CEOs gain experience
as ambassadors
When the UM School of Business Administration needs a sharp team to represent it at professional and recruiting events, it often turns to its CEOs.
These CEOs don’t have to find open dates on their calendars or even travel very far. Instead of presiding over board meetings or making multimillion-dollar decisions each day, they usually can be found completing assignments or taking notes in class.
Chief Emissary Officers are undergraduate students who represent the school as ambassadors at a variety of events, ranging from receptions for visiting speakers to college fairs.
“CEOs are the face and voice of the business school student population, and they are selected from a competitive pool of applicants,” said Sue Hodge, assistant to the dean for undergraduate programs. “CEO applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter and application, all of which are scrutinized for accuracy and professionalism. The applicants are then interviewed by a committee of their peers and School of Business administrators.”
CEOs are required to have at least a 2.5 grade-point average. The application process focuses on academic performance, school and community involvement, honors, awards and general knowledge of the business school.
“I would recommend other students to become a CEO because it is a great opportunity to get involved with the School of Business,” said Jasmine Phillips, a junior majoring in banking and finance from Matteson, Ill., who has been a CEO since she was a sophomore. “You get to know the faculty, staff and administrators, and you get to help the School of Business with recruiting and hosting events around campus.
“I cannot think of a better way to meet other business majors and getting to network with alumni. All the advantages of being a CEO will help you out in the long run, and I think all business majors should consider being a part.”
The program offers a wealth of benefits for students chosen to represent the school, Hodge said.
“I recommend that business majors meeting the selection criteria apply to be a CEO, as they benefit from their exposure to business professionals and have an opportunity to interact with faculty and the school administration,” she said.
Even the selection process provides valuable experience, Hodge said.
“The more interview opportunities students take advantage of, the better prepared they will become for future internship and career interviews,” she explained.
Besides making contacts that can improve their chances of landing good jobs after graduation, participants also can help enhance the image of the university and the business school, said George Bordelon, a senior from Hattiesburg.
“I’d recommend the CEO program not only as an opportunity to give back to the business school, but also as a chance to take advantage of the networking opportunities offered through the faculty and administration here at Ole Miss,” Bordelon said.
For more information on the CEO program, contact Sue Hodge at 662-915-5820 or shodge@bus.olemiss.edu.
