Boston University’s Questrom School of Business
How do potential employers and students view Boston University?
We have always had strong relationships with the companies that hire Questrom students. The feedback has been that our students come in so unbelievably prepared for the workplace, and in particular are good with quantitative information, are excellent on teams and are fantastic public speakers. Companies that come in and hire here continue to identify and develop ongoing relationships with us. We are identifying new relationships with companies all the time, particularly as industries are shifting. Organizations come and work with our students, whether it is for internship opportunities, to participate in student events or visit the classroom. We always consider the employers with whom we work as partners in the success of our students.
Two years ago, we launched a formal Partners Program that acknowledges all the organizations we work with and provides additional recognition of those that are providing key support for the things we are doing here, such as speakers, events and other non-recruiting activities. For example, there is a company that sponsors our Networking Hub, which is a physical space within Questrom that allows for regular engagement between students and alumni and company representatives. The sponsorship of the hub is very visible. It’s a wonderful space and a cool room with big glass windows, and the sponsor’s name is emblazoned right on the window.
What advice do you have for high school students and their parents who are looking for an excellent undergraduate business program?
Do your homework. Different places have different things that they offer. For example, Boston University has a small community feel, even with our size.
Make sure you have a sense of certain things. Ask yourself is this the right place for me? Is the school’s approach to academics what I want to study and are they cutting edge? Are they embracing new industries? Think about the ultimate outcome: will I be prepared for the workplace and marketable? I think it is really about assessing the environment and what the curriculum and community is about. I would encourage students – whether they are able to physically visit or not – to engage in some way with current students. For example, we have a program where current students are readily available on a website to engage with prospective students and answer their questions. Those students talk honestly about their experience here.
How has the name change to the Questrom School of Business in March of 2015 impacted the student experience at the business school?
Allen and Kelli Questrom are icons and role models. When we announced the name change coming up on a year ago, there was a lot of fanfare. It was very exciting and a big event open to everyone in the community. Students have fallen in love with the Questroms, their values and their focus on education, particularly undergraduate education. Allen is a graduate of the undergraduate program here at the school, so he cares passionately about the undergraduate experience here. The fact that they care about that and want to be a resource for us has really just emphasized the path that we are already on and enhanced it all the more.
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