A CLEAR PATH VIEWBOOK
TO SUCCESS
WHY K-STATE? Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration is recognized as a top business school. The college was ranked as the 39th best public undergraduate business school in the country by Bloomberg Businessweek magazine in 2016. As part of that ranking, corporate recruiters ranked K-State among the Top 30 best business schools to hire from based on the quality of our graduates.
The college is one of the less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide to hold accreditation from the AACSB. It is one of the less than 10 percent of those to hold separate AACSB accreditation for its accounting programs.
EXPLORE Develop your talents to make a difference in the world. You’ll help people, change the future and inspire others. The CBA offers challenging and rewarding majors that lead to exciting careers, no matter your interest. K-Staters transition confidently from the classroom to the workplace thanks to the real-world internships they obtain long before graduation. Our graduates are prepared to make big boardroom decisions that are socially responsible, because our program has deep roots in business ethics. What do you want to achieve? K-State can get you there or help you find the answer. Whether you want to find success at a large firm or change the business world with a new venture, you can reach your goals here.
OUR VALUES • Business ethics, corporate citizenship and social responsibility • International teaching, research and service • Diverse faculty, staff and students • Practical learning experiences
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Majors: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, management information systems and marketing
K-State is the No. 1 choice of high school seniors in the state of Kansas
K-State has been named a Top 50 public undergraduate business college by Bloomberg Businessweek
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Top emerging entrepreneurship center award from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
Named a top sales university for six straight years by the Sales Education Foundation
Percent of business alumni find a job or continue their education within three months of graduation
500+
160K+
$1 Million
Companies that recruit students at K-State each year
Alumni around the world
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Value of student-run investment portfolios
ACCOUNTING Amy Scott-Sanjur Junction City, Kansas
ACADEMICS Accountants communicate financial information to management and investors. Our program focuses on developing communication skills and teamwork, and you’ll learn about social, legal and economic issues.
You’ll learn from passionate, caring, accessible professors who set the bar in their fields, and you’ll sit next to students who are smart, talented and driven — just like you. With a K-State business degree, you’ll have the skills to become a leader, start the career of your dreams or launch your own business.
Accounting careers: Accountant Tax preparer Controller Auditor
Learning is doing at K-State. Make your sales pitch to executives in New York or Los Angeles via streaming video in our sales lab. Get a taste of the New York Stock Exchange in our trading laboratory. You can monitor the market on tickers, keep up with the latest business news and gain practical experience in options and futures pricing, stock trading and applied risk management.
Accounting sample courses: ACCTG 342 - Taxation ACCTG 432 - Managerial Reporting ACCTG 434 - Accounting for Non-Profit Entities
You’ll be able to enroll in business classes right from the start. Some will give you an overview of the industry and the skills that every business major needs, while others will allow you to focus your studies on your specific interests.
Accounting average starting salary: $50,909 Amy always knew she wanted to attend K-State after growing up just down the road in Junction City. She stays heavily involved on campus as a member of the Student Alumni Board, Multicultural Business Student Association and College of Business Administration Ambassadors. She even founded the K-State chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants.
You will be paired with a professional academic advisor to assist you with course selection and program planning throughout your academic career. They will provide you with high quality, caring and comprehensive academic advice that will help you enhance your college experience. You will receive academic support, education and career guidance while you build your professional network.
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Amy is taking advantage of the college’s unique concurrent bachelor and master’s degree program for high-performing undergraduates, which makes it easy for her to complete both her undergraduate degree and Master of Accountancy in just five years. Throughout her time at K- State, Amy has completed internships at both KPMG in Kansas City, and Union Pacific in Omaha. She plans to begin her career in private industry following graduation.
FINANCE
MANAGEMENT
James Scott
Lauren Sullivan
Omaha, Nebraska
Garden City, Kansas
Learn the tools and concepts essential to the financial decision-making process. Our carefully-designed curriculum offers three areas of specialization — financial management, financial controllership or financial services — that will prepare you for the finance career that you desire.
Shape tomorrow’s leaders. As businesses and societies become more complex, individuals trained in management can help them accomplish their goals. You can specialize in three management tracks: human resource management, operations and supply chain management, and general management.
Fund manager Financial planner Chief Financial Officer
Management careers:
Finance careers:
Finance sample courses: FINAN 250 – Personal Investing and Risk Management FINAN 510 – Financial Institutions and Markets FINAN 652 – Security and Portfolio Analysis Finance average starting salary: $52,103 James knew from the first moments he stepped on campus, when he was blown away by the friendly atmosphere and welcoming people, that K-State was the place for him. He pays that feeling forward as a College of Business Administration student ambassador, where he helps to give student tours and plan college events. As a huge sports fan, he makes a point to go to as many K-State athletics events as possible, and enjoys the atmosphere and collective school spirit on display. For this summer, James accepted an internship with Crossroads Financial Management in Kansas City. Following graduation, he would like to work in financial management and advising, helping people find the right investments to help meet their financial goals.
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Labor Relations Officer Invetory Manager Supply Chain Analyst
Management sample courses: MANGT 421 – Introduction to Operations Managment MANGT 520 – Organizational Behavior MANGT 531 – Human Resources Management Management average starting salary: $45, 654 Lauren has always been a natural leader, so management was the perfect choice when it came time to pick a major. She has taken advantage of the numerous study abroad opportunities available in the college, having already gone on a faculty-led Thanksgiving break trip to Spain and Italy. After returning, she was asked to assist with the next spring break trip to Munich and London, and has plans to spend a semester studying in Florence on her own. Over the summer, Lauren enjoyed putting what she was learning in the classroom into practice during her internship with Sam’s Club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree before starting her career on one of the coasts.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP Chris Zachary
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS Milca Aguirre
Manhattan, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
You’ll learn how to turn innovative ideas into reality. This major provides a better understanding of the entrepreneurial process — from idea generation to investing. You will gain the ability to research and analyze potential markets and understand risk and how its effects on new ventures can be minimized.
Entrepreneurship careers: Entrepreneur Business analyst Economic Developer
Entrepreneurship sample courses: ENTRP 340 – Intro to Entrepreneurship ENTRP 520 – Social Entrepreneurship ENTRP 540 – Entreprenurial Consulting Entrepreneurship average starting salary: $44,611 Zachary decided to study entrepreneurship because he wanted to own his own video and creative media studio. He loves the entrepreneurial spirit and encouragement to build toward real-world success that he has found in the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. He is currently taking part in the college’s venture accelerator program, and last year was named a finalist in K-State Launch, an entrepreneurial idea competition that awards $20,000 to students each fall.
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Learn the ins and outs of the hardware and software that moves information in businesses and organizations. You’ll take business and technical courses to build technological and managerial skills.
MIS careers: Systems developer Program analyst Network engineer
MIS sample courses: MANGT 570 – Systems Design MANGT 576 – Management of Local Area Networks MANGT 666 – Applications of Data Models in Business MIS average starting salary: $57,215 Milca was drawn to K-State by the sense of community she felt when she first visited campus. She took advantage of the college’s Multicultural Academic Program Success bridge program the summer before her freshman year that allowed her to take a few classes, participate in several business tours around the region, and get acclimated to college life. Over the summer, Milca has secured an IT internship with Ford in Detroit. She plans to use that experience to decide between pursing a corporate IT job or an IT consulting position following graduation.
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MARKETING Rachel Kipper Olathe, Kansas
Determine consumer needs and turn them into products and services that sell in a competitive global marketplace. You will need analytical skills, intuition, logic and creativity to find success in this broad and dynamic field.
Marketing careers: Advertising executive Brand manager Public relations manager
Marketing sample courses: MKTG 450 – Consumer Behavior MKTG 544 – International Marketing MKTG 630 – Sports Marketing Marketing average starting salary: $46,429 Rachel is highly involved in college and university life as a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, College of Business Administration Ambassadors, Study Abroad Ambassadors and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. In addition to her degree in marketing, she is pursuing a certificate in professional strategic selling through the college’s National Strategic Selling Institute. She joined the college’s Sales Cat team, which travels around the country participating in a variety of collegiate sales competitions, and she serves as a teaching assistant in sales. Through the sales competitions, she has had the opportunity to network with a variety of software and technology companies, where she hopes to begin her career.
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CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Certificate programs are a set number of courses that allow you to specialize in a subject that suits your major and career aspirations. The College of Business Administration offers four undergraduate certificate programs which are open to all students and majors.
CERTIFICATE IN DATA ANALYTICS: Set yourself up for a career in one of the fastest growing job markets in the world. Data analytics is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that involves collecting, processing and analyzing large data sets. You will learn how to use data to solve problems, look for trends and make key decisions.
CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: Are you a student who seeks adventure, growth and international exposure that will enhance your personal and professional development? Then this certificate is right for you. You will have the opportunity to study and/or do an internship abroad to immerse yourself in another culture.
CERTIFICATE IN INTEGRATED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT: This certificate is for students who are interested in careers in the investment management industry, or owning and managing their own investment firm. The required courses will provide you with the fundamentals of investment management and a broader business perspective on the industry. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in the management of the college’s Student Investment Portfolio that’s worth $1 million.
CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL STRATEGIC SELLING: Prepare for your career in sales with an education from one of the top sales programs in the country according to the Sales Education Foundation. You will be exposed to the fundamentals of sales and develop the skills you need through our innovative curriculum and sales labs.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT Career development is a high priority in the College of Business Administration. In today’s competitive business world, an excellent GPA is no longer the only key to getting a great job in your area of interest. Companies are looking for individuals with professionalism, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Our mission is to provide world-class training, resources and experiences to guide you down a clear path to success. Through participation in Career Development activities and services, you will create your own competitive advantage. You will gain access to information, insights and skills related to career opportunities, the job search and personal branding. You will receive training and mentoring from industry professionals who seek to recruit students who are prepared for a business career and understand how to live and work in a global environment. You will be career-ready.
EXECUTIVE MENTORS
CAREER COACHES
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with professionals out in the workforce. The Executive Mentor program and the College of Business Administration’s Connect website bring students and successful alumni of K-State together for networking and formal mentoring. Whether you have a few questions related to a specific career path or geographic location, or you wish to select a mentor with whom you can meet on a regular basis our alumni are ready and willing to provide advice and support as needed.
Throughout your academic career, you will have access to members of the Career Coach team, who will leverage their extensive industry experience, along with tools, such as CareerLeader™ and Vault™, to assist you in selecting the right career path based on your skills, interests and desires. During one-on-one coaching sessions, your career coach will guide you in building professional connections, seeking internships and jobs, and preparing to begin a great career.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE CERTIFICATION Your career development journey begins with Professional Advantage Certification. This program is comprised of two steps and 15 requirements. It is typically completed within your first two-years in the College of Business Administration. The activities in Step 1 will take you through the process of developing your personal brand, building a professional network and resume, setting goals, and becoming more aware of career paths that meet your interests, skills and motivations. Step 2 advances these skills and topics further to prepare you for the job search process and workplace success.
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ADVANCED WORKSHOPS Your career development journey is not over once you have secured an internship or job. Getting the job is only the start. Attend Advanced Workshops hosted by the Career Development office to learn how to approach your first day, month or year on the job; advance your career; manage your finances as a young professional; and hone technical skills. The Career Development team will support you and your career aspirations from your start in the College of Business Administration to graduation and beyond.
GET INVOLVED
COMPETITIONS
K-State will become your home for the next few years, which means you’ll have plenty of time to find your place in the K-State family. Get involved, join clubs that fit your interests, launch a venture, enter a competition, have fun and make friends. You might even meet your future business partners.
LECTURE SERIES
Think of a new business idea and compete to win thousands of dollars in prize money in the K-State Launch competition. Join the National Strategic Selling Institute’s Sales Cat team and compete against students from around the country in sales competitions. Form a team to compete in the Phillips 66 Business Ethics Case competition. Join the Enactus team to develop community outreach projects that benefit those in need, and present the results at regional and national competitions.
COMPETITIONS CLUBS Choose from close to 20 student clubs and organizations in the college, including: • Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity • Beta Alpha Psi international accounting society • Enactus • Global Supply Chain Club • Management Information Systems Club • Multicultural Business Student Association • Pi Sigma Epsilon Marketing Club • Society for Human Resource Management • Student Accounting Society • Student Finance Association
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LECTURE SERIES
STUDY ABROAD
You will be able to attend lectures and meet and interact with influential and highly successful individuals through our lecture series. Recent speakers include: • Zane Burke – chief executive officer, Cerner
Our students learn more than the American way of doing business. The marketplace is global and you will develop skills to interact with people in other cultures and build your confidence as you navigate different environments. You’ll earn academic credit, gain a new perspective and network with friends from around the world.
• Jeffrey Ettinger - chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Hormel Foods
Scholarships are available for study abroad opportunities, and you can choose from more than 85 countries, including:
• Kathy Collins – chief marketing officer, H&R Block • Michael F. Goss – managing director and head of global investors relations (retired), Bain Capital
CENTERS AND INITIATIVES Our centers and initiatives have been recognized as some of the best in the nation. They offer opportunities for specialization, with faculty who are experts in their fields, and include:
Czech Republic
Australia
India
Netherlands
China
England
Mexico
Germany
Sweden
Italy
France
Spain
• Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship • Ethics and Responsible Citizenship Initiative • Integrated Investment Management Initiative • National Strategic Selling Institute
INTERNSHIPS At K-State learning is more than reading your textbook, attending class and taking tests. You can dive into handson learning and gain real-world experience through internships. Hundreds of companies recruit interns on campus every year, and graduates go on to work for some of the most well-known companies in the world.
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