Business students are expected to join case competitions and hold many leadership positions to increase the marketability of their résumés. Employers are looking for more than the core classes when they hire an MBA--they want proven, driven leaders and people who can manage multiple projects and keep a team together. With organizations like Net Impact and First Book, UST MBA students are able to distinguish ourselves from the competition.
Net Impact is a national nonprofit that has local business and school chapters. Its mission is to bring business people into the discussion about the role business should play in social and environmental issues. The Net Impact group volunteers for People Serving People, First Book, and the Smile Network. UST students won the first national Pioneer Case Competition in 2010, sponsored by Net Impact. Net Impact members also rolled out a new club at UST, First Book.
First Book is a nonprofit organization that helps to provide new books to children in need. St. Thomas’ chapter of First Book currently serves three schools: Ann Sullivan, Sheridan, and Nellie Stone elementary. In two years of existence, UST’s chapter has distributed over 2,000 books, had 61 volunteers, and participated in over 120 hours of service.
The University of St. Thomas MBA students strive for more than your average résumé. We realize that a well-rounded student is a well-rounded employee and that is what these nonprofit chapters help us accomplish.
Currently, the First Book team is working on a fundraiser for the end of February.
Sara Christenson is a Full-time UST MBA student.