Q2
Last Saturday 30 junior business students attended the first ever Q2, a one-day program where students participate in real-world exercises for the purpose of developing their professional skills in preparation for summer internships and future careers.
"Internships are employers' number one source for hiring undergraduates. Q2 is designed to give the students a glimpse inside employers' expectations as well as tools to differentiate themselves during their internships," described Shelley Burns, director of the Center for Professional Skills and Development.
Bob Piazza, adjunct instructor and Executive in Residence at the Robins School of Business, partnered with Cristie Lucas, director of recruiting at Veris Consulting, to lead the “Evaluating an Organization’s Culture for Personal Fit” breakout session, where students learned key methods for measuring and assessing an organization’s fit and culture. “Q2 was a very positive experience, and for many of the students I believe it was an eye-opener. The day was full of rich lessons for everyone, and the students left more prepared and sensitized to the right issues,” shared Piazza.
Audrey Coulbourn, director of talent and organization effectiveness at the University of Richmond, led a session highlighting the role diversity plays in effective teamwork. “Q2 helps those pursuing and preparing for internships to distinguish themselves and to appreciate the differing backgrounds of others. When they arrive at their internships, they will invariably be part of a team. In order to build that high-performing team, you need a broad range of thinking and communication styles. The skills the students learned at Q2 will translate very well to their internships.”
Jenn Cornell, a local marketing and nonprofit executive, led “The Art of Brag” session detailing methods of effective self-promotion. “I spoke to the students about the positive connotations of “brag” and self-promotion and how they can leverage this skill during interviews and internships.” Helping the students to develop their “bragalogues” through various exercises, Cornell was able to show how simple yet essential it is to acknowledge and share one’s own accomplishments in the workplace.
Drika Bianchin, studying business administration with a marketing concentration, added, “In Jenn Cornell’s session I was not only able to prepare for future interviews but also to understand and analyze my skills, accomplishments and positive characteristics and really consider and begin planning my future.”
Mel Shuaipi, studying business administration with an international business concentration, explained “In addition to gaining a better understanding of how to get the most out of an internship, I have a much better sense of how to navigate the recruiting process next year.”
Kevin Alloway, pursuing a B.S.B.A. with concentrations in finance and accounting, enjoyed the panel discussion led by David Ong, ’87, of Maximus Consulting. “We learned about generational differences within the workplace, and it was great to hear from representatives of each generation describe what constitutes appropriate workplace behavior.”
For Rebecca Gluck, a double major in business administration and international studies, Q2 played an important role in her summer plans. “I received an internship offer the day before Q2, and I was hesitant to accept the position because I questioned whether it was right for me. After Q2 I felt self-assured and decided to accept because the conference helped me rationalize my goals and realize exactly what I can do to make the most of my experience. As a result I’ll be able to start my internship confidently.”
Piazza urged students to apply what they learned last weekend as they prepare to embark on their futures. “Internships are unique opportunities to learn how businesses operate, so stretch yourselves. Fully immerse yourself in these experiences for all they are worth.”