Freshman Business Experience
Students participate in a unique freshman business
experience introducing them to the world of business. In this
class, students explore the dimensions that make them individuals
and they discover more about themselves. Assessment tools like the
Myers Briggs Type Indicator will help students begin to make
choices about career paths and majors.
Students are introduced to business concepts and see those
concepts played out in real companies like Hubbard & Cravens
Coffee Company, Bike Line, Gilchrist & Soames, Steak n Shake
and more. At the end of the semester, students participate in
the Top Dawg Business Plan Competition.
Student teams develop a business idea, write a business plan and
then present their work to a panel of business executives.
Management Lecturer Jim McKneight coordinates the course.
Instructors include Lisa Hines and Kate King.
During the Get Real Weekend, students learn about
themselves and about teamwork through a series of interactive group
activities on Butler's high and low ropes course. Teamwork is
emphasized throughout the semester.
I definitely enjoyed the Get Real Weekend, even though I
chose not to participate in the high ropes challenge due to my fear
of heights. It was a great opportunity for me to get to know
the other members of my group and it allowed us to fully understand
each other's strengths and weaknesses. I learned a lot about
teamwork during the Get Real Weekend. It showed me that I
don't always have to be in charge and that sometimes it's best for
me to instead follow the lead of others.
Stephanie Flint
Class of 2012
For the business plan competition, my group created a
massage therapy center with a meditation room. It was
very exciting to present our business idea to a panel of business
executives. Throughout the semester, I was surprised by how well we
all learned to work in a group together. It is quite an
accomplishment to be able to put together an entire business plan
with a group of people that you've never worked with before.
Michael Wilson
Class of 2012
The lessons were interesting because they were true to life
and you actually applied the things you learned. It was one
of the most interesting classes I have taken and I learned so much
more than I ever anticipated.
Kyley Eagleson
Class of 2012