Kenan-Flagler Business School is world renown and highly respected educational institution. Not only do high caliber faculty members teach the courses, but there are also available tutors ready to answer any question. I believe UBE is a valuable program that I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to either brush up on his/her business skills or learn them for the first time. As I apply for jobs, I have found that since taking the course, I am now more open to a wider variety of careers. UBE has a lot to offer through its six modules and I hope more people take advantage of it!

And as a very busy college student, I greatly appreciated the flexibility of the program.  I completed all 6 modules in a 3 month period during the summer, all amidst working two jobs, studying French, and travelling to China.  This semester, I am an intern at an education policy think tank, the NC Public School forum.  As a public policy major interning in my field of interest, I never would have expected to make such use of my Business Essentials skills.  Those who work in the public sector – and, I imagine, in any professional line of work – employ business skills every day.  The program has come in handy especially in my internship when I help manage communications between departments.  In the end, I feel that completing this program is going to help me land the job I want, and help me be a more effective employee in my field.

1. I can write a really good email or memo. I know – that doesn’t seem like that much of a selling point now, but in the world of business, effective communication is key. Having an entire section devoted to business communication puts me ahead of the game.
2. I can think with the left and right side of my brain. My humanities major brings creativity and analytical thinking to the table, while my newly acquired business skills bring an understanding of the value of money and operations.
3. I can sell myself. The section of marketing isn’t just about how to market products. It’s about how to think like the person you are talking to. Whether it’s debating an idea in a meeting or getting that first real job, I know I can do it.

I think a lot is expected of young professionals now. We have to be well-rounded individuals who can multi-task and contribute in an organization right from the start. My new business skills will help give me confidence and help meet expectations.

For me, it remains to be seen if UBE will help me get a job, or a better job or better salary after I graduate, but I know it helped me make an impression on a man I wanted to notice my skills. It gives me something to talk about (and the right terminology to use) in interviews when I’m asked how I might justify the costs of PR to a client. The program has made me more confident that I do have the skills to discuss the ROI for a client’s business. And at the same time, the program was flexible and versatile enough that I could do it while also interning and living in a new city.

I entered the program hoping to find direction that could answer questions such as whether or not pursuing a career in business would be right for me. However, as I moved away from the idea of pursuing an MBA or a full-time business position, I quickly discovered the versatility of the UBE program. After studying abroad in Spain and working with various English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, I have decided to pursue a degree in bilingual speech pathology. As I look forward to this new career choice, I am still thankful of the applications that UBE will be able to have for me as I could possibly open my own practice with the building block knowledge of how business works.

In return, when I entered an introductory Economics class this fall, to the line of: “What are your opportunity costs of being here?” my reaction did not parallel those of many of my puzzled peers, rather it was one of confidence as a result of the UBE program. Additionally, as undergrads face the ever-daunting horizon of applying for post-graduate opportunities, fellowships, and job opportunities, the support of the Kenan-Flagler and UBE program is invaluable not only in preparing you for this process, but serving as a support structure and foundation of guidance.

Just as UBE helped me in my return from the professional to academic world by imparting invaluable skills, it will so facilitate this transition for undergrads as they seek the next steps in their lives.

As a Communication Studies and Psychology double major, I had no idea how a business worked. My freshman year I signed up for an introduction to business course but was so lost (even from the first class!) that I dropped it after two weeks. That was not the case at all with UBE. Since it is an online course, I was able to go back through any of the parts that I didn’t fully understand the first time around. And the best thing was that I didn’t have to do that as often as I feared I might. The program did a fantastic job of explaining complex things in a way that anyone could understand them. This program has an extremely high value to young professionals in that they are equipped with business knowledge like a business major would be, but yet they get to pursue their passions as undergraduates. I think that this will give any individual a leg up job hunting.

Business Essentials gives college students an opportunity to gain an advantage over others in their respective fields.  The UBE course is designed for anyone with a non-business major, and this aspect of the program affords a unique opportunity to its applicants.  Business knowledge is critical in almost every field in the job market, and students who earn the UBE certificate certainly have an added advantage against their competition.  Furthermore, the UBE program cannot only give one a unique resume building opportunity, but UBE can also provide critical knowledge that allows one to succeed once he/she enters the work force.

UBE offers an invaluable ability for participants to become even better young professionals. With UBE I am a more fitting candidate for private insurers and healthcare divisions of fortune 500 companies. Also because of how permeable business is in today’s society, no matter what I end up doing career wise, a certificate in business essentials would be useful.

UNC Business Essentials was the perfect program for me because of its extreme flexibility and various teaching styles.  Since it is online, I could complete it any time throughout the day that I was not working, and I was able to save my work and come back later.  The format of the program is also easy to use and it applies to all learning styles.  Its lectures, notes, and graphics create a well layered course that makes learning about business simple, yet interesting and fun, and the real life applications helped me to visualize how a certain practice or calculation could be carried out in my future business plans. 

Besides gaining basic business knowledge that will help young professionals get an MBA or start their own business, UNC Business Essentials is a huge resume booster.  Completing this program demonstrates to employers that you took the time off during the summer and dedicated it to furthering your skills and knowledge in hopes of differentiating yourself from your other collegiate competitors in the job market. 

The program also looks great because it is offered through UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, which is globally recognized for its quality and prestige.  As seen from just a few of the possible benefits listed, this program’s value is immeasurable.  Having the UNC Business Essentials certificate sets you a bar higher than anyone else because it shows that you are actively trying to enhance yourself in preparation for the future.  This is crucial in today’s post-college world since everyone is now double majoring with a minor and a concentration, with three internships under their belt, and tons of quality references.  Anything that you can do to get ahead of the pack is crucial.  This program will open doors for you that were not previously even an option, and will get your professional career off the ground by making you confident and proud to talk about your personal education and experience that you gained by taking UNC Business Essentials.