The University of Wyoming, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Program students have the opportunity this fall semester to participate in executive roundtable discussions. This provides the students with the chance to receive a real-world learning experience.
“The opportunity our students have to speak with individuals of such high caliber is invaluable,” MBA Program coordinator, Tanner Parmely, said. “Networking involves the ability to articulate technical knowledge as well as implement soft skills, something that all graduates entering the competitive marketplace should be able to do.”
Interacting with the executive speakers is designed to challenge students to examine the business world through the first-hand experiences of business leaders.
“Guest speakers as such help us get a better view of the competitive business world and learn through their experiences,” College of Business student, Samdup Bhutia, said.
This service facilitates student academic and professional engagement through exposure to leaders who have successfully and consistently combined their work and knowledge. They can easily learn about internships and jobs after graduation while making contacts in their respective fields.
In the past, MBA speakers have represented diverse industry segments, including Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Ed Murray, energy CEOs, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, financial service representatives and sports industry executives. This includes all sectors that students may be looking forward to entering.
“Students engage in roundtable discussions that cover a variety of topics such as executive decision making, strategy development and business ethics,” Parmely said.
We have had corporate representatives such as Matthew Kaufman, a partner at Hathaway and Kunz LLP in Cheyenne, who focuses on business, corporate, transactional and litigation matters.
Another reputed speaker was UW Cowgirl basketball Coach Joe Legerski, who discussed his 14 year tenure in leading the UW women’s program, effective leadership, managing people, learning through good times and failure and ethical decision making.
“The past speakers have been truly motivational and given us a sense of what the outside world looks like. We do look forward to more guests who may wish to share their experience with us,” another COB student, Trixie Latitia, said.
