Business Livin’, Business Lovin’

As a student at Fordham, there are some unique residential life communities in which students have the option of living. Fordham offers the opportunity for students to live in an integrated learning community (ILC) during both their freshman and sophomore years. As a freshman, students can choose to be a part of the Wellness Community in Queen’s Court, the Manresa Scholars Program in Jogues Hall, or the Science ILC in Alumni South. As a sophomore, students can choose to be part of the Global Business ILC, Science ILC, West Wing Community, or Wellness Community, all found within O’Hare Hall.

This year, I chose to spend my sophomore year living in the Global Business ILC. With my intended major being accounting, I saw this as an excellent opportunity to become involved in the business community and begin building a professional network. The community consists of approximately 35 members who all share a strong interest in business. Our floor meets twice a week for different meetings and events. Every other Wednesday during the fall semester, we had the opportunity to hear from successful alumni through the Lecture Series Event. Speakers from a wide variety of professions including partners from the Big 4 Accounting Firms, investment bankers, and asset managers shared their stories and were available for networking after the event. Not only was this an excellent opportunity to begin building a professional network, many of the speakers shared advice on resume and interview tips.

Members of the Global Business ILC also compete in a business plan competition throughout both semesters of the academic year. The community is split into two groups of approximately 17 students each. Two captains are chosen for each team and fortunately for me, I was selected to serve as a captain of my respective team. Each group is to develop an idea for a small business that can be conducted right here on the Rose Hill Campus. During the first semester, teams meet with an esteemed Gabelli School of Business faculty mentor to present their idea and receive feedback. After the idea has been approved, students create both a formal written business plan and business plan presentation. Before departing for winter recess, the business plan is presented to the faculty mentor, sophomore class dean and resident assistant of the learning community.

During the second semester, teams actually implement their respective business plans. Each team is given a budget of $500 and works to earn a higher profit then the other team. The team with the greatest profits at the end of the year is named the winner of the Business Plan competition. Both teams this year have chosen to create businesses to raise money for charity. As a reward for participating in the learning community, students are given a pass/fail grade worth one credit per semester, respectively.

Living in the Global Business ILC has been an excellent experience thus far and I am very excited to begin conducting our business at the beginning of next semester. I would strongly encourage interested students to apply for an ILC as they are each unique but all have so much to offer. For me, being a part of an ILC has helped me to connect with some of my closest friends here at Fordham. Not matter what your interest, find ways to get involved on campus and make the most of your college experience.

Check out the Rose Hill Residential Life website for more information about Integrated Learning Communities at http://www.fordham.edu/student_affairs/residential_life/rose_hill/integrated_learning_/index.asp