As companies embrace the challenges and opportunities of the global market place, they need talented professionals who exhibit a wide range of functional and critical thinking skills. They must also be prepared to navigate a competitive and technological business environment and demonstrate the ability to communicate and work effectively as a group member or team leader in any cultural setting.
FIRST Step proposes to help new freshmen not only to begin to build cross-cultural competence, but to also understand some of the pressing issues facing global businesses in today’s economy. Working in a group setting, under the leadership of upper class team leaders, new freshmen develop effective teamwork and presentation skills, and begin the process of cultivating a personal brand that recognizes the many facets of professionalism for future success in the global economy.