Incoming Students Fast-Track Business Skills

Incoming Students Fast-Track Business Skills

Celebrating 20 years of CMU’s Business Residential College

As one of nine Living Learning Communities at CMU, the Business Residential College (BRC) offers an opportunity for incoming students to accelerate their transition to college by living with peers who share an interest in studying business.

By living on the same residential hall floor, taking classes together, studying together, and participating in additional professional development and service activities, BRC students develop lasting friendships and business skills early on in their college journey.

The BRC also cultivates a culture of service and relationship-building, quickly creating a strong foundation for students’ future career success. Through resume critiques, LinkedIn workshops, mock career fairs, and professional preparation, students gain the confidence and expertise to excel in interviews and seize opportunities. Elevator pitches become second nature, community involvement is encouraged, and connections with business professionals and alumni are fostered.

“We provide opportunities for students to swiftly develop their professionalism while connecting to peers, alumni, faculty and more,” said Lori Driessnack, associate director of student engagement and professional development and BRC director.

Haley Homminga, a sophomore studying human resource management, highlights the program’s invaluable support and its sense of family.

“What I loved most about the BRC is that everyone treated each other like family,” she said. “If someone needed help with an assignment or needed to borrow something, there would always be someone willing to help.”

Results of a recent assessment report show students’ overwhelming satisfaction with the BRC. Highlights include:

• 100% of respondents felt a sense of belonging at CMU and developed a deeper understanding of academic programs within the College of Business Administration.

• 95% of respondents noted the program’s role in building meaningful connections with faculty, staff, alumni and working professionals.

The development of a “sense of belonging” and culture of service is evident in the willingness of returning students and alumni to support future BRC cohorts. After their freshman year, several students are selected annually by the program director to serve in formal leadership roles and as volunteers to support the next group of incoming BRC students. Additionally, BRC alumni actively participate as mentors and speakers for the program.