Wealth of Value

Successfully transitioning from college student to polished professional takes practice. By
integrating professional and career development skills into the business curriculum, that’s
exactly what Oakland University’s ACHIEVE program delivers for its undergraduate business
students. 

“ACHIEVE provides students with critical career support through all the stages of their
undergraduate business experience,” says Andrea Mill, SBA ’19, program manager of
ACHIEVE. “ACHIEVE courses prepare students with tools while experiences allow them to
practice skills in realistic settings backed by coaching, feedback and support.”

Thanks to the active role business professionals from the community play in ACHIEVE as
mentors, coaches and volunteers at mock interviews, networking sessions and other events,
students gain knowledge from a wealth of valuable sources.

Since 2008, undergraduate business students have completed more than 10,000 ACHIEVE courses that foster professional skills, such as networking, interviewing, resume writing, ethics, etiquette and money management. The ACHIEVE courses, which are offered free of charge, are required for graduation. Students graduate from the program marketable and ready for the professional world — a fact employers notice and appreciate.

“Not only does ACHIEVE allow me to provide professional guidance, it also lets me give students advice on what we are looking for in candidates,” says Buddy Henika, team leader, talent acquisition, Rock Financial, who has hired more than 60 interns from Oakland after meeting with them as an ACHIEVE volunteer. “I wish other schools offered similar access to students.”

The program is so unique and successful in connecting students to the business community, the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the accrediting agency
that oversees schools of business and accounting nationwide, recognized ACHIEVE as a best
practice.

Ann Mansour, SBA ’18, system analyst with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Michigan, says the program was key in helping her land her first internship at BCBS, leading to her first
professional position. “It’s amazing how much I learned about networking and interviewing,”
Mansour adds. “Everything done in ACHIEVE has a primary purpose – help students throughout
their journey at OU and beyond.”

Learn more about the ACHIEVE program.