The Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University is dedicated to ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also professionally ready to excel in their future careers. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Hughes Leadership & Career Program, delivered through the BUSA Professionalism courses. This program is meticulously designed to provide undergraduate students with essential skills and experiences, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world professional success.
The Hughes Leadership & Career Program, often referred to as the BUSA program, underwent a significant reimagining in the 2019-2020 academic year to enhance its relevance and practical application for students navigating their college-to-career journey. At the heart of this enhanced program is the Flight Academy engagement platform, a mobile and web application that serves as the central hub for tracking student progress throughout the three required zero-credit-hour BUSA courses. This innovative platform ensures students are actively engaged and progressing towards the successful completion of each course.
Navigating Your Professional Journey with BUSA Courses
The BUSA program is structured around a series of three courses, each strategically focused on a different stage of your professional development:
BUSA 2150 – Professionalism I: Clarifying My Major and Career
This foundational course is crucial for students as they begin their journey in the Coles College of Business. BUSA 2150 is centered on helping students solidify their major selection and explore potential career paths that align with their interests and skills. Successful completion of BUSA 2150 is not just recommended, but a mandatory prerequisite for formally applying to the Coles College of Business, highlighting its importance in your academic progression.
BUSA 3150 – Professionalism II: Relevant Work Experience
Building upon the foundation laid in BUSA 2150, Professionalism II focuses on the critical aspect of gaining relevant work experience. This course guides students in seeking and securing opportunities such as internships, co-ops, and part-time jobs that directly relate to their chosen field. BUSA 3150 emphasizes the practical application of classroom knowledge and the development of professional skills in real-world settings, significantly enhancing students’ employability upon graduation.
BUSA 4150 – Professionalism III: Post-Graduate Success
The final course in the series, BUSA 4150, is strategically designed to prepare students for a successful transition into post-graduate life. This course concentrates on equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary for career launch, including resume building, interview skills, networking strategies, and understanding the job market. By focusing on post-graduate success, BUSA 4150 ensures that students are well-prepared to confidently embark on their professional careers immediately after completing their undergraduate degree.
Key Components and Requirements of the BUSA Program
Understanding the key details of the BUSA program is essential for all Coles College of Business undergraduate students. Here are the critical components you need to know:
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Flight Academy as the Tracking Mechanism: The Flight Academy app is the central platform for all BUSA course activities. It diligently tracks your engagement and displays your progress toward earning BUSA badges, which signify course completion.
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Badge Completion for Course Credit: Achieving 100% completion of your BUSA badge on the Flight Academy app is mandatory to receive a passing grade in each BUSA course. This gamified approach encourages active participation and ensures students are fully engaged with the course material.
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Syllabus: Your Guide to Course Expectations: While Flight Academy hosts all course activities, it is imperative to thoroughly read the syllabus for each BUSA course. The syllabus contains crucial information regarding course expectations, detailed deadlines, and grading policies.
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Activity Deadlines: It’s important to note that every activity within each BUSA course has a 3:00 PM deadline. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial for maintaining progress and successfully completing the courses.
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Mandatory Curriculum Component: Participation in BUSA courses is not optional; it is a required component of the Coles College of Business undergraduate curriculum. Integrating professional development directly into the curriculum underscores the college’s commitment to graduate success.
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D2L as a Resource Hub: In addition to Flight Academy, Desire2Learn (D2L) serves as another vital resource hub for BUSA courses. D2L provides access to supplementary materials, announcements, and additional resources to support your learning journey.
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BUSA 2150: Application Prerequisite: As previously mentioned, a passing grade in BUSA 2150 is a prerequisite for applying to the Coles College of Business. This emphasizes the foundational role of Professionalism I in your academic and professional journey at KSU.
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BUSA Series Completion for Graduation: Completing the entire BUSA course series (BUSA 2150, 3150, and 4150) is a non-negotiable requirement to finalize your undergraduate degree from the Coles College of Business. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the program and its integral role in your overall academic achievement.
In conclusion, the KSU Coles Leadership and Career Program, through its BUSA courses, is an invaluable resource designed to cultivate well-rounded, career-ready graduates. By actively engaging with the program and utilizing the resources provided, students can significantly enhance their professional skills, career prospects, and overall success in the competitive business world.
