Enjoying an island atmosphere, food, fun and giveaways, an estimated 350 students – and Roary and the Golden Dazzlers — stopped in at Welcome to the BizLife in the courtyard of the College of Business Center at Florida International University (FIU). This event, sponsored by PwC, kicked off the fall semester for new and returning business students.
Attendees at the mid-day September 3 open house had a chance to learn about in-school offerings including career management services, undergraduate advising and international study opportunities as well as become familiar with 13 student organizations in the business college.
“In high school I was really involved in clubs and organizations, but I didn’t do much until junior and senior year,” said attendee Ramal Pitts, a freshman majoring in finance and international business. “Now I want to make sure I maximize every opportunity I’m given.”
While the DJ played music, students visited the presenters’ displays, taking advantage of information and abundant giveaways.
“We wanted everyone to have fun while they were getting acquainted with some of the opportunities for business students at FIU,” said Ruth Ann McEwen, senior associate dean of the College of Business and director of the School of Accounting.
Emelly Rincon, a junior majoring in accounting and finance, was particularly interested in the information from the Small Business Development Center at FIU, one of the events’ participants. Rincon’s father previously owned a business in Colombia but now works in this country for someone else.
“I know he really wants to be his own boss and launching the business here would be a great opportunity for him to bounce back,” she said. “With my major in accounting and finance, we can do it together.”
Jose Aldrich and PwC rep get students thinking about the future.
While the three-hour event was a drop-in informal gathering, at mid-point Acting Dean Jose Aldrich did address the crowd.
“Get to know the student organizations and create the relationships you will find throughout the university,” he said. “Once you get involved with the university and other students, the opportunities are there.”
Aldrich introduced Rafael Garcia, tax partner at PwC, who shared thoughts with the attendees.
“Having a sharp focus in building and growing meaningful professional relationships provides opportunities for growth, mentorship and leadership,” he said. “We at PwC value the opportunity to create environments for our professionals and the FIU students to germinate these relationships. Welcome to Bizlife is one great example of how PwC creates these environments.”
