Benefits to Students
It is estimated that one in three (33 percent) Holy Cross alumni are working in the business world. Holy Cross recognizes the overall need to communicate the tremendous value of a liberal arts education — for all aspects of life and for any future career — especially those in business. The Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies was designed to address those issues.
David Chu, Ph.D., director of COES and the prebusiness program, gives undergraduates guidance and insight as to how their degrees — in any major — can lead to successful business careers. Rather than simply advising, the emphasis is placed on programming and real experiences.
There are key differentiators of Holy Cross’ program versus being a business undergraduate at another college:
Major in anything, succeed in business: Holy Cross offers students a stellar liberal arts education that will serve as the foundation to their professional future. Combining this education with the unique opportunities offered by COES, Holy Cross students are empowered to both major in what they are passionate about and be successful in business.
Alumni Participants: Rather than traditional business school faculty, the teachers inside COES are a prestigious “who’s who” among some of Holy Cross’ most accomplished graduates. Holy Cross offers its students a unique opportunity to learn from alumni who are at the pinnacle of their business careers and have tremendous insight to share.
Real world skills = Experience for life: COES is not made up of required courses that must be taken in order to participate. Instead, COES connects theory with practice, and provides experiences for all students that take place both inside and outside a traditional classroom setting. COES programs have flexible innovative agendas created by alumni with real world gravitas. Like an MBA program, students collaborate on project teams and in problem-solving exercises. Students work directly with Holy Cross alumni who are proven leaders and innovators in a wide range of fields. This interaction will inspire and guide students while offering an advantage when they begin interviewing and networking. Whether it’s a seminar, a summer session or a full semester internship, COES is centered on “real world experience.”
Business is important to society and the greater good: The COES approach is derived from the College’s Jesuit mission, and incorporates business values, ethics and morals into its programs. Holy Cross has made an institutional commitment to overcome negative sterotypes of business. Our bold ambition is to show that social responsibility and business success are not mutually exclusive. Rather, COES aspires to illustrate that doing good and being successful in business can work in tandem.
The ultimate goal of COES is to develop the next generation of highly competent, ethically informed leaders who can transform the business sector and, ultimately, the world beyond for the better.
