Last Wednesday, the Bryant University International Business department hosted a panel of recent alumni who had graduated with a degree in international business. The panelists spoke with Bryant students, mostly freshmen, in an open forum held in Janikies auditorium. Some of the most important topics discussed included internships, IB block, and how to find the perfect post-graduation job. Working with companies such as Ernst and Young, Alex and Ani, and Hanna Instruments, these graduates explained the secrets to their success:
· Get internships as early and as often as possible. Use internships to test out different fields so you know what you WON’T want to do later on.
· For IB students, the IB block follows study-abroad junior year. IB block is an intensive set of courses geared toward preparing for global interaction. Former Her Campus member and founder of the Bryant chapter, Hillary Coombs, added that while it was hard to watch her friends go out on weekends where she had work, it pays off in the end.
· Many of the panelists are currently working in careers directly related to what they studied at Bryant. Andrew Fitzgerald, who works for First Point Power LLC, mentioned company culture. It’s important to know how people at a company behave. Andres Orobitg of Ernst and Young agreed, stating that if you were to drive by his office after 6, most cars would still be in the parking lot, displaying his company’s emphasis on working overtime.
The panelists provided practical insight into post-college life, especially for international business students.