By Heather Cass, Publications Manager
Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend
After a three-year hiatus, Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business reintroduced its annual spring trip for students in March. More than forty Behrend business students, including Finance majors studying through World Campus, traveled to Pittsburgh for two days of company visits and networking opportunities.
The group toured Schneider Downs, an accounting, tax, and business advisory firm, and the investment banking firm of BNY Mellon together, and major-specific breakout sessions were also offered. For example, Marketing majors toured the marketing agency, Brunner; Finance and Business Economics majors visited Waldron Private Wealth, and Accounting and Management Information Systems majors went to the accounting, tax, and advisory firm of BDO. Company visits included tours, presentations on the business and industry, and time for questions.
One notable session was held at the Pittsburgh Penguins office where Marketing and Project and Supply Chain majors got a firsthand look at how a top sports franchise operates, from ticket and retail sales to social media and game-day operations.
The students also had the opportunity to interact and network with Black School of Business alumni at a gathering at the Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh.
Students who participated in the spring trip described it as a valuable and enlightening experience.
- “It’s a great chance to meet alumni and both establish and strengthen relationships so that when it comes time to search for a job, you have a robust network to contact,” Tristan Leopold, a junior Finance major, said.
- “The trip provides an opportunity to see businesses through an insider’s eyes and gives you the chance to form connections and hone networking skills. It is well worth the cost and time to attend,” Anita Laughner, a junior World Campus Finance major, said.
- “I liked hearing advice from employees about entering the business workforce. I also enjoyed networking with Behrend alumni. It was a fun experience,” Ella Cuccaro, a junior Project and Supply Chain Management major, said.
- “I would definitely recommend this trip to any student who wants to broaden their contact list, meet young professionals, and learn what will be expected of them in their first years on the job. It provided a lot of insight into what it will be like day-to-day,” Keara Mollenauer, a senior dual majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems, said.
- “It was a great networking experience that provides students with the opportunity to get their foot in the door for prospective job opportunities. It was very well organized and thought out. If you’re a business student, this trip is a must,” Zane Lewis, a first-year student dual majoring in Accounting and Finance, said.
Plans are already underway for the spring 2024 trip with the destination city to be announced in the fall.
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