March 29, 2010

Carey School debuts three-week program for nonbiz undergrads

The Carey Business School is offering an intensive three-week program this June for undergraduate nonbusiness students who want to broaden their knowledge and their career prospects by learning the skills and problem-solving techniques of the business world.

The noncredit program, titled ABACUS (for Accelerated Business Awareness Certificate for Undergraduate Students), begins June 7 at the university’s Downtown Center, 10 N. Charles St.

“Success in virtually every career involves understanding and applying the principles of effective business management,” said Anne McCarthy, associate dean of professional programs at the Carey School. Participants in ABACUS, she added, can expect to “learn what it takes to be successful in any business organization and boost their ability to succeed in the job market and on the job.”

Through a variety of lectures, case studies, workshops and group projects, students will learn business concepts and how to apply them to real-world situations. Topics will include accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, ethics and strategic management.

In addition, students will take part in a professional development series called “Bookbags to Briefcases.” Among the topics to be covered are marketing oneself as a brand, making effective presentations and managing personal finances.

Group projects will involve research outside of class, but no exams will be required. While computer labs will be available, students may bring their personal laptops.

Members of the Carey faculty will teach in the program.

Nonbusiness majors with 60 or more credit hours are eligible to apply, as are recent college graduates. Students with backgrounds in the liberal arts, engineering, public health or science are likely candidates for the program. No minimum GPA is required, though scholastic achievement will be considered, along with a short application essay and a résumé.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 14. Students who enroll before May 1 will receive a discounted rate. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the three weeks starting June 7.

To learn more about ABACUS, go to http://carey.jhu.edu/our_programs/abacus.