Get connected...

Chelsea

Chelsea Wooldridge (BBA ’07), MS Accountancy candidate and MANet offi cer

s an undergraduate accounting student at UH Bauer College, Chelsea Wooldridge found that the college’s student organizations were the perfect way to cultivate leadership skills and to learn more about accounting as a profession. She joined several organizations and served as an offi cer multiple times. After receiving her bachelor of business administration degree in 2007, Wooldridge became

a master’s candidate at Bauer College and joined the Masters of Accountancy Network (MANet)—a graduate student organization that offers its members opportunities to enhance their leadership and career skills and to prepare for jobs in the accounting fi eld.

“My experience as a student leader at Bauer College has been a very positive one. I’ve gained knowledge about the industry where I hope to one day work and learned so much about leadership, all while developing friendships with other student organization members from the college.

I was very active in student organizations at Bauer as an undergraduate student. I have been involved in several of the college’s two dozen organizations, and each one has offered me great opportunities to advance myself socially and academically. I have gained a lot of valuable experience and learned a great deal about what Bauer College has to offer, as well as the accounting fi eld in general. Involvement in student organizations has also allowed me to meet more students within the college and build my social network.

In anticipation of the end of my undergraduate career, I researched student organization opportunities for graduate students and joined MANet so I could have a similar positive experience throughout my graduate studies. MANet offers its members valuable networking opportunities with accounting professionals from many industries as well as public and private fi rms. This gives members the chance to gain insight and learn about the profession as a whole.

Student organizations give students at Bauer the opportunity to build leadership skills that help them in every aspect of their lives, from career development to social networking. Being active in organizations, especially if you participate as an offi cer, allows students to learn how to lead and manage different personality types, biases, and sets of beliefs.”

participate as an offi cer, allows students to learn how to lead

• Most student organization members hold membership in two to three groups.

• Offi cers are eligible for scholarships specifi cally designated for student organizations.

• Most student organization

efore the business community’s presidents, executives and decision makers can thrive in the corporate world, they must fi rst learn what

it means to be a leader. Combining the business savvy, civic responsibility and social graces needed to be a truly effective leader can be a bit like putting together a puzzle.

Here at the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, we offer our students the opportunity to put those pieces together with over 20 student organizations. Our student leaders graduate with the confi dence of knowing that they have all the necessary skills for success in their professional and personal lives.

Career DevelopmentMembers and offi cers of student organizations learn more about the real world of business by meeting infl uential corporate partners and advance their career development skills through career preps, workshops, resume building and interviewing activities.

Community ServiceStudent leaders from Bauer College are committed to giving back to the Houston community through various service and volunteer activities. Whether it’s pitching in at a soup kitchen or mentoring at-risk youth, our students are ready to lend a hand.

Personal GrowthPerhaps the greatest benefi t of joining a student organization is the immeasurable bond members feel as they share their collegiate experience with each other. Organizations combine professional activities with social outings and give members a lifelong system of support from peers, faculty and staff.

...and put the pieces together at UH Bauer College.

Supply ChainManagement

effrey P. Slaughter studied petroleum engineering at Texas Tech University before transferring to the UH Bauer College of Business for its nationally recognized global energy management program.

Jeffrey says the Energy Association, which unites future energy leaders within the college, appealed to him because of its ability to connect him with classmates who had similar interests and business professionals from top companies. He has served as both a member and offi cer of the organization.

“When I came to Bauer College, I was looking for a way to network with other students who were passionate about the energy industry. I joined the Energy Association because I have always been interested in this sector, and I wanted to learn more about a variety of topics within the industry.

As part of a student organization, I have been exposed to people of similar interests and cultivated great friendships. Organizations like the Energy Association give members exposure to both people and events that can expand their knowledge about the business world and give them access to prominent leaders in their chosen fi elds. We host many networking events throughout the school year, which give our members the opportunity to socialize with individuals from the industry in a casual atmosphere and work hand in hand with connecting current members with alumni.

I have met with several CEOs, vice presidents and prominent individuals as a member of the Energy Association, and I know I would not have had that opportunity if I had not been an active member of a student organization at Bauer. Making connections with these individuals gives our members fi rst-hand knowledge regarding what it takes to succeed in the world of business. The fact that many of these industry leaders are Bauer College alumni who were in student organizations themselves is both encouraging and exciting.

Students involved in organizations during their college careers learn teamwork, leadership, industry knowledge, business etiquette and networking skills that are invaluable to them in the business world. They become the part of the premiere talent pool in their industry. Through the variety of meetings, events and competitions that are part of student

Jeffrey

organizations, members develop an outstanding knowledge base and are able to make a very fl uid transition into their careers.

The most valuable thing I’ve gained from my experience as a student leader is the ability to connect with people of a like mind and both teach and learn from them.”

• Student leaders serve as volunteers for some of Houston’s top business events.• The founder of Chick-fi l-A, S. Truett

Cathy, is a member of Delta Sigma Pi. • The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) at UH Bauer took fi rst place in the NABA National Case Study Competition sponsored by KPMG.

• APICS hosts plant tours of some of the region’s largest companies, including Frito Lay and Blue Bell.

Jeffrey P. Slaughter, Finance Senior, the Energy Association President

Connecting Students to Career Development.Business student organizations at UH Bauer College give members the opportunity to learn from real world business leaders through networking events, mentorship programs and offi ce visits.

Student leaders are ready for the corporate world before they graduate because their organizations have offered them professional development workshops, meetings, leadership conferences and etiquette dinners. Organizations also make multiple corporate offi ce visits and hold social networking events where potential employers meet and mingle with highly qualifi ed prospective employees.

athan Leu got involved in student organizations because he did not know many students at UH Bauer College once he decided to make

business his major. Aside from the Accounting Society, he is involved in the Masters of Accountancy Network (MANet) and the Finance Association at Bauer. Nathan also teaches children how to speak Cantonese at a Chinese school in Houston.

“I wanted to join a student organization to get more involved in school. After participating in the organizations at Bauer, I discovered that student involvement can help students not only learn more about their studies but also give them the opportunity to interact within their communities and to compete nationally.

In the Accounting Society and other student organizations, we have many opportunities to connect with professionals, current students and alumni. The academic competitions in which organizations can participate in help students to develop professional teamwork skills that will transfer to their future careers. These competitions usually give teams a fi nite amount of time to formulate a plan and compile their thoughts into a presentation, and you spend a lot of time working with your group to be successful in the competition. The sheer amount of time you all put in together, and the fact that you all are pursuing the same goal, allows team members to inevitably bond. Competitions show potential employers that you’re willing to go beyond your required coursework to participate in a business competition in your free time, and it’s very rewarding after it’s all over.

Giving back to the community is also an important part of being in a student organization. Community service activities are always a good chance to meet new faces and get to know other members, and it helps to strengthen our relationships within each organization. Volunteer opportunities for Bauer College student organizations range from mentoring young children to working in food banks, and everything in between. After each volunteer experience, I’m reminded of the importance of giving back, which allows us as students to connect with the Houston community.”

Nathan

Nathan Leu, MS Accountancy Candidate, Accounting Society President

Connecting Students to the Community.

Although many students view student organizations as great staples in resumes and tools to help open doors to job opportunities, involvement in UH Bauer organizations provide opportunities in a much wider realm. Community involvement and national competitions are major functions in the vitality of student organizations.

Members are able to fulfi ll their civic responsibilities through mentoring, organizing food drives, blood drives and clothing drives, participating in youth outreach programs and volunteering at non-profi t agencies.

UH Bauer student leaders are also able to connect with their counterparts from universities across the country by competing in national competitions that showcase the skills they’ve cultivated in and out of the classroom.

• The Hispanic Business Student Association holds an annual Youth Outreach Day at UH.

• Accounting Society members represent most majors, not just accounting students.

• Members of Bauer Ambassadors hold tours for prospective Bauer students.

• The NYMEX Open Outcry Competition organized by the Finance Association gives students an opportunity to test their stock trading skills and to win an internship with NYMEX.

• There are three to four bake sales a week in Melcher Hall, all sponsored by different organizations.

Student leaders also learn how to work within a group to accomplish specifi c goals. You learn to appreciate good leadership and what makes a team effective. Frontier Fiesta is an event that provides the students with “real world” experience such as planning, fundraising, accounting, marketing, selling, operations, team building and leadership skills. The students who have been involved Frontier Fiesta gain fi rst-hand experience that is great for job interviews.”

Royce

Connecting Students to Alumni.One reason student organizations at UH Bauer are so successful is because current members learn from alumni who have transitioned from student leaders into corporate leaders through their experiences in Business Student Activities. Alumni regularly mentor our student leaders to give them career advice and show them how to stay connected with the college after graduation.

s a student at the University of Houston in the 1970s, Royce Heslep was involved in activities on campus,

including the University’s chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, a business fraternity. After receiving his

bachelor of business administration in 1977, Heslep ventured into the business world but never forgot the skills he learned as a student leader or how valuable those skills could be for future generations of business students. Now the president of his own company, Heslep returns to campus each year to mentor student leaders and to help plan UH Bauer’s involvement in Frontier Fiesta, a student-run festival that promotes scholarship, community and education.

“As an alumnus, I feel that I have a responsibility to remain connected to student organizations at Bauer College and pass along the skills I honed in Delta

Sigma Pi to future business leaders. There is no doubt that joining a student organization is a surefi re way to fi nd a great job and thrive in the business world.

Even before graduation, student leaders can apply skills they learn in organizations to their job searches. Delta Sigma Pi helped me feel more confi dent when looking for a job because I had a chance to talk to other students that had gone through the interview process.

s a student at the University of Houston in the 1970s, Royce Heslep

including the University’s chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, a business fraternity. After receiving his

Royce Heslep (’77), President of Aptia Systems, Inc.

Connecting Students to UH Staff. Student leaders are the backbone of UH Bauer College. They bring honor and distinction to the college through the accolades they earn in competitions and the community service they perform. They ultimately become successful alumni who are champions of the college’s mission and return to share what they’ve learned with future generations of student leaders, creating a very positive cycle of leaders building leaders.

Academic advisor Natalie Merritt meets with students during the semester to help steer them through their academic

careers. She also provides staff support to UH Bauer student organization, the Finance Association. A graduate of the University of Houston, Merritt recommends that students join organizations to help build skills that will carry over long after graduation and help in the business world.

“Student organizations are critical to the success of Bauer College. They are the primary and most effective source of connectedness and cohesion among our students. By participating in organizations, students build leadership, networking, relationship management and time management skills that directly translate into any workplace. I think most students leave with a more comprehensive understanding of themselves, their motivations, their life objectives and personal leadership style when they join an organization.

Student organizations help Bauer College center on its most important constituents —its students. When students become members of student organizations, they are involved in every aspect of the college’s livelihood, including academic excellence, leadership and development.”

Natalie Merritt, Finance Association staff advisor and UH Bauer academic advisor

Connecting Students to UH Staff. honor and distinction to the college through the accolades they earn in competitions and the community service they perform. They ultimately become successful alumni who are champions of the college’s mission

student leaders, creating a very positive cycle of leaders building leaders.

Natalie

Student organizations at UH Bauer College continue to thrive through the strength of their corporate partnerships. These relationships provide great benefi ts for both students and partners through inspiration, development and networking. Generous fi nancial contributions are one obvious measure of the way corporations contribute to student organizations, but countless other gifts come in the form of donations of time, talent and innovative alliances.

Many corporate partners work with the organizations to host professional development meetings which serve as one-of-a-kind networking events and educate students on the real world of business. Students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership identity while connecting with the leaders of today. Throughout their college experience, members will have the chance to learn about different companies and be exposed to different types of work environments. The partners are able to interact with students in a more casual environment that will help them fi nd potential matches for their company.

Connecting Students to the Real World of Business.Corporate partners work to extend the learning experience of student organizations by sitting in on discussion panels; helping students develop specifi c skills; providing informative feedback and serving as judges for competitions. Partners also often speak at student organization monthly meetings. In this environment, students are able to continue to gain more knowledge about the real world of business and increase their exposure to potential employers. Companies are again put in a casual atmosphere and given a great recruitment opportunity while enlightening, inspiring and encouraging students. Along with playing a hand in the education of student organizations, corporate partners work hard to ensure students are able to receive this education and award those who have exhibited their leadership qualities. Partners also help by donating to organizations so members are able to attend national conventions and participate in community outreach programs.

Leaders Building Leaders. Student organizations at UH Bauer

work hand-in-hand with successful corporate leaders.

Corporate partnerships bolster the experience of student organization members at UH Bauer, providing invaluable mentorships, financial assistance and career advice. For instance, each year, New York Life Insurance Co. holds a free-throw shoot-out where members can win scholarship money. Halliburton also sponsors an awards luncheon for student leaders to cap off the college’s Leadership & Ethics Week.

Corporate partnerships bolster the

334 Melcher HallHouston, Texas 77204-6021

Bauer Business Student ActivitiesLocation: Room 135

713.743.4709

www.bauer.uh.edu/bsa