Business Leader Development Program
The Business Leader Development (BLD) Program prepares students to advance their career readiness and community connections by challenging them to become forward-thinking and inclusive business leaders. This sequence of four courses is designed to enhance your education and preparation for your career by supporting your personal and professional development and building a lasting community within GWSB.
BLD Program Learning Pillars
- Community Connections
- Pursuit of Academic Excellence
- Personal & Professional Identity
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Career Readiness
Course Information
BADM 1001 & 1002: Business Leader Foundations 1 & 2
First-year students are required to complete the BADM 1001 / 1002 sequence as the first step in the GWSB Business Leader Development Program.
- Learn About BADM 1001 & 1002
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The first semester, BADM 1001, focuses on self-assessment and vision-setting. In this semester, students explore their strengths, values, and begin to set goals for their development at GW and beyond. Students will also begin to familiarize themselves with the contemporary business landscape and conduct research on potential industries of interest. By developing a greater understanding of themselves, their interests, and the options available to them, students will lay the groundwork for deeper exploration and professional development.
The second semester, BADM 1002, builds on the self-assessment and vision-setting activities from BADM 1001 and focuses specifically on advancing a student's personal brand through business communication and inclusive leadership. Students will begin to explore the concepts of their personal brand as it relates to their future business career, leadership identity in the workplace, and the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, students will review the differences between community, network, and networking and will practice using informational interviewing and other networking practices to deepen and broaden their connections. The semester will conclude with a unique capstone experience in the format of a case competition. The case competition will allow students to exercise critical thinking skills while applying what they have learned about communication, leadership, and teamwork into practice while analyzing a real-world business case.
The first semester, BADM 1001, focuses on self-assessment and vision-setting. In this semester, students explore their strengths, values, and begin to set goals for their development at GW and beyond. Students will also begin to familiarize themselves with the contemporary business landscape and conduct research on potential industries of interest. By developing a greater understanding of themselves, their interests, and the options available to them, students will lay the groundwork for deeper exploration and professional development.
The second semester, BADM 1002, builds on the self-assessment and vision-setting activities from BADM 1001 and focuses specifically on advancing a student's personal brand through business communication and inclusive leadership. Students will begin to explore the concepts of their personal brand as it relates to their future business career, leadership identity in the workplace, and the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, students will review the differences between community, network, and networking and will practice using informational interviewing and other networking practices to deepen and broaden their connections. The semester will conclude with a unique capstone experience in the format of a case competition. The case competition will allow students to exercise critical thinking skills while applying what they have learned about communication, leadership, and teamwork into practice while analyzing a real-world business case.
BADM 1003: Business Leader Foundations for Transfer Students
The Business Leader Foundations for Transfer Students course helps students transition into the School of Business and succeed in and out of the classroom.
- Learn About BADM 1003 for Transfer Students
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Students learn about resources at GW and GWSB and work to better understand their strengths, values, passions and create academic and career goals. Students also develop career-based knowledge, begin preparation for business careers, learn about the importance of civility and integrity in business discourse, and develop as leaders. BADM 1003 is required for all internal/external transfer GWSB students.
Students learn about resources at GW and GWSB and work to better understand their strengths, values, passions and create academic and career goals. Students also develop career-based knowledge, begin preparation for business careers, learn about the importance of civility and integrity in business discourse, and develop as leaders. BADM 1003 is required for all internal/external transfer GWSB students.
BADM 3001: Business Leader Career Strategy
BADM 3001 builds on the self-assessment and vision-setting that students explored in the Business Leader Foundations (BADM 1001/2/3) courses.
- Learn About BADM 3001
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In the Business Leader Career Strategy course, students will develop an individual Career Action Plan, which includes researching business-related industries as related to their own interests, skills, motivators, values, and career goals. Additionally, students will expand their network to include GWSB alumni and industry professionals. They will also learn how to enhance their personal brand as well as develop knowledge and skills that will increase their competitive advantage in the job search process. Lastly, students will learn about the benefits of graduate school and the potential opportunities that continued education provides for various career paths.
BADM 3001 is required for GWSB students in the Bachelor of Science degree program. Completion of BADM 1001 & 1002: Business Leader Foundations 1 & 2 or BADM 1003: Business Leader Foundations for Transfer Students is required in order to enroll in this course.
In the Business Leader Career Strategy course, students will develop an individual Career Action Plan, which includes researching business-related industries as related to their own interests, skills, motivators, values, and career goals. Additionally, students will expand their network to include GWSB alumni and industry professionals. They will also learn how to enhance their personal brand as well as develop knowledge and skills that will increase their competitive advantage in the job search process. Lastly, students will learn about the benefits of graduate school and the potential opportunities that continued education provides for various career paths.
BADM 3001 is required for GWSB students in the Bachelor of Science degree program. Completion of BADM 1001 & 1002: Business Leader Foundations 1 & 2 or BADM 1003: Business Leader Foundations for Transfer Students is required in order to enroll in this course.
BADM 4001: Business Leader Launch
BADM 4001 Business Leader Launch is an experiential learning course that is designed to enhance your education and preparation for your career. This experiential course focuses on synthesizing the knowledge you gained in the previous courses in the Business Leader Development (BLD) Program and in your other courses at GW into one culminating experience: whether it is an approved internship, undergraduate research, community engaged scholarship, or selected student leadership positions at GWSB.
- Learn About BADM 4001 & Register for the Course
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Course Prerequisites
BADM 1001 and 1002 (or BADM 1003 for transfer students) are required as prerequisites for this course. BADM 3001 is not a prerequisite, but students are highly encouraged to complete it prior to BADM 4001 in order to maximize your experience in the course and the overall BLD Program.
Course Restrictions
BADM 4001 is required for GWSB students in the Bachelor of Science Program degree program if this course is listed as a required course in the School of Business Pre-Business Courses block on DegreeMap.
BADM 4001 can be repeated for credit up to 5 times for a maximum of 6 total credits. Repeating BADM 4001 is subject to prior instructor approval and is only available for select sections (Undergraduate Research, Community Engaged Scholarship, and Internship). Students are not permitted to repeat the GWSB Undergraduate BLD Program Mentors or GWSB Student Leadership sections.
Students can enroll in only one section of BADM 4001 in a given semester.
Review the BADM 4001 Section drop-down menus below for additional section-specific restrictions.
Registration Process
Registration into this course is facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Programs (not through GWeb). Students must obtain instructor approval through the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form to be registered for the course - permission varies across sections; detailed information for each section is below. Please review the permission requirements listed below in the "BADM 4001 Section Information & Deadlines" drop-down menu for each section well in advance to help with your preparation for this course and ensure you have the information needed to request instructor approval for registration.
Enrolling in this course involves students taking initiative - it is the student’s responsibility to seek out opportunities to register for this course. Students should start early, utilize the available resources if help is needed, and not wait until their final semester at GW to take this course.
Note: If you register for BADM 4001 in the fall or spring semester, the fee is included in your tuition (up to 18 credit hours). However, when you register for BADM 4001 in the summer, you have to pay per credit hour, as determined by the university.
BADM 4001 Registration Request Form
Registration Enrollment Deadline
Registration requests must be submitted prior to the end of the first week of classes in order to meet the add/drop deadline for enrollment. It is important for students to begin their registration process at the start of course registration. Registration requests will not be accepted beyond the end of the first week of classes for a given semester (Fall, Spring, & Summer).
Students requiring CPT should start their registration process earlier due to processing timelines. International students should meet with their International Services Office advisor to discuss their eligibility and the process needed to secure CPT approval. Please see below for additional International Student Registration reminders and details.
International Student Registration Reminder
International students who are seeking to enroll in BADM 4001 should meet with an International Services Office (ISO) Advisor to discuss any pertinent employment and visa requirements. This is specifically important for the sections that include off-campus employment: Community Engaged Scholarship and Internship sections. International students with an F-1 visa should also review the ISO website with employment regulations to learn more eligibility requirements and impacts on areas such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Course Prerequisites
BADM 1001 and 1002 (or BADM 1003 for transfer students) are required as prerequisites for this course. BADM 3001 is not a prerequisite, but students are highly encouraged to complete it prior to BADM 4001 in order to maximize your experience in the course and the overall BLD Program.
Course Restrictions
BADM 4001 is required for GWSB students in the Bachelor of Science Program degree program if this course is listed as a required course in the School of Business Pre-Business Courses block on DegreeMap.
BADM 4001 can be repeated for credit up to 5 times for a maximum of 6 total credits. Repeating BADM 4001 is subject to prior instructor approval and is only available for select sections (Undergraduate Research, Community Engaged Scholarship, and Internship). Students are not permitted to repeat the GWSB Undergraduate BLD Program Mentors or GWSB Student Leadership sections.
Students can enroll in only one section of BADM 4001 in a given semester.
Review the BADM 4001 Section drop-down menus below for additional section-specific restrictions.
Registration Process
Registration into this course is facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Programs (not through GWeb). Students must obtain instructor approval through the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form to be registered for the course - permission varies across sections; detailed information for each section is below. Please review the permission requirements listed below in the "BADM 4001 Section Information & Deadlines" drop-down menu for each section well in advance to help with your preparation for this course and ensure you have the information needed to request instructor approval for registration.
Enrolling in this course involves students taking initiative - it is the student’s responsibility to seek out opportunities to register for this course. Students should start early, utilize the available resources if help is needed, and not wait until their final semester at GW to take this course.
Note: If you register for BADM 4001 in the fall or spring semester, the fee is included in your tuition (up to 18 credit hours). However, when you register for BADM 4001 in the summer, you have to pay per credit hour, as determined by the university.
Registration Enrollment Deadline
Registration requests must be submitted prior to the end of the first week of classes in order to meet the add/drop deadline for enrollment. It is important for students to begin their registration process at the start of course registration. Registration requests will not be accepted beyond the end of the first week of classes for a given semester (Fall, Spring, & Summer).
Students requiring CPT should start their registration process earlier due to processing timelines. International students should meet with their International Services Office advisor to discuss their eligibility and the process needed to secure CPT approval. Please see below for additional International Student Registration reminders and details.
International Student Registration Reminder
International students who are seeking to enroll in BADM 4001 should meet with an International Services Office (ISO) Advisor to discuss any pertinent employment and visa requirements. This is specifically important for the sections that include off-campus employment: Community Engaged Scholarship and Internship sections. International students with an F-1 visa should also review the ISO website with employment regulations to learn more eligibility requirements and impacts on areas such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
BADM 4001 Section Information & Details
- BADM 4001-10 GWSB Undergraduate BLD Program Mentors
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This section is for GWSB students who are selected to serve as Mentors for the Business Leader Development Program courses (BADM 1001 & 1002, BADM 1003, or BADM 3001).
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Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
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Meeting Day/Time: Please reference the GW Schedule of Classes for the meeting day/time; this is in addition to the required weekly BLD Program Mentor meetings that are scheduled on Mondays from 5pm to 6pm ET.
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Who is Eligible: Students who are currently serving and hired as Mentors in the BLD Program for the semester that you are enrolled in BADM 4001.
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Registration Process:
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Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for this section to ensure you meet all requirements prior to submitting your registration request.
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Step 2: Complete the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form to submit your request for review.
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Step 3: The Office of Undergraduate Programs will review your request and determine if you meet the requirements for enrollment. If you meet the requirements and there are registration spots left in the section, you will be enrolled. If you do not meet the requirements or if the section is full then the Office of Undergraduate Programs will reach out to you.
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Point of Contact: Mr. Andrew Robinson and Mrs. Shannon Moran Buckhout, Program Associates for Student Leadership & Engagement
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- BADM 4001-11 GWSB Student Leadership
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This section of BADM 4001 is for student leaders in GWSB-Affiliated Undergraduate Student Organizations who are in advanced leadership roles within their respective organizations during the semester that they would be enrolled in this course. This specifically includes all UBA Executive Board members and student leaders who are serving in advanced leadership positions at the Vice President-level and above (e.g. President, Executive/Senior Vice President, Vice President, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Events, etc.).
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Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
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Meeting Day/Time: Please reference the GW Schedule of Classes for the meeting day/time.
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Who is Eligible: Students who are recognized as student leaders in GWSB-Affiliated Undergraduate Student Organizations who are in advanced leadership roles within their respective organizations during the semester that they would be enrolled in this course. This specifically includes all UBA Executive Board members and student leaders who are serving in advanced leadership positions at the Vice President-level and above (e.g. President, Executive/Senior Vice President, Vice President, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Events, etc.).
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Registration Process:
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Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for this section to ensure you meet all requirements prior to submitting your registration request.
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Step 2: Complete the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form to submit your request for review.
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Step 3: The Office of Undergraduate Programs will review your request and determine if you meet the requirements for enrollment. If you meet the requirements and there are registration spots left in the section, you will be enrolled. If you do not meet the requirements or if the section is full then the Office of Undergraduate Programs will reach out to you.
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Point of Contact: Mr. Ryan Lloyd, Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Programs & Community Initiatives
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- BADM 4001-12 Undergraduate Research
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This section is for GWSB students who have been selected to conduct research with a GW Faculty Member.
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Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
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Meeting Day/Time: Please reference the GW Schedule of Classes for the meeting day/time.
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Who is Eligible: Students who are selected for a formal undergraduate research experience for the semester you are enrolled in BADM 4001.
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Students can apply for an undergraduate research opportunity one of two ways:
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Research with a GWSB Faculty Member
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List of GWSB Research Opportunities: https://go.gwu.edu/gwsbugradresearch
GWSB Research Opportunities are open until filled, you can see its status in Column A on the spreadsheet linked above. -
Application for GWSB Research Opportunities (Only for the opportunities listed in the above linked database. If you secured a research opportunity with a professor who is not listed in the above linked database, please proceed to the registration process below.): https://go.gwu.edu/gwsbugresearchapp
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Research with a GW Faculty Member (not in GWSB)
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Registration Process:
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Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for this section to ensure you meet all requirements prior to submitting your registration request.
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Apply for and be selected for an eligible undergraduate research opportunity. See the eligibility information above for links to be completed based on if the research opportunity is with a GWSB faculty member or via Handshake.
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Step 2: Once a research position has been secured, the student must complete the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form and submit the BADM 4001 Undergraduate Research Agreement Form.
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Be sure to read the Undergraduate Research Agreement in its entirety. Additional documentation and a signature from the faculty member are required.
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Step 3: The Office of Undergraduate Programs will review your request and determine if you meet the requirements for enrollment. If you meet the requirements and there are registration spots left in the section, you will be enrolled. If you do not meet the requirements or if the section is full then the Office of Undergraduate Programs will reach out to you.
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Point of Contact: Dr. Mirasol Española, Executive Director for Undergraduate Programs
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- BADM 4001-13 Community-Engaged Scholarship
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This section is offered through a partnership with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. This section provides students with opportunities to work with local nonprofit and public service organizations, leveraging their business skills to contribute to these organizations’ capacity to serve our community and address social change. Learn about some of the Community Engaged Scholarship completed by BADM 4001 students in previous semesters here.
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Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
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Meeting Day/Time: Please reference the GW Schedule of Classes for the meeting day/time.
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The semester allows for 15 weeks for service toward project goals. Allowing for onboarding time, students serving five hours per week will meet the 70-hours of service expected for this one-credit course. Orientation, training, and work toward project goals whether completed on or off-site all contribute toward this requirement. Time spent traveling to/from the site or completing course reflection assignments does not.
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Who is Eligible: Students who are selected for a formal Community-Engaged Scholarship Internship for the semester of enrollment in BADM 4001.
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Students must apply for one of the Community-Engaged Scholarship (CES) Internships through the GW Serves GivePulse website.
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Note: New positions will continue to be added on a rolling basis. Student selection will continue on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
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For details on deadlines, best consideration, and applying for Community Engaged Scholarship internships, please review the GivePulse website.
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Registration Process:
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Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for this section to ensure you meet all requirements prior to submitting your registration request.
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Apply for and be selected for an eligible Community Engaged Scholarship position.
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Step 2: If selected for an approved role, please complete the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form to submit your request for review.
- Step 3: The Office of Undergraduate Programs will review your request with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service and determine if you meet the requirements for enrollment. If you meet the requirements and there are registration spots left in the section, you will be enrolled. If you do not meet the requirements or if the section is full then the Office of Undergraduate Programs will reach out to you.
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Point of Contact: Dr. Wendy Wagner, Director for Community-Engaged Scholarship
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- BADM 4001-14 Internships
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This section is for GWSB students who have been offered an internship for the semester in which they will enroll into this course. For BADM 4001, the term “internship” is defined as an employment opportunity in which a student works in one role for a minimum of 70 hours total in the academic semester that they are requesting to enroll in BADM 4001. The internship should provide significant opportunities for students to gain practical experience that complements their academic learning. Examples of internships include paid and non-paid employment opportunities off-campus as well as on-campus employment through the Office of Student Employment.
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Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (starting Summer 2022)
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Summer 2022: The Summer Internship section of BADM 4001 occurs over both summer course sessions (14 weeks total). For this section, internships do not need to span the entire length of the course as long as all course expectations are met.
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Meeting Day/Time: Please reference the GW Schedule of Classes for the meeting day/time.
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Who is Eligible: Students who are offered an internship for the semester they wish to enroll in BADM 4001. For BADM 4001, the term “internship” is defined as an employment opportunity in which a student works in one role for a minimum of 70 hours total in the academic semester that they are requesting to enroll in BADM 4001. The internship should provide significant opportunities for students to gain practical experience that complements their academic learning. Examples of internships include paid and non-paid employment opportunities off-campus as well as on-campus employment through the Office of Student Employment. Important Note: this section must be taken in a separate semester if the student is enrolled in TSTD 4102.
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It is the student’s responsibility to search for their own internship and complete all necessary steps for their internship search process. Plan accordingly! We strongly recommend starting the internship search at least 3-4 months in advance of the semester. Some internship recruitment cycles even start 9-12 months in advance.
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Students can seek internships on their own or through the GW Handshake Website.
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Students who need assistance with the internship search should meet with a staff member from the F. David Fowler Career Center.
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Registration Process:
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Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for this section to ensure you meet all requirements prior to submitting your registration request.
- Step 2: Once an internship position has been secured, the student must complete the BADM 4001 Registration Request Form and submit the BADM 4001 Internship Agreement Form.
- Be sure to read this document in its entirety. Additional documentation and a signature from your internship supervisor are required.
- Step 3: The Office of Undergraduate Programs will review your request and determine if you meet the requirements for enrollment. If you meet the requirements and there are registration spots left in the section, you will be enrolled. If you do not meet the requirements or if the section is full then the Office of Undergraduate Programs will reach out to you.
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Point of Contact: Dr. Mirasol Española, Executive Director for Undergraduate Programs
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