Seminar offers practical experiences
by John Woelke reporter

    By focusing on work force needs, TCC students are preparing for the business world.

   Instructors for the Business Leadership Seminar identify leading businesses in the community that will provide jobs in the future and prepare students for these jobs.

   Sally Proffitt, department chairperson of business and office administration, teaches the course and coordinates the program on the NE Campus.

   Students ask Proffitt about the jobs they would be eligible for with a two-year degree in business, and she answers by asking what they are interested in and where they would like to work.
 

  The seminar serves as the required capstone course for the A.A.S, degree in business.

   However, the class does not transfer as credit to a four-year school.

   Students enrolled in the course are required to participate in four leadership environments: business, civic/community, educational and social. Required events include a chamber event, a city council meeting, a group display, a service project, an on-campus social activity and development of a resume.

   The course provides students with instruction on everything from personal attire to PowerPoint presentations.

   Students take the information they have been presented in previous classes and learn to incorporate their knowledge into skills.

   Students recognize the benefits such a class offers.

   “Business Leadership Seminar was created for the final stepping-stone of polishing students to reach outside the classroom and into our surrounding communities’ business environment. This has been a wonderful and powerful experience,” Brenda Dyson, an ex-student, said.

   Proffitt recruits a diverse panel of speakers to address the class each semester.

   Fall 2001 program highlights included a seminar visit with Charles Scoma, mayor of North Richland Hills; Anita Thetford, director of finance in Hurst; and Mary Frazior, president and CEO    of HEB Chamber of Commerce.

   “The Business Leadership Seminar provides a good foundation students will need when they enter the business world,” Thetford said.

   Offered on all campuses, the Business Leadership Seminar addresses special topics in business, incorporating current events in the business environment.

   The course encourages students to become actively engaged in addressing community and personal issues.

   Proffitt stresses the importance of networking skills.

“How do you network with people, how do you meet people? Make contact with them, find out how you can benefit them and how they can benefit you,” she said.

   Proffitt said students gain other benefits as well.
 

  “I am amazed with the benefit students give to one another. It’s really neat to get accounting majors and business majors blend who have not had the opportunity to do so prior,” she said.

   Student Amanda Hartman has been pleased with her course.
  

   “My current experience with the Business Leadership Seminar has been awesome. The Leadership Seminar has opened many opportunities and helped me to keep an open mind for new ideas,” she said.