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Career Development

Supporting Your Career Development

A circular, yellow graphic contains bold black text that reads "Best Online Bachelor’s of Business Degree. Ranked #1 in Michigan. Source: U.S. News & World Report." This graphic includes a blue-and-white ribbon above the text.

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

You can reach Dionne Minner, Career Development Manager, by email at [email protected].

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 on the Career Development Requirement document. There is also a “CDR Point Competition” at the end of the academic year for the top five students who accumulate the most CDR points to receive an award. More information can be found by reaching out to Dionne Minner by email at [email protected].

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 Dionne Minners by email at [email protected].

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 Dionne Minners by email at [email protected].

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.

Three discussion panelists sit behind a long table covered with a tablecloth. The tablecloth features the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management logo. The table contains nameplates and bottled water in front of each panelist, one of whom is male and two of whom are female. A female moderator stands next to them holding a notepad and pen as she speaks to the audience. In the background, there is a large whiteboard, and a standing computer desk is visible on the far left.

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.

Michael Witt, a lecturer in management studies, speaks with students in a classroom. The classroom features long, curved desks configured in a semi-circular arrangement. Behind the speaker, computer and projector equipment capture the scene for students attending class virtually. The walls are painted in two colors; blue on the left and yellow on the right. A whiteboard is visible on the wall's right-hand, yellow portion, behind the speaker.
A guest speaker stands near a projected presentation. He is speaking in a room filled with students. The students are sitting at tables facing the speaker, and these tables have water bottles and other personal belongings on top. The blue wall behind the speaker includes the classroom's doorway, which is framed by interior windows. A quiet hallway lies beyond, the wall of which is yellow above its chair rail.
A guest speaker at an Entrepreneurs Society event

Monthly SOM Networking

SOM holds informal faculty/staff/students networking events on the first Tuesday of every month between 5:30 p.m. at the second-floor lobby. Registration is not required. Food and drinks will be provided.

A professor smiles as he socializes with an alumnus during a university event. Two others chat beside a platter of food and two stacks of white plates. The platter is sitting on a table covered with a white tablecloth. Other decor includes green garlands hanging overhead, canvas artwork, and walls painted orange and red. Booth-style seating is visible to the right.
An alumni network gathering

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, the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers mentorship opportunities for five to six 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 offer internship, career, and professional training opportunities, advice, and mentorship to the students. Join the UM-Flint SOM Student/Alumni Network.