She continued “These club leaders are learning to adapt, and focus on the positives given our current restrictions and guidelines, and they are doing so with such professionalism.”
Thank you to our alumni for taking the time to connect with our student clubs, and for sharing your experiences and answering questions honestly and with compassion. These relationships are invaluable, and we hope that this is just the beginning of your mentorship.
Wondering how you can get involved as a UVM Alumni? UVMConnect is an exclusive online community of UVM alums, students, staff and faculty. This global network is the best way to tap into an engaged, supportive and growing global network. It's free, easy to join, and nice to stay in touch. Are you a student looking for a club to join? Explore all the clubs recognized by SGA at https://clubs.uvm.edu/