Business Exploration Series (BES)
The Letters and Sciences (LTSC) Business Exploration Series (BES) is a multidimensional advising resource that provides LTSC students with an opportunity to explore the world of business through:
- Exploratory seminars
- Business focused UNIV100/108 courses
- Valuable leadership opportunities
- Access to guidance and support from knowledgeable advisors
Contact
Lisa Scheeler
Letters and Sciences students benefit from these resources and are able to:
- Explore different business careers
- Examine related academic interests
- Refine their career goals
The Business Exploration Series is open to all students in Letters and Sciences. Continue to explore our website to find out more about the various services offered. You can discuss with your academic advisor which options are most appropriate for you to participate.
BMGT Admissions Workshops prepare students as they apply to the Smith School. Advisors review the application process and assist in the preparation for their supplemental application questions.
The exploratory seminars are a series of seminars allowing students to explore their major options, both within and outside the Smith School, and to learn more about the business admission process. Each seminar is open to all current LTSC students.
Fall Semester
UNIV 100: The Student in the University
The Student in the University is a 1-credit course designed to assist students in their successful transition to the University of Maryland (UM) and to serve as an extended orientation to campus living and learning. Students will begin to better understand themselves and those around them within the context of the UM community. Specific sections for students interested in business will allow students to learn together and build a sense of community among students with similar interests. Additionally, this course will help students begin their exploration of the world of business and the many avenues to a successful career. BES UNIV 100 sections will only be offered in the Fall semester.
Student Eligibility
- Must be a Letters and Sciences first semester freshman interested in business
Spring Semester
UNIV 108: Business Exploration Series Colloquium
UNIV 108 is a 1-credit career development course, taught in the spring, for students interested in pursuing a major within the Robert H. Smith School of Business. This course enables students to learn the fundamentals of career development and what the internship/job search process entails. Students will learn how to market themselves by identifying their interests, values, abilities, functional/transferable skills, and personal style. Students will also learn the importance of effective resumes, cover letters, letters of reference, and interviewing skills. Assignments include a resume and cover letter which can later be submitted when applying to the Smith School. As a final project, students will compete in teams to create a mock business pitch.
Student Eligibility
- Must be a current Letters and Sciences student
- Should not take UNIV 108 during the semester you plan to apply to the Smith School.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
The Business Exploration Series (BES) within Letters and Sciences (LTSC) provides students the opportunity to explore the world of business through a variety of resources including exploratory seminars, business focused UNIV100/108 courses, and valuable leadership opportunities. Additionally, LTSC students benefit from working with advisors who are well versed in the admissions’ requirements for business and parallel major options. By taking advantage of these resources, students are able to explore different business careers and related educational programs while refining their career goals and academic interests.
Any student in Letters and Sciences who might be interested in a career in business is welcome to take part in all or part of the opportunities offered through BES by signing up for a class, workshop, or seminar. You should talk with your academic advisor concerning your interest and eligibility for the programs and opportunities.
No, these classes are recommended, but not required, for any student who is contemplating a career in business and would like the assistance of the Business Exploration Series.
Yes, while enrollment in UNIV100/108 may make attendance at some workshops and seminars mandatory, the events are open to all Letters and Sciences students.
Through our classes, seminars, and workshops, the BES program will offer assistance in the application process to the Smith School. However, due to the competitive nature of the business limited enrollment program, we will also expose students to parallel majors that can assist students in achieving their career goals.
No, the Smith School is entirely responsible for their own admission decisions. While we do consult with them to make sure that our students have the best information for completing their applications in a successful manner that is the only connection BES has with the Smith School regarding the admissions process. Further, the competitive nature of the admissions process means that qualifications and acceptance rates can vary greatly from deadline to deadline adding a layer of inscrutability.
All students at UMD are strongly encouraged to be active and involved. You can find opportunities to join organizations and departments such as, but not limited to, the Residence Hall Association, Office of Community Service Learning, Smith Undergraduate Student Association, and the Student Government Association. Letters and Sciences also facilitates additional opportunities. You can become a member of the Business Advisory Board, or, if you have taken UNIV100/108 you can apply to be a Peer Leader and work as a teaching assistant. Finally, internships are available to students at all levels of their academic career. You should be in contact with the Career Center as early as possible to begin to learn about internship opportunities.