Lindner Business Fellows learn value of networking, personal branding in Atlanta
Students from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business’ Business Fellows program at the University of Cincinnati traveled to Atlanta during the break between fall and spring semesters to connect with alumni, network with top companies and see all that the city has to offer.
The Business Fellows program provides students with access to community and career and leadership development to advance their personal and professional growth.
Their time in the city began with visits to two industry giants, Google and Truist.
At Google, students connected with recent Lindner alumnus Hailey Bell, BBA ’23, community partner manager at YouTube, and her colleagues. After a tour of the company's colorful offices, students engaged in a Q&A session with employees.
Students asked questions about work-life balance, internships and overcoming adversity in the workplace. Bell also offered advice on getting started with the company’s BOLD internship program, in which Bell also participated as a student at Lindner.
Students connected with Lindner alumnus Bobby Schuckmann, BBA '05, at Truist during their time in Atlanta.
Students then headed to Truist to meet Lindner alumnus Bobby Schuckmann, BBA ’05, managing director, senior wealth advisor at Truist Wealth Sports & Entertainment Group. Schuckmann toured students through his career from his days as a student working in retail to his first foray into sports wealth management at U.S. Bank.
“I tried a lot of things and learned what I didn't want to do,” Schuckmann told students of his early professional ventures.
Students also received information about Truist’s internship programs and how they can start now to get ahead in their careers.
“My favorite part of the trip was visiting Truist Bank and meeting alumnus Bobby Schuckmann. I really enjoyed learning about his time at UC and hearing about his career journey,” said second-year accounting and finance student Serenity Pastor, BBA ’27. “Additionally, the alumni dinner with various UC alumni living in Atlanta was a great experience, as it allowed me to connect with others who have shared similar paths at Lindner.”
Students spent the weekend embracing the city of Atlanta, learning about its vibrant arts scene in the Cabbagetown neighborhood and visiting the Coca-Cola Museum and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“I am taking away a newfound perspective on the historical significance of all the parts of Atlanta and how the businesses within the area impact the heart of the city. This has definitely sparked a greater interest in understanding the interconnectedness of businesses and urban development,” said Pastor of her experience taking in the city.
Students visited Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, to learn about sports management and sales.
By Monday, it was back to work as students set out to dive into sales careers with the Atlanta Braves and the world of accounting with KPMG.
First up, a tour of Truist Park, home of the Braves, to supply students with background on the team and the ballpark. After their tour, students met with Richard Thornton, the Braves’ senior director of ticket sales, alongside sales team members. Thornton hammered home the importance of networking and relationship building to forge long-term relationships, leaving students with cogent advice on building authentic connections now and as they advance in their careers:
“Don't network to just network. Network authentically. And you'll connect with the people you should connect with.”
With these words echoing in their ears, students set off for the last stop of their visit: KPMG.
KPMG greeted students with a detailed explanation of their internship and young professional programs. Also on the docket was a dive into the company’s culture, as students enjoyed a panel of representatives from KPMG’s various employee resource groups, who provided a look behind the curtain at what it was like to work and develop a career at KPMG.
Students ended the experience inspired. Taking away several key lessons from their time in Atlanta, including the need to explore every facet of business, network purposefully and hone their personal branding.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of taking chances and unapologetically exploring what you'd like to do in the future,” reflected Pastor. “It was inspiring to hear about how others navigated their careers and how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities.”
Featured image: Students received a tour of Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, as part of their travel experience. Photos/Haley Fite
Interested in Business Fellows?
The Business Fellows program provides students from a range of backgrounds with wraparound support to achieve professional and personal success. Through career connections, community and leadership development, Business Fellows empowers future business leaders to solve problems that matter and advances a culture of inclusion and belonging within Lindner and at the University of Cincinnati.
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