Business students, faculty travel to Minneapolis for professional development experience

Northwest Missouri State University students and graduate assistants of the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business traveled recently to Minneapolis to explore and experience the business industry in a metropolitan area.

Northwest business students gathered with Young Professionals of Minneapolis to network and learn about their experiences in the industry as recent college graduates. (Submitted photos)

The travel experience, March 27-29, was organized by Professor of Business Dr. Tekle Wanorie and School of Business graduate assistants Maggie McNeely and Sage Thelen.

"This trip is offered to allow students to find experiences and build knowledge on the job opportunities that are open to them as business majors,” Thelen said. “Students are able to learn about what life could be like in a big city through young professional panelists and visiting work sites to get hands-on learning opportunities."

Kayla Mitchell, a senior business management major from Nodaway, Iowa, enjoyed the opportunity to learn about a career in business by visiting the city and meeting individuals with similar professional goals. 

“I chose to attend this trip in hopes of networking with people my age, as well as other business students that could help to expand my options for the future,” Mitchell said.

During their time in Minneapolis, the group attended a question-answer panel with members of the Young Professionals of Minneapolis, a professional development organization for young individuals in business, and heard from recent college graduates about their experiences in the industry. The group also spent an evening networking with the Young Professionals of Minneapolis to ask questions about job opportunities and meet people in the industry.

“After listening to the young professionals panel, I felt excited to enter into the job field,” McNeely said. “Hearing about their job search experiences and how their journeys led them to where they are today was truly inspiring.”

Northwest business students and faculty toured the University Enterprise Laboratories in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Additionally, Northwest students toured the University Enterprise Laboratories in St. Paul, Minnesota, a laboratory space for technology, medical and science companies. They listened to business professionals discuss their research processes and their careers in the business field.

“My major takeaways from the trip were learning about the different career paths available in a larger city like Minneapolis and connecting with young professionals in the field,” Haley Halsey, a junior marketing major from Odessa, Missouri, said. “It was eye-opening to see the opportunities and possibilities that exist in major cities.”