Pre-College Summer Business Institute

Summer business programs are an excellent way to grow as a leader, boost your college applications, gain strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, and learn from industry-renowned teacher-scholars. The Pre-College Summer Business Institute at the University of Richmond is a five-day college immersion program for high school students interested in careers in business, providing early exposure for those considering business programs and/or business majors in college.   

Hosted on campus at the Robins School of Business, students will rotate through coursework in several business disciplines (accounting, marketing, economics, communication, finance) and participate in hands-on activities to increase confidence in public speaking, develop engaging presentations, and become adept with business technology.

Who Should Attend?

The Pre-College Summer Business Institute is designed for highly motivated high school students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors). Students who are considering pursuing undergraduate studies in business, want to increase their business knowledge and skills, and enhance their career preparation with a credential from a top business school. Limited seats are available to allow for an intimate and interactive learning experience.

*Participating in the Pre-College Summer Business Institute does not impact admission to the University of Richmond. 

*This program is not eligible for tuition remission for UR employees.

Takeaways

• Early exposure to business concepts in accounting, business communications, economics, finance, and marketing which can help students determine their interests and career aspirations.
• A unique opportunity to explore potential careers in business, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, and related fields. Students can gain insights into various professions, helping them make informed choices when selecting college majors or career paths.
• Hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers that allow students to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios. This practical experience can enhance their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
• Network with peers who share similar interests, as well as with business professionals and educators. Building these connections early can be invaluable for future educational and career opportunities.
• Learn the importance of developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management. These skills are essential in any career and can benefit students throughout their lives.
• Build self-confidence in public speaking and decision-making.

Details

August 5 - 9, 2024

Location: University of Richmond, Robins School of Business

Tuition: $695

All fees are non-refundable. 

Housing is not provided. Lunches are included.

For questions about the curriculum, please contact Professor Abdullah Kumas (akumas@richmond.edu). For questions about registration and logistics, please contact Deborah Lupp (dlupp@richmond.edu).

Class Sessions

• Introduction to Business
• Economics -  Covers topics such as supply and demand, how and why economics change, and benefits of trade, among other major econimc areas. 
• Public Speaking - Knowing how to communicate business ideas to business audiences is an essential career skill. In this interactive session, students will learn and apply different communication techniques that will help them become a more confident speaker and presenter.
• Finance - Topics include corporate finance (business' decision-making on managing working capital, long-term investment, and raising capital), functionality of financial markets, and personal finance decisions (creating a budget, understanding personal loans, planning for retirement and other savings goals). 
• Sales/Marketing - How do you determine customer needs, create awareness, build customer relationships, and create value for customers? Marketing and sales will focus on the strategic actions and tools (product, price, promotion, and place) students can use to spark interest in a product and evoke action.
• Accounting - Topics include history of accounting, users of accounting, and financial statements (specifically, Tesla's income statement and balance sheet). Additionally, students will be introduced to managerial accounting concepts such as variable cost and contribution margin and will engage in cost-volume-profit analyses.
• Conversations with Career Services and Office of Admissions

Schedule 

Faculty

• Abdullah Kumas, Associate Professor of Accounting and Director of Business Institute
• Cassandra Marshall, Associate Professor of Finance
• Jeff Carlson, Chair and Associate Professor of Marketing
• Cindy Conn, Instructor of Business Communications
• Tim Hayes, Instructor of Economics

Registration