The student-run Business Student Council (BSC) at the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting its first Business Week Sept. 6 through 12. This weeklong, special event was designed with University President Milton Glick’s “sticky-campus” theme in mind.

“The main goal of Business Week is to get students more involved with the College of Business and the University,” BSC President Steven Schnell said. “We want to take the sticky campus idea to the next level by offering students an opportunity to learn more about clubs and organizations in the college, majors in the college, the internship opportunities that are available as well as let participants socialize at our free tailgate party and barbeque.”

The College of Business tailgate party took place Saturday, Sept. 6 from 4-6 p.m. on the northwest corner of Mackay Stadium, where the Nevada Wolf Pack hosted the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a 6:05 p.m. football game.

“We wanted to organize a tailgate party for the Texas Tech game as a way to welcome our alumni back and have them interact with our current students,” said Jane Bessette, director of career connections for the College of Business.

Other Business Week activities include a resume-writing workshop, mock interviews, networking session, new faculty reception, business major and resource fair, BSC welcome back barbeque, Microsoft and Port of Subs internship information sessions, workshops on how to become a successful entrepreneur and much more.

“Our two main goals for organizing Business Week were to get incoming freshmen and sophomores exposed to college clubs and business majors,” Schnell said. “For juniors and seniors we wanted to help them get involved with networking and understand what internship opportunities are available to them. We also have sessions planned for graduate students that may be considering going to law school or may want to start their own businesses.”

At least 10 local businesses have partnered with the college to help make Business Week a success.

For example, International Game Technology (IGT) has partnered with the college and is funding an alliance with SAP, the world’s largest business software company, to provide courses using SAP software. Initially, SAP is being used in the College of Business’ information systems curriculum with certain courses being a requirement for the major. The intent is to expand the use of SAP software in all departments within the college.

Today, more than 46,100 customers in more than 120 countries run SAP® applications.

IGT also offers a variety of internships to College of Business students.

“IGT partnered with the college on this project to grow a local resource pool with a valuable skill set in demand by Nevada companies, like IGT, that run their business with SAP,“ said Mike Magera, director of global business solutions at IGT. ”We would also like to retain the best and brightest graduates for northern Nevada’s future.”

“SAP software turns business requirements into technical solutions,” said Alex McLeod, assistant professor in the college’s Department of Accounting and Information Systems. “Mastery of this technology helps business run smoothly and more efficiently. There are more than 30,000 job openings in North America where SAP expertise is desired.”

Business Week offers something for everyone.

“In planning the event with the BSC, we worked hard to offer events that create a sense of community on campus and appeal to all students,” Bessette said. “We want to show people that business is more than you think.”

For more information on Business Week, please contact Jane Bessette at (775) 784-4912.