Each semester now, the Business Administration and Accounting Advisory Council sponsors a Senior Reception for those students enrolled in the Senior Capstone Seminar in Strategic Management.  The reception provides an opportunity for senior students to network with local business persons and apply interpersonal and social skills needed for this type of business setting.  Volunteers from such businesses as First Quality, Stern Properties, State Farm Insurance, Diversified Asset Planners, Jersey Shore State Bank, Davis and Houser Financial Services, Small Business Development Center, Emert & Associates, and the Clinton County Economic Partnership spoke with these students, discussed potential challenges and opportunities in the business world, and offered practical advice.

The Advisory Council believes strongly that this course component provides a valuable learning opportunity that many students are not afforded during their academic careers and will improve their confidence, skill, and ability to interact comfortably in a professional networking environment.  From the student perspective, these seniors expressed their appreciation and many thanks to the business volunteers and academic administrators who attended.  Typical student comments are expressed in this quote from a participant, “Overall I thought this reception was a great experience and a confidence booster.  The business industry is all about relationships and connections with employers and customers, and being able to communicate with them.  I was able to grasp a lot of knowledge from people who have worked in this industry for many years.”