The Ketner School of Business signature leadership and scholarship program.
Scholarships that support your education. Experiences that prepare you to go far in business—and do good along the way.
Recipients of the David Jordan and Tom Smith Business Scholarships join a selective cohort of Business Fellows, gaining mentorship, career exploration, and exclusive access to business leaders and industry experiences.
The Business Scholars & Fellows program recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for business. Recipients of the David Jordan Scholarship and Tom Smith Scholarship join a selective cohort of Business Fellows and participate in hands-on professional experiences designed to prepare them for impactful careers.
The Fellows Experience: A Four-Year Leadership Journey
Business Scholars & Fellows participate in a structured four-year experience designed to develop leadership, expand professional networks, and provide real-world exposure to the business world.
Each year builds on the previous one—moving students from career exploration to professional leadership.
Students begin building professional skills and exploring career pathways in business.
Highlights include:
Fellows orientation and program kickoff dinner
Business etiquette dinner and professional headshots
Career panels with alumni and industry leaders
Rowan County business tour with regional executives
Networking events with professionals across industries
Service project with a local organization
Business trip to New York City
Industry site visits and shadow experiences
Students deepen their professional development while building relationships with alumni mentors.
Highlights include:
Professional development workshops through BizPrep (public speaking, negotiation, personal branding, project management)
Alumni mentorship pairing with students’ career interests
Leadership retreat focused on teamwork and leadership challenges
Industry-specific panels and workshops (finance, marketing, consulting, etc.)
Domestic Business trip to major companies
Fellows-led community service initiative
Internship 1
Students take on leadership roles while gaining broader industry and global perspectives.
Highlights include:
Global immersion experience exploring international business practices
Social impact project with nonprofit organizations
Advanced leadership and negotiation workshops
Specialized training or certifications (Excel, financial modeling, digital marketing)
Industry networking events with professionals and faculty mentors
Leadership roles within the Fellows program
Internship 2
Senior Fellows focus on transitioning from college to career while mentoring younger Fellows.
Highlights include:
Leadership capstone project with real-world impact
Individualized career coaching, resume reviews, and mock interviews
Exclusive senior networking reception with employers and alumni
Formal business etiquette dinner and networking event
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