Senior Julia Russ, accounting major, attended the second annual Beta Gamma Sigma Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Dallas, Texas. Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) is the honor society recognizing business excellence at AACSB-accredited colleges. She was inducted into USI’s chapter of BGS in April 2016 along with 27 of her peers.
Russ found attending the conference a valuable experience on both a personal and professional level. It was her first experience traveling alone, so she said “it built my confidence and was also exciting!” There were several keynote speakers, but attendees also had plenty of networking opportunities and team building exercises. They took part on a case study team, and presented their solutions to a panel of judges. “I learned more about leadership and my strengths and how to use those skills to my advantage professionally,” Russ said of her overall experience.
Attending the conference helped Russ learn more about BGS as an organization, and gave her the satisfaction of being part of something “important.” She believes in the value of BGS as an invaluable asset to put yourself at best advantage beginning a professional career, and recommends accepting the lifetime membership to other eligible students. There are tangible benefits, such as travel, clothing, and technology discounts. But more importantly may be the prestige membership carries. Fewer than 800 business schools globally have earned AACSB accreditation, and USI is one of only 185 business schools to also have separate accreditation for its accounting program. When potential employers see a USI student with BGS membership on their resume, they are assured the candidate really is the best of the best. USI's chapter has grown to more than 600 members since it began in 1998.
Julia Russ, on right, at the 2016 BGS Global Leadership Summit
Published December 15, 2016