July 22, 2015

High school students to explore business careers

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Minority high school students from all over the United States will visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale and its College of Business for a weeklong program that enables them to explore careers in accounting and business. 

About 25 juniors and seniors will be on campus for “Exploring Careers in Accounting and Business,” a residential program taking place July 25 through Aug. 1. Throughout the week, they will learn valuable skills, experience university life and enjoy business and corporate networking opportunities.

Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover “Exploring Careers in Accounting and Business.” A good time to obtain engaging photos, interviews and video, is at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, in Room 108 at Rehn Hall. Participants will be doing a hands-on business simulation and networking activity at that time. For more information, contact Michael L. Haywood, director of the College of Business Minority Affairs Office, at haywood@business.siu.edu or 618/453-7498.

The teens will participate in networking, goal-setting, finance, marketing, accounting, business administration and leadership skills classes, prepare for the ACT, and get a closer look at the business college and business majors at SIU. Participants will meet with SIU administrators and corporate and business officials. Through various guest speakers and interactive workshops, they will acquire job interview and business dining etiquette skills. There will also be personal and professional development activities, campus tours and team-building exercises. 

The group will tour successful businesses and meet with business professionals during a trip to St. Louis.  They will stay in residence halls at SIU, discovering what it’s like to live on a university campus. 

The College of Business covers all costs for learning materials, housing, food and other related expenses for those participating in Exploring Careers in Accounting and Business.