Freshmen Business Initiative (FBI) for Honors Freshmen
As a first semester freshman, you’ll participate in a 3-credit seminar. This seminar focuses on competencies that you’ll need during internships and later when you start working. You’ll be introduced to these competencies now so you can develop and refine your skills as you get involved in student organizations.
We’ll look at things such as learning styles, creativity, teamwork, leadership, communication skills, handling conflict and basic business etiquette. In addition, you’ll be working in a small group of approximately twelve freshmen and will have two upperclassmen serving as mentors to guide you through your transition from high school to college.
Freshmen Summer Reading
All freshmen entering the Business Honors Program are given a book prior to the start of their first fall semester and then at the Business Honors Fall Orientation held in early September, we discuss the book. It’s a great way to introduce you to the spirit of discussion, critical thinking, and dialogue you’ll experience in your honors classes.
This year’s book is The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman.
Reading is a fun way to expose yourself to new ideas and new perspectives and books can help you increase your knowledge and understanding of the world. There is a Business Honors Book Club that gets together monthly to discuss a book.
What Freshmen Say About BUSN 125…
“I have learned how to prioritize and manage my personal schedule. I thought of myself as a fairly responsible individual upon entering college, but for most people (including myself) the opportunities for so many activities, organizations, etc. are way more than anticipated. This class helped me balance my life both socially and academically, which has been extremely important in providing me with personal gratification and success. I learned to value what was truly important and how to accomplish numerous goals desired.”
- Aaron Wechter, Class of 2010
“I have learned that the easiest activities and assignments are not always the best. A great amount of learning and growth has come from some of the assignments that initially drew a groan. I’ve learned that to become a better business woman, I must start now and treat each task as a chance to expand my experience and my overall marketability to future employers.”
- Christine Harvat, Class of 2010
“I have learned many things about myself in this class. I discovered my top five strengths, how I handle stress and urgency, and my leadership/group member style. This class is not for memorizing facts, but for helping you to find where you naturally are gifted and maximizing those talents.”
- Kelly Mares, Class of 2010
Welcome From Dr. Peterson
Howdy! I am Dr. Tim O. Peterson. I obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. I completed my masters at the University of Texas in San Antonio and my Ph.D. here at Texas A&M University. I served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years. In Mays Business School, I have been the architect and champion of the Transition Program. I also serve as the Director of the Fellows Program. I also have the privilege of teaching BUSN 125. The competencies we cover in this class quite often are confused for common sense. However, if they were just common sense we would all be able to perform them without any trouble. But 90% of the people who get fired, get fired because they can’t exhibit one of these competencies. These competencies require intentional study and continuous practice to be mastered. I am convinced that if you study and practice these competencies you will be more successful both in your professional and personal life. If you are a new member of the Business Honors program, I look forward to helping guide you on this journey toward professional and personal growth. If you are not on our team yet, I hope you will consider embarking on this journey with us!