STUDENT COMMENTS
I would like to comment on the campus recruiting efforts. Although I really appreciated all the experience that the company interviews gave me, I actually found my internship/job on my own. I was not looking for an internship in Northern Virginia, where 90% of the companies that recruit on our campus are from. I would recommend to the University that they make more of an effort to bring in a wider range (location-wise) of companies because not everyone that goes to JMU wants to live in Northern Virginia or even in the state itself. Northern Virginia's cost of living is one of the highest and ranks with San Francisco, Scottsdale, and New York City.
If there is one area that I feel is lacking at JMU, it is the opportunity to speak with advisers or alumni about their careers and how they chose what they have ended up doing. However, upon the opportunity of the Executive Advisory Council (EAC) visiting each spring and fall, I am sure to take advantage of these network opportunities.
My father, who is the CEO of his company, continually tells me how impressed he is with the program and how much my diploma is going to be worth in a few years as the Business Program at JMU continues to excel in all the right areas. My parents are proud of my accomplishments and seem to have no worries that I will end up doing something big one day—and I'll have to give at least half the credit to my undergrad experience at JMU.
Creating a business plan is a very stressful period thats lasts nearly an entire semester. Just to prove my point, on the COB 300 Web site, you can buy a shirt that has a saying that illustrates my point. The shirt says "COB 300: Where 6 strangers become a dysfunctional family." However, COB 300 is not all bad. Even though creating the business plan is very stressful, it was very beneficial in the learning process and incorporating all of the different aspects of the business world that I had learned to date.
Also, the College of Business has a fantastic study abroad program held in Antwerp, Belgium. Best thing I did in college.
COB 300 was a great learning experience that prepared me not only for my upper level business classes but also prepared me for my job search. The upper level capstone classes allow the students to experience marketing and management though real-time simulations.
We have a wealth of companies recruiting at our campus, especially in the finance and accounting fields. Our academic advising center provides excellent resources to improve résumés and become active on Madison Trak.
I came from Seattle Washington to attend James Madison University. I feel that JMU has one of the best undergrad business programs in the country and the faculty have given me a leg up on my competition as I enter the job market. I currently have a job lined up for full-time employment because of my education and skills learned while at JMU. I would recommend this university to anyone who was serious about their career in business.
The one thing that JMU has that I feel that have an advantage on is their teachers. The faculty is extremely helpful and are available at almost any time. Our COB 300 program is one thing that has helped prepare me for an outside job. I had one teacher in the 300s who was willing to help our group at 1 in the morning. We have several professors that have made their millions and are there just to help us get a good start on life. There are stories around campus about how some professors have even financially backed some of their former students to help them get started with their business ideas.
JMU has prepared me to become a great professional. I feel like I have an advantage over almost everyone in my field because I attended JMU.
James Madison University offers amazing opportunities for business majors to gain real world experience through programs such as the core class of Integrated Functional Systems (COB 300). This class encompasses so many real-world application-based elements ranging from everyday bookkeeping of your own business to the stress levels of high intensity teamwork within a group of classmates/co-workers.
Our career services is great! I've had tons of interviews already and there's so much chance for guidance.
Although JMU may not be one of the most well-known business schools in the nation, I believe it offers something most other business schools do not. In a JMU business student's junior year, they are required to complete a 12 credit course in business plan writing along with four to five other team members. This is extremely time-consuming and at times, overwhelming. It emphasizes teamwork. Immediately different roles emerge. Leaders step up to challenges, and each person on the team begins to assume their desired role. Teams are faced with conflicts, often internally, that are attempted to be resolved within that team. At the same time, there is constant interaction, feedback, and various deadlines with the professors, supervisors, liaisons, and mentors, simulating a boss role. The business plan writing semester proved to be extremely valuable and has made me a better team member and leader, all skills which will prove to be essential in any of my future job endeavors.
JMU's accounting program is the best kept secret in Virginia and possibly the nation.
The school itself was great. The downside to everything was the recruiting factor. While it is improving, I think it will be better in about five years or so. More top-tier investment companies need to come here. Some of these companies are starting to recognize us, but a connection within the company is needed to get a position. More companies like Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, Barclays, etc. need to recruit on campus. We are a much better school than we are given credit for. As a recruiter for Banc of America Securities put it, "JMU is a hidden gem."
COB 300 was one of the best real world experiences we could have. We are in groups more than not in the College of Business which reflects the real world as well. I think this has prepared us more than any class material ever will!
The career center is outstanding at JMU. At any point in the year there are opportunities to meet with recruiters and other business professionals that are constantly looking to hire for full-time or internships. Compared to accounts from friends at other schools, I can say that JMU's career center is far above average.
James Madison's business program focuses on analytical problem solving, research skills, team work, presentations, and a well rounded class structure. Many of the professors compare the first semester of our junior year to a miniature MBA program. Every business student's course load junior year includes Financial Management, Marketing, Management and Operation Strategy all in the first semester. The finance program focuses on teaching fundamental pricing strategies of assets, how the financial markets operate and coordinate to create efficient markets, and delivering an experience comparable to working in the finance industry. I am a senior planning to work at Morgan Stanley and James Madison University prepared me for my future.
JMU has a great business program that really prepares their students when they get out there in the real work world. The students seem so dedicated and are willing to get the best job they can get and compete with those Ivy League schools.
James Madison University's College of Business does a wonderful job with providing its students the tools and resources necessary to make us competitive in the job market, as well as teaching us to be ethical and responsible business men and women. Overall, I don't think I could be more satisfied at any other institution.
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