Global Innovation - The Paul Merage School of Business - University ...

Student Involvement
Recent Merage graduates explain why it’s so important to get
involved with campus clubs and activities.
Bill Ryan ’08
’07-08 President
Merage Student Assoc.
Briana Ackerman ’08
’07-08 Co-President
Challenge for Charity
HOW DID YOUR PARTICIPATION IN STUDENT CLUBS
AND ACTIVITIES BENEFIT YOU?
Ryan: Every MBA goes back to school to do bigger and
better things. For many the question is which career
path to take. Clubs and competitions can help you find
a career that strikes a chord for you.
STUDENTS ARE BUSY. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR
THEM TO GET INVOLVED?
Ackerman: It gives you an opportunity to become a true
leader and take initiative. For those interested in entrepreneurship,
taking a leadership role in one of the
Merage Clubs exposes you to the challenges you’ll face
in the business world. You’ll appreciate the hands-on
experience when you’re ready to start your own venture.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITHOUT
STRETCHING YOURSELF TOO THIN?
Ryan: The sooner you immerse yourself into clubs and
activities, the more meaningful your time at Merage will
be. If you are undecided, try it all once. It could make
the difference between what you thought you would do
and what you actually do once you graduate.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?
Ackerman: During my first week at the Merage School, I attended the Club
Fair and signed up as a volunteer for Challenge for Charity at the 2006
Special Olympics Bowling Games. Not really knowing what to expect, I
showed up only to be surrounded by hundreds of students all dressed up in
their school jerseys, faces full of excitement and ready to play. It made me
feel good to be part of such a positive experience in their lives. After that I
was sold, and decided to become an active member of Challenge for Charity.
I ran for co-president the following year.
IS IT TOUGH TO DIVIDE YOUR TIME BETWEEN SCHOOL AND THE CLUB?
Ackerman: You definitely become a master of time-management and your
ability to delegate improves very quickly. I think you also learn to work well
as a team. There is absolutely no way Challenge for Charity could be run by
one individual, let alone ten officers. The club has been successful throughout
the years thanks to the support of a large following of business
members, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER ADVANTAGES?
Ryan: The competitions, clubs and associations have reinforced my career
focus, but there’s another benefit. The memories and experiences I’ve taken
from them add immeasurable value to my Merage School experience and
degree. You can’t replace that.
STUDENTS
MREA closes
on new logo,
website
Withanewlogoanda
redesigned website,
the Merage Real
Estate Association (MREA) has
updated its image to reflect its
thriving membership and educational
resources.
The logo, designed by MREA
member Mark von Leffern,
appears on the new site which
offers access to several
resources for students.
Officers say membership in
MREA brings tremendous value
for students pursuing a career
in real estate. Complementing
the Merage School’s extensive
real estate curriculum as well
as the resources offered by the
Merage School’s Center for
Real Estate, the MREA hosts
guest speaker and networking
events throughout the year. In
addition, career building
resources include the quarterly
updated Resume Book, which
is linked to the Career Center.
The website can be accessed at
merage.uci.edu/clubpages/
mrea.
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Merage | 2008 – 2009