Career Development
Supporting Your Career Development
UM-Flint SOM business programs offer more than engaging high-quality courses. In addition to class projects from the business community, our students get significant support for their career development through various workshops, internship, mentorship and networking opportunities. We believe the importance of these so strongly that Career Development is a requirement for the undergraduate business programs at SOM.
Career Development Manager
Connect with SOM’s dedicated staff assisting you with your career development, Justin Skibin Justin Skibin, MA by phone at 810-762-3366, by email at [email protected] or at RF 2219.
Career Development Requirement
School of Management undergraduate majors have a 30-point requirement to fulfill by graduation, called the “Career Development Requirement.” The CDR is geared to assist students with fulfilling each step of the career development process from exploring career options to finding employment. All of the topics and point values can be found here. There is also a “CDR Point Competition” at the end of the academic year for the top five students that accumulate the most CDR points receive an award. More information can be found by reaching out to Justin Skibin by phone at 810-762-3366, by email at [email protected] or at RF 2219.
StrengthsFinder
StrengthsFinder is an assessment tool used to help an individual gauge their top strengths and understand how to apply those in everyday life. It includes 34 essential dimensions of strengths. Students get an opportunity to meet with the Career Development Manager to interpret those strengths. More information can be found by reaching out to Justin Skibin by phone at 810-762-3366, by email at [email protected] or at RF 2219.
Workshops
SOM offers workshops on over 15 different topics to help students learn more about the entire spectrum of career development. This ranges from career exploration to resume/cover letter, all the way to networking and LinkedIn. There are about 30 workshops offered each semester on these topics. The schedule of these workshops can be found here and in Handshake. More information can be found by reaching out to Justin Skibin by phone at 810-762-3366, by email at [email protected] or at RF 2219.
Alumni Career Panels and More
Have the opportunity to ask alumni about their college experience, the transition into their careers, and more at the alumni panel hosted by SOM. Meet the alumni at the next panel.
Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
Join us for the Chamber Luncheons held on the second Wednesday of each month. The luncheon provides the opportunity to connect with 200-250 local and regional members in a professional business atmosphere. SOM covers attendance fees. You need to register for each event here. The schedule of luncheons can be found here.
Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network
Connect with young professionals in Flint & Genesee through social networking, professional development, and philanthropic opportunities. Senior and graduate SOM students aged 21-40 will be able to join the Flint & Genesee Young Professionals network. Interested students can begin by completing the Young Professionals Application. Associated fees with event attendances are covered by SOM. You need to register for each event. The schedule of the network’s meetings can be found here.
Business Advisory Clinic
Students in a BUS 499 course section get to experience real world projects assisting business in the Flint community. The course is conducted in partnership with the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Students and the local companies meet and define a useful, semester-long activity designed to address a business issue of importance to the company and suitable for students. The students will be called upon to work with business owners and managers, conduct market and background research, review business plans, discuss and develop business strategies, and present their findings at the end of term.
Monthly SOM Networking
SOM holds informal faculty/staff/students networking events on the first Tuesday of every month between 5:30 at the second floor lobby. Registration is not required. Food and drinks will be provided.
Mentorship Opportunities
SOM sponsors eight student organizations ─ one for each major ─ that are nationally recognized and have received awards. These organizations’ events include guest speakers from the business community. Check out their events.
In partnership with SOM, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers mentorship opportunities to 5-6 students every six months. The program offers professional development strategy for SOM students interested in connecting with experienced members of the Chamber to expand their skills, network and/or experiences. Apply here.
Connect with SOM Alumni
SOM Alumni that offer internship, career, and professional training opportunities, advice and mentorship to the students. Join the UM-Flint SOM Student/Alumni Network.