Music, networking and lunch greeted FIU College of Business students at “Welcome To The BizLife,” which showcased in-school resources including advising, career management, international studies, and student organizations.

Shaila Jaime and María Martínez, seniors in the Finance and International Business programs, looked into internships and study abroad opportunities – including opportunities in Barcelona, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

This was their first “Welcome To The BizLife experience” as both recently transferred to FIU from the Dominican Republic where they began the dual-degree program.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there to explore,” said Jaime.

Presenting sponsor PwC focused its team’s efforts on connecting with students about the internship and career opportunities the global accounting firm offers. Each year, PwC recruits between 20 and 50 FIU students for their multiple internships as well as full-time positions, explained Rafael García, the firm’s tax partner.

“An event like this allows us to network with young talent, develop relationships with faculty and administrators,” said García, himself an FIU graduate. “Staying connected and building relationships through academic endeavors are behaviors rooted in our recruiting culture.”

Held September 8, this year’s event was the biggest for FIU, in terms of both participants and students, since 2012 when it became “Welcome to the BizLife.” Roughly 300 students attended, including those representing a dozen business-centered student organizations.

“Our student leaders at FIU and the College of Business are contributing to the lives of younger students who need guidance and mentoring,” said David R. Klock, dean of the College of Business, noting that 5,400 students are currently enrolled in courses such as accounting, finance, marketing and international business. “It’s an exciting time.”

One of the more popular booths at “Welcome To The BizLife” was FIU’s Pino Global Entrepreneurial Center, which works directly with newly launched businesses as well as aspiring business owners.

“We go beyond what they learn in the classroom, “said Megan Lunsford, who was present representing the center. “They receive hands-on guidance throughout the business planning and business development process from actual business leaders.”

School of Accounting undergraduate student Jiovani Nuelsaint, a senior, stopped by the PwC table to explore both internship and permanent job possibilities for summer 2015, after graduation and in anticipation of starting his Master’s program.

“I want to know what to do to stay ahead of the game,” said Nuelsaint.

That attitude is precisely one of the factors that drew PwC to “Welcome To The BizLife,” explained García. “We want to drive innovation and foster an environment where students’ talents can be applied.”

Want To Know More?

These are the organizations that participated in “Welcome To The BizLife”:

• AIESEC
• ALPFA
• Alpha Kappa Psi
• American Marketing Association
• Beta Alpha Psi
• DECA
• Delta Sigma Pi
• FBLA-PBL
• Financial Management Association
• IT Women – Next Gen
• Phoenician Investment Fund
• Toastmasters @ FIU Business