Meet Some of Our Business Administration Students

I chose Business Administration because growing up, I was always told that I had the gift of persuasion and strong communication skills. I decided I would have a future in the business world due to my strength, drive, dedication, and straightforwardness. The business program at Champlain College is amazing. I especially enjoy group projects because they give me the opportunity to broadcast my natural leadership abilities while working with different people with different personalities.

A specific project that I was able to work on that I found rewarding was for my Global Condition class. I worked with Feeding Chittenden, and was granted the opportunity to cook for low-income families that live in poverty around the Burlington area.

I started my professional career as an Administrative Assistant at the Quality Inn in Colchester, Vermont. I was in charge of making reservations, solving guest issues, keeping track of paperwork, all while maintaining a strong work ethic. I've enhanced the skills I've gained at Champlain since my first year to guide me through my professional career so far, especially my communication skills. I have learned to be well-rounded and adapt to any and every situation I am faced with. Since this internship, I have become a Front Desk Manager at the Hampton Inn in Burlington.

I am the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). We fund and regulate all the clubs. We have a grant process for student projects, and we work as a liaison between the students and the administration. I would say give yourself the opportunity to experience different things and try out for leadership roles. Get yourself into those spaces, and try everything you can.

A minor can work in a lot of different ways. Some people choose one because it's actually what they want to do, but they're not sure yet. That's what I did with Legal Studies. I wanted to go to law school, but what if I changed my mind? So I chose Business Administration as a general degree that can be applied in a lot of different ways, but can also be used as a specialization. It's a unique thing for different job opportunities.

Business for good means taking not just working for the company that will pay you the most but working for a company whose mission you stand behind. Advocacy in business means being able to work for a business that is working for change, either for an outside cause or within the business itself.

During one of my Core classes, I got the opportunity to research and learn about the importance of clean water and the impact of microplastics. I enjoy being outside and, having lived in Vermont my whole life, I have a deep connection with nature and Lake Champlain. In my Core class, I realized how big of a problem microplastics can be, and now I care a lot about that.

I was drawn to the individual attention that I would get in the classroom. This gave me a chance to discuss topics one-on-one with my professors. They're approachable, and they always challenge me to think deeper.

I was able to start getting internships the summer after my first year because the Upside-Down Curriculum gave me the experience I needed. I've had four internships during my time at Champlain, ranging from marketing to event planning to business development. My studies made me adaptable and confident at work, and I was able to take in new knowledge and skills. I was surprised to find out how many certifications I can get through my classes. I'll have a leg up on the competition when I graduate.