Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Business

School of Business | School of Business

Concentration(s):
Human Resources Management, Management/Business Administration, Management/Entrepreneurship, Management/International Management, Supply Chain Management and Analytics
Program description

The activity of management is concerned with setting an organization’s strategic goals and formulating processes to achieve them. Managers carry out their administrative roles by handling such duties as preparing and administering budgets, planning and directing operations, and coordinating employees’ activities.


The concentration in human resource management gives students a broad overview of the knowledge base and applications used by professionals in the field. Students receive exposure to a wide range of topics reflecting the body of knowledge recommended by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards for coursework in HR.. After graduation, students are prepared for employment in the public or private sector as human resource management generalists or as specialists in human resource management functions such as recruiting, compensation management or benefits administration.


The management/business administration concentration provides students with a broad-based study of management and other business disciplines. The course options in the curriculum give students flexibility in developing a program of study that can lead to a variety of entry-level positions in private and public organizations.


The management/international management concentration allows students to pursue an interest in the global nature of today's business world. A variety of opportunities for international study within and outside the university are available. Students in the management/international management concentration are encouraged to enrich their learning experience by pursuing a minor in international studies or foreign language, studying abroad or taking approved courses outside the School of Business.

The management/entrepreneurship concentration empowers students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and complementary skill set needed to provide creative solutions for new ventures and existing organizations. Students gain knowledge of entrepreneurial and design concepts useful for questioning assumptions, exploring alternatives and developing creative solutions.

The concentration in supply chain management and analytics gives students the skills to manage the creation and movement of products in the global environment and to understand the fundamentals of business analytics. The curriculum is comprehensive in that supply chain management and analytics involve a range of issues from inventory management to risk management, as well as the indispensable role of information and technology in coordinating modern supply chains and analyzing data for the benefit of the organization. Graduates will employ knowledge of supply chain management and effectively utilize analytics tools to provide insight and solutions to complex business issues. Explore REAL opportunities in your senior year in SCMA 492 and SCMA 493.
Career opportunities

Human resource management is a major functional area of all businesses and includes employee recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and human resource planning. Individuals working in human resources undertake a full range of activities related to attracting and selecting employees to work in an organization, motivating and facilitating high performance, and retaining employee talent. Decisions made in organizations about how to structure jobs, who to hire, how to reward them contribute directly to organizational effectiveness and a firm’s competitive advantage. These processes can be applied in small, medium, and large firms as well as non-profits. Early career opportunities typically include compensation analyst, employee benefits specialist, human resource assistant, human resource manager, employment recruiter, employment interviewer, and training and development specialist. Later stages may see transitions into senior management positions including chief human resource officer.


The management/business administration concentration crosses all areas of business and as such prepares you to have many choices for a career path upon graduating.  Important skills such as communication, leadership, decision making, data analysis, and strategic thinking are developed in this concentration and are critical for all types of business careers.  Typical managers address a wide variety of problems: financial, operational, human, legal, and political, on a routine basis.  Private, public and government agencies all require employees with strong management skills. Typical titles upon graduating include account manager, business analyst, management trainee, sales representative, and recruiter. Because the business administration degree provides a broad business background, it’s important for students to pursue internship and externship experience to gain depth and specialization in their future fields of work.


The management/international management concentration provides a firm grounding on all aspects of business coupled with concentrated study on international topics including international management, international marketing, and international financial management.  This concentrating extends your knowledge of business to the global arena.  Students often combine this degree with study abroad opportunities or participation in the International Consulting Program.  You will be prepared to take entry level positions such as account managers, business analyst or management trainees in international divisions of U.S. companies, and for careers in government agencies involved with international trade, and in nonprofit organizations.


Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the mechanics of how to start and grow a business (although you’ll certainly pick up some of those skills in the program). Rather, it is a mindset that enables you to seek opportunities, take risks, recover from failure, leverage your resources, and overcome obstacles to push an idea to implementation or to solve a difficult problem. Students in the entrepreneurship concentration develop an understanding of the whole entrepreneurial process, from the initial idea generation to the launch of a new business or social venture. They develop strong research skills, learning how to analyze markets for potential opportunities, and also develop the ability to identify and acquire resources needed to start new ventures. So, while entrepreneurship may mean starting a new business for some of our graduates, entrepreneurial careers can be found in just about every field where there are opportunities for creating new products, services, and other innovations. Most of our graduates will in fact go to work for traditional companies, applying the entrepreneurial mindset and complementary skill set needed to provide creative solutions to organizational problems.  Job titles of recent graduates include project manager, workflow coordinator, customer logistics manager, business analyst, sales representative, and VP of Strategy & Business Development.


Traditional supply chain programs educate students on how to interact with suppliers and customers to meet their needs and may work in careers in procurement, operations and logistics.  The SCMA department prepares students for these traditional roles but integrates these areas with analytics so as to produce students who use data to make more informed decisions aimed at improving systems, lowering costs, and enhancing firm performance.

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Benefits (Coordinator or Counselor)
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Human Resources (Coordinator, Assistant, Generalist)
  • Organizational Development Coordinator
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • Recruiter
  • Staffing Specialist
  • Talent Acquisition (Coordinator or Specialist)
  • Training Specialist
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Benefits Analyst
  • Compensation Analyst
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200 or BUSN 212
  • SCMA 302
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare major; 2.0+ cumulative GPA to graduate, and 2.0+ major GPA to graduate
Department name:
Department of Management
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B4106
Phone:
(804) 828-1530
Email:
mgmt@vcu.edu
Department name:
Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B4155
Phone:
(804) 828-7074
Email:
scma@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park

Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Earn at least 15 credits each semester and maintain a 2.5+ GPA to declare your major at the end of year 2 and to graduate on time.
  • Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 or BUSN 212.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend BOSS days to get to know our business-specific student organizations and resources, stop by at least three tables, and familiarize yourself with at least one organization.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the student organizations available for you to join.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Complete the major and career assessment for business majors to see the top 4 majors that fit your skills, interests, and motivators for working abroad.
  • Stop by the Office of Student Engagement, located in Snead Hall Atrium, to take a True Colors assessment, debrief with a team member, and learn more about yourself and how to professionally thrive in a multinational corporation.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Take BUSN 225 Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • You should plan to complete an internship before you graduate,so get started on building your professional network by joining LinkedIn groups related to your future dream internship.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes and use SI sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Make sure to take SCMA 301 in the spring semester as this is an important prerequisite course.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center and get started by joining the VCU student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.
  • Use SOC to find peer leadership opportunities like the New Leaders Retreat, Alternative Spring Break, or other organizations that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with the International Consulting Program (ICP).
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Focus on your strengths by taking a free CliftonStrengths assessment with the Office of Student Engagement.
  • Talk with Business Career Services about securing externship opportunities in your sophomore year to build your resume.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Conduct three informational interviews on VCU Bizconnect to expand your network and gain more knowledge into potential career paths.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and through current business student scholarships.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • For Human Resource Management concentration majors, take MGMT 331 and MGMT 310 in the fall semester and take MGMT 332 or MGMT 333 in the spring semester.
  • Earn grades of C or higher to sustain 2.0+ cumulative and major GPAs to meet graduation requirements.
  • For Human Resource Management concentration majors, take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, MGMT 431, and MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
  • For management/entrepreneurship concentration major, take MGMT 423, MGMT 437, MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
  • For management/entrepreneurship concentration majors, take MGMT 321 in junior year as this is an important prerequisite.
  • For management/international management concentration majors, take MGMT 418 in junior year.
  • For Supply Chain Management & Analytics majors, take SCMA 320 in junior year as this is an important prerequiste.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Consider becoming a resident assistant, orientation leader, or student ambassador to welcome new rams from all over the world.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Join Richmond SHRM, research the SHRM professional certification needed for your field, and get involved with their events directly and through the student SHRM chapter.
  • Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Get a 1:1 mentor through the Connect Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect (meetings are flexible with your schedule), gain valuable professional insights, and attend at least one employer-sponsored networking event each semester with your mentor.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, MGMT 431, and MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • By serving as a mentoring liaison to international students through the Connect Mentoring program, develop your leadership skills as you recruit, educate, and train fellow School of Business majors.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about applying to graduate school abroad versus taking a job domestically.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • When involved in any student organization, work to be elected a chairperson and consider recruitment, secretary, and fiscal management roles.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Gain your second 1:1 mentor through the Connect Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect (meetings are flexible with your schedule!) to gain new professional insights.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to make a job search strategy.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Business

School of Business | School of Business

Concentration(s):
Human Resources Management, Management/Business Administration, Management/Entrepreneurship, Management/International Management, Supply Chain Management and Analytics
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Earn at least 15 credits each semester and maintain a 2.5+ GPA to declare your major at the end of year 2 and to graduate on time.
  • Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 or BUSN 212.
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend BOSS days to get to know our business-specific student organizations and resources, stop by at least three tables, and familiarize yourself with at least one organization.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the student organizations available for you to join.
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Complete the major and career assessment for business majors to see the top 4 majors that fit your skills, interests, and motivators for working abroad.
  • Stop by the Office of Student Engagement, located in Snead Hall Atrium, to take a True Colors assessment, debrief with a team member, and learn more about yourself and how to professionally thrive in a multinational corporation.
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Take BUSN 225 Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • You should plan to complete an internship before you graduate,so get started on building your professional network by joining LinkedIn groups related to your future dream internship.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes and use SI sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Make sure to take SCMA 301 in the spring semester as this is an important prerequisite course.
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center and get started by joining the VCU student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.
  • Use SOC to find peer leadership opportunities like the New Leaders Retreat, Alternative Spring Break, or other organizations that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with the International Consulting Program (ICP).
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Focus on your strengths by taking a free CliftonStrengths assessment with the Office of Student Engagement.
  • Talk with Business Career Services about securing externship opportunities in your sophomore year to build your resume.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Conduct three informational interviews on VCU Bizconnect to expand your network and gain more knowledge into potential career paths.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and through current business student scholarships.
Year 3
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • For Human Resource Management concentration majors, take MGMT 331 and MGMT 310 in the fall semester and take MGMT 332 or MGMT 333 in the spring semester.
  • Earn grades of C or higher to sustain 2.0+ cumulative and major GPAs to meet graduation requirements.
  • For Human Resource Management concentration majors, take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, MGMT 431, and MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
  • For management/entrepreneurship concentration major, take MGMT 423, MGMT 437, MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
  • For management/entrepreneurship concentration majors, take MGMT 321 in junior year as this is an important prerequisite.
  • For management/international management concentration majors, take MGMT 418 in junior year.
  • For Supply Chain Management & Analytics majors, take SCMA 320 in junior year as this is an important prerequiste.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Consider becoming a resident assistant, orientation leader, or student ambassador to welcome new rams from all over the world.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Join Richmond SHRM, research the SHRM professional certification needed for your field, and get involved with their events directly and through the student SHRM chapter.
  • Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Get a 1:1 mentor through the Connect Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect (meetings are flexible with your schedule), gain valuable professional insights, and attend at least one employer-sponsored networking event each semester with your mentor.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, MGMT 431, and MGMT 434 and be aware of all of their prerequisites to ensure you can complete them all in the final year.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • By serving as a mentoring liaison to international students through the Connect Mentoring program, develop your leadership skills as you recruit, educate, and train fellow School of Business majors.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about applying to graduate school abroad versus taking a job domestically.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • When involved in any student organization, work to be elected a chairperson and consider recruitment, secretary, and fiscal management roles.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Gain your second 1:1 mentor through the Connect Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect (meetings are flexible with your schedule!) to gain new professional insights.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to make a job search strategy.