By Victor Morales
In December 2011, the School of Business launched a business advisory council with two goals in mind. The council offers the School of Business an opportunity to share how the institution’s undergraduate and graduate programs are growing and gives local businesses opportunities to tell faculty what skills students will need in the workforce.
During the council’s first meeting Dec. 1, 2011, in the general conference room at Main Campus Building, Dr. Tracy Hurley, head of School of Business, and advisory board members exchanged ideas on the purpose and growth of the council.
In the meeting, Hurley discussed her vision for the advisory council. She said the partnerships will help the School of Business shape the vision in the School of Business and make sure students aware of what they will need to do well in San Antonio’s business community.
The intent was to provide them (corporations) with information about our School of Business,” Hurley said. In turn, she added, “The council will provide advice to the School of Business program on the skills and demands employers are looking for.”
The school of business advisory council has members from the following organizations:
Andrande Consulting; Bexar County Economic Development; CPS Energy; Fisher Herbst; Free Trade Alliance, San Antonio; M2 Global Technology Ltd.; Port San Antonio; Rackspace; Southwest Research Institute; USAA; Firstmark Credit Union; YELL; Chesapeake Energy.
During initial meetings, members from those organizations described qualities and skills employers are looking for from potential employees. Members also reminded faculty members the importance of effective communication and that internships help in the process of developing future applicants.
“Employers need to tell us what they need,” Hurley said.
The School of Business hopes to have more representatives from other employers join the council in the near future. She said that the faculty hopes the corporations will provide internships for Texas A&M-San Antonio business students. “We want to make sure our students are employable.”
Hurley said the council is still in the beginning stages and meets three times a year with School of Business representatives.
