Smeal College of Business

The Smeal College of Business has made a positive impact on my life. It ensures all students understand the core of a business before they even are accepted into their major. The Advising Center is always open to help students despite the size of the campus and workload faculty may have. I am considered a "regular" in the office, which have shown in my grades and success thus far. The recruiting process is great. There is no doubt that comes to mind when I hear that the Smeal College of Business is #1 in corporate recruiting. Recruiters most definitely come to us knowing that we will be a great value to their business. Not only we understand the quantitative applications that may be involved, but we can intellect in the utmost manner. We truly are the definition of well-rounded students.

I think the business program should encourage co-ops more strongly than they currently do. I learned an incredible amount during my co-op and think the experience was much more beneficial than just a summer internship.

We pride ourselves on the fact that Penn State students are very well-rounded. We are not geniuses, but we are also not slackers. We give 100% in everything we do, whether it be academics, sports, extra curricular activities, or simply making friendships and connections.

One of the most valuable courses I've taken at Smeal was SCM 421, or Supply Chain Analytics. This course really helped me hone my skills in excel, and model building in general. Unfortunately this course is a 400 level, and I could not take it until Senior year. Having a course similar to this would have been valuable freshman or sophomore year in preparation for internships.

They really try to help with job placement through the numerous career fairs and specialized career fairs targeted for each major. They also promote ethical behavior, which is great in light of what happened recently at the University.

Too much emphasis on memorization in the last several semesters, and not enough learning. Projects, presentations, and papers would be much more effective in 300 and 400 level courses than 4 exams worth 25% each.

Students are prepared to be well-rounded in all business aspects. Also students are good at networking. The career fairs on campus, and also recruiting events on campus help students get to know recruiters and build their networks before they apply for a job/internship.

As an accounting major, I was somewhat shunned because I was not involved in their "5-year MACC program." The students involved in that program had their own separate classes even as undergraduates I did not think this was right. Also, it seemed like I was expected to join one of the Big 4. Faculty and administration strongly push undergraduates toward those accounting firms.

What makes Smeal unique is the combination of great teachers and high caliber classmates. I took a semester off to work with AstraZenca for co-op and I was completely prepared for it. I excelled at my work and felt as though Smeal had taught me all the right things in order to transition from student to employee easily.

I think to some extent, the professors take it a little too easy on students, especially in their 4th and 5th years in the integrated Bachelors/Masters Accounting program. This happens because most students have job offers and do not care to fully devote themselves to their studies anymore.

Professors all have dynamic business background and outstanding academic achievement. Smeal Honor Code demonstrates the business college's effort to hold up to the highest standard of integrity. Smeal really prepares me well not just in knowledge but also in my personal development in the professional world.

Some teachers can be very difficult to understand, etc. Try to make sure that the teachers we are bringing in are the best possible. There's a difference between a smart teacher and a good teacher. There are plenty of brilliant professors, but some of them do not know how to relay that information on to students. Good teachers can, and that's what students want.

The Supply Chain program at Penn State is very unique because they are able to do a great job getting large companies to come here and recruit. I also enjoy being in a program that is not available at every institution.

The business building is in the back corner of campus and there is no campus bus that stops there directly. Having easier access would improve the program as I would be able to attend more events/ classes at the business building. Parking is also a problem for students trying to reach the business building on weekdays.

Due to Penn State's size, I think the business program works to combine all the resources of the large university with the smaller business and accounting program. They leverage the expansive alumni network to help the students find jobs in every area.