Incoming BBAs adapt to change and new challenges

A fresh crop of BBA students has joined the ranks of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, thus beginning the final phase of their undergraduate careers. Before the flurry of corporate presentations, rsum workshops, and group projects begin for these new students, BBA1s are taking time out to get acclimated to the program. To help them in this regard, the RSB has recently offered many activities and events geared toward its BBA1s, including a two-day orientation session, the Meet the Clubs expo, and last Friday's BBA Games. But according to BBA Program Director Scott Moore, much is also going on behind the scenes to help smooth the transition.

Moore pointed to the hiring of two new BBA student advisors, Robert Koonce and Katherine McCartney, as one of the many ways the RSB is trying to help incoming BBAs adjust. Koonce and McCartney, hired in November and July respectively, are working closely with both pre-BBAs and current BBAs to offer academic advice and guidance.

"Rob and Katie have been a tremendous help. Word has gotten out," said Moore.

Many students, however, have not found the time to explore these offerings. BBA1 James Spithogiannis said, "I'm just starting to get a feel for all the classes. A lot of stuff I haven't done before, especially in marketing and communications."

He added that he is savoring the relatively light workload that his professors have assigned so far.

"I just basically got an introduction to all the classes. What has surprised me is that it hasn't been overwhelming right from the start. My impression from what other people had told me, either BBA2s or former teachers, is that it would be a very tough experience. You wouldn't have a social life. But right now, I feel very comfortable in all my classes," Spithogiannis said.

Fellow BBA1 Jared Raskin echoed Spithogiannis' sentiments.

"The classes are going well so far. Based on [Accounting 271 and 272], I thought they would be a little bit harder. But we haven't had any tests yet, so we'll see," Raskin said.

Both Raskin and Spithogiannis have some reservations about the program. Spithogiannis noted that the "whole nametag procedure and the 'cold calling' by professors scared me at first."

He added, "I feel that cold calling creates an unnatural classroom experience, where students are forced to create an answer to a question when they really don't have something to say."

BBA1s are seeing the numerous differences between the BBA program and the offerings from their former University of Michigan schools and colleges. Spithogiannis said that he far prefers his business school courses to his previous LS&A classes.

"I've found that I've learned more in class here than by doing the readings. If I kept up outside of class in LS&A, I'd do fine. Going to class wasn't that meaningful. It was just reinforcing what I had already learned," said Spithogiannis. Attending classes is currently his favorite aspect of being in the business school. "I enjoy the lectures. They go above and beyond. All of the professors apply things they talk about to the real world."

BBA1s admit that although they are excited for the next two years, they are a bit scared, as well. Spithogiannis mentioned that his biggest fears over the program have to do with the job seeking process. "I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to a job interview. I don't know what to expect," he said.

Raskin agreed with Spithogiannis in that regard, stating simply, "I'm very nervous."

Spithogiannis tried to reassure himself, adding, "There are almost an infinite number of job opportunities [through Ross]. It seems like the school has a hold on a lot of companies, and many of these companies are interested in students from Ross."

The job search will not be the only big challenge that this new class of BBAs must face over the coming two years. The recent announcement from the RSB administration that the BBA program will likely be moved off campus during upcoming construction has generated mixed opinions.

Raskin believes he may be losing a part of his BBA experience through being displaced. "I wish I could have the opportunity to take classes in the new buildings. In fact, I am really impressed with the buildings the way they are now, and we won't even have that. I feel like I'm missing out," said Raskin.

BBA Program Director Moore realizes that the move will be a trying adjustment for the business school community and BBAs in particular. Moore understands the need to keep the BBA community strong during the transition.

"It's really important that we maintain that sense of community, especially over the next two years," said Moore. "We'll just have to respond to changes. Students should look at this as an opportunity to contribute," he added.

His overall message to BBA1s is that they need to make an effort to speak their minds within the RSB community. He encourages students with concerns to contact the administration. "When you have a chance to talk to Amy Cell, [Koonce], [McCartney], or myself, tell us your thoughts. Be proactive. If something happens that's good, or bad, let us know. Stay involved," Moore said.