I am a transfer student from the Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville campus. I came to TU spring of 2009 to major in Business Administration. My initial track of choice was international business, but I kept my options open. During the spring of 2009 semester, The College of Business and Economics promoted the Project Management and Business Analysis (PMBA) track which was starting in the fall of 2009. I did some research, talked to my advisor at the time and got more insight about PMBA. I learned that TU is one of the only schools that offer the PMBA track and offers the SCiPM certification. I thought this would be a great opportunity for me increase to my knowledge and improve my skills by learning the process of what it takes to and manage and complete a project along with meeting the goals of an agency. By working for the Social Security Administration, I thought learning these valuable skills and knowledge would help me in the long run in my career.

I strongly encourage anyone interested in considering a degree in Project Management and Business Analysis to do your research. Companies in all industries and functional areas are managing projects. By earning the Student Certificate in Project Management (SCiPM) and PMBA degree along will set you apart in the job market. Also, to further your education in management, the e-Business and Technology Management (EBTM) department now offers three new graduate programs such as the Masters of Science in Supply Chain Management, Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, and the Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Project, Program, and Portfolio Management. If you desire to go to graduate school, this would be a great place to start.

The Project Management Association (PMA) emphasizes that, to be successful, have excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills. As business professionals who will graduate from TU's College of Business and Economics, the expectations are high for us to have knowledge and skill about managing projects and how to work with others to complete a task. I believe business students should take the time and look in to earning a degree in Project Management and Business Analysis, especially since TU offers the track because it will set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs. If you are interested in Project Management either have no interest or unable to earn a degree in it, come check out the Project Management Association.

The PMA is a student organization for those who are majoring in Project Management and Business Analysis as well as for any student who has an interest in Project Management. The organization focuses on how Project Management is an integral component of all businesses by providing students the opportunity to interact with project management professionals from different industries such as government, non-profit, information technology firms, marketing firms etc. In the last two years, as the PMA has grown, it has begun to feature guest speakers and prepare seniors to take the Student Certificate in Project Management (SCiPM), which is a certificate that is awarded to any PMBA track student who takes and passes the certification exam.

If you are majoring in Project Management & Business Analysis or would some exposure to the field without adding another concentration, you may want to consider joining the PMA.

First, I would encourage the students to participate in clubs and organizations of their interests. The clubs are established for the students!! You can get involved by simply attending their meetings. Be sure to join a club that you like. It is a great way to meet other students and network. Clubs can also enhance your resume and also give you the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge that will give you a competitive advantage.

Secondly, I would also encourage you to balance your work/life activities. It is easy to get highly STRESSED with school work or get so busy you forget you have an assignment due. Study early; it will be beneficial in the long run when you have exams. Being able to balance work, school, family and life in general is a strategy one must master in order to be successful.

Thirdly, meet and talk to your professors. Go to them with any questions or concerns you may have about material you are learning. Ask them for advice regarding the how to get involved in organizations in CBE. It will be highly beneficial for you to have a rapport with your professors, especially if you decide to go to graduate school or apply for a job that requires a letter (s) of recommendation. More likely than not, you will need to be in contact with them to ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you.