Dr. Helena Hannonen [pictured at left], chairperson of BYU-Hawaii's International Business Management (IBM) department in the School of Business, welcomed program majors to the new semester during a January 10 orientation meeting in the McKay Auditorium. She also introduced faculty and related programs, reviewed changes and encouraged the students to sharpen critical skills in Excel™ software and English language proficiency.
Referring to a survey she and BYUH Career Services Director Kim Austin recently conducted on what critical competencies global companies want in students, Hannonen said IBM majors must demonstrate strong integrity, do things before waiting to be asked, and engage in teambuilding and teamwork. "We're trying to make sure you have those competencies," she added.
"We also found out 86% said that GPA [a high grade point average] is important, so make sure you get good grades. That makes the difference."
Austin stressed that "experience can be the key to your success" in future jobs, and added that student employment while on campus and an internship are ideal ways to gain such experience. She said that the survey also showed over 80% of the companies "use their internships as a pre-selection tool for hiring college graduates."
"What does this tell us? Internships are essential to you getting a good job in today's market," Austin said, listing three important characteristics: Determine work goals, polish job skills and identify helpful resources.
"We have resources to help you," Austin continued. "The main thing to remember is that preparation leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to success — and it's all in your hands."
Hannonen pointed out that, in addition to the Career Services Center, several other resources at BYU-Hawaii can greatly benefit the IBM majors, including:
• SIFE — Students in Free Enterprise, the local chapter of a global nonprofit organization that challenges university teams to develop community outreach projects. "SIFE is a great tool to use," said current president Alan Doan, a senior from Cowgill Missouri. "It's a great opportunity to actually use your college experience and make a difference."
• The BYU Management Society, which has a student chapter on campus.
• The Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship (CIE): Director Gregory V. Gibson, J.D., explained the annual business plan conference and competition is a great opportunity to meet visiting entrepreneurs. "We're having a women's track this year," he added, "and there's still time to be in the competition. The business plans are not due until the 21st of February."
• Internships: Chuck Stratton listed a number of top companies that offer internships and asked, "How would you like to have their names on your résumé? We'll be here to help you." He added that some internships are classified as "platinum — those that you need to apply for two-to-three semesters before with major, major companies" and might include all expenses and a stipend. "Now is the perfect time to set your goals and decide what you want to do," he added.
"We have a team of extremely well qualified professionals who are here to help you develop the competence and expertise necessary to launch a successful career," School of Business Dean Clayton Hubner [pictured at right] told the IBM majors at the end of the meeting.
"One of the things that sets BYU-Hawaii apart from a lot of schools is the depth of the faculty experience and real-world activities. Not only are our faculty accomplished in the area of theory, but also in the area of practice," he said. "This is something that will be of great benefit to you, not only in the classroom, but also in developing personal relationships."
Dean Hubner told the story of his sculptor friend, Olaf Hartvigsen, who eventually turned his artistic skills toward creating lifelike action figures: "Along the way he became a businessman," he said. "In a very real sense, Olaf's career is in his hands. For you, it's in the same thing: Your career, your livelihood, your satisfaction and happiness are in your hands. What you're doing today is really laying the stage for that. I would like to encourage each of you to exercise your agency and make sure you make the most of that opportunity."
"There is no school that exists that guarantees you a job somewhere," he added. "You need to decide what it is you want to do and then determine what skills, abilities, competencies, etc., you need to pick up in order to succeed in that area. Sometimes it comes from less traditional sources [such as SIFE] which give excellent opportunities outside the classroom."
Dean Hubner also listed School of Business minor programs in accounting, economics, hospitality and tourism, and public management. "Starting a new era, we're also going to be experimenting with some online modules," he added.
"Use this time to prepare," he said. "Your future is in your hands."
"The faculty here at the School of Business at BYU-Hawaii are extremely approachable. I want to encourage you to pick out faculty members with whom you cultivate a personal relationship. I want to encourage each of you to develop a plan so that you can prepare yourself to be a successful professional."