presentations – Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society Blog

April 30, 2023

Pothos Project Brings Students into the Worcester Community

Sponsored by the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society and the Office of Sustainability with faculty guidance from Professor Karen Teitel, 20 students from all four class years participated in the third offering of the Pothos Consulting Project this spring.

Pothos plants often symbolize determination, perseverance, wealth, and good fortune. It thrives under challenging circumstances, making the most of limited resources like light and water, and its heart-shaped leaves clean the air. It also improves its environment while ensuring its own growth and flourishing. Through the Pothos Project, students help Holy Cross and our local business community do the same, becoming more sustainable on their way to prosperity and good fortune.

Over the six week project, participants attended interactive sessions with HC alums and select businesses, learning about the consulting field and its distinctive recruitment process. As participants collaborated with an organization on a real-world consulting assignment that aimed to increase corporate responsibility, participants practiced some of the skills and tricks needed for the job. Alumni mentors provided guidance and support throughout the program.

Thank you to our Holy Cross alumni mentors:

Cole Worthy ’88: Program Manager & Vice President, Haley & Aldrich
Megan Skwirz ‘12: Consultant, Slalom Consulting
Jessica Dodakian ’14: Associate, McKinsey & Company
Patrick Czorniak ’11: Senior Manager, Deals Transformation, PwC

Thank you to our local businesses:

Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness: 78 Burncoat St, Worcester
Dance Fitness Collaboration: 70 James St, #219, Worcester
Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream: 1116 Pleasant St, Worcester
Redemption Rock Brewery, 333 Shrewsbury St, Worcester – led by VP of Sales, Bronwyn “B” Vogler’07

March 20, 2023

Students Pitch Solutions for Local Business at Innovation Challenge

On Sunday, March 19th, HC Launch hosted its first in-person Innovation Challenge event since the pandemic. It was also Launch’s first event in the newly-built Prior Performing Arts Center. The challenge was coordinated with a local business, Giesel Software Inc. (GSI), and some of the real-world problems they are facing. Students pitched in response to one of two challenges; 1) to develop a product or 2) propose a real-estate solution for a rapidly growing business.

GSI’s CEO and founder, Brian Giesel, sat on the judging panel, along with alums Will Spangenberg ‘22 and Ted Pidcock ‘88. Continue reading “Students Pitch Solutions for Local Business at Innovation Challenge”

January 23, 2023

Five Workshops & One Week: 177 Students Explore Business

The spring 2023 semester started off with 177 students participating in five concurrent virtual business workshops. The week of January 18-22 was led by 70 alumni presenters and mentors in the following areas:

- Fullbridge Professional Edge: This simulated workweek provides exposure to the basics of business and an opportunity to collaborate in teams through active learning culminating in a final presentation.
  - - Special congratulations to Team Adidas for the innovative growth idea securing them each the top prize of a $300 Apple gift card! Will Croce ’25, Will Sampson ’24, Ignacio Sanchez ’26 and Thomas Foster ’26 let by cCoach Carmen!
- Corporate Finance & Banking: With virtual tours at top banks and overviews of corporate finance, corporate banking, and asset management, 20 students spent two days gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Opportunities to understand the application process and culture of the industry included a recruiter panel and a virtual networking event.
- The new Entrepreneurship Fundamentals Workshop was led by Bob Allard ’91 and Michael Yatco ’06 where they discussed the entrepreneur’s mindset with 15 students working through business strategy and innovation..
- Interview Prep: Personal branding and a core value proposition are key to successful interviewing. 60 students further developed their elevator pitch and practiced interview skills with the Center for Career Development followed by successful career tips from notable alumnae.
- Marketing Communications & Sales: Alumni led 45 students through the practical exploration of advertising, marketing, sales, and public relations. Teams competed in the PepsiCo Challenge, each tasked with bringing SodaStream to campus for individual use.

Many of the students participated in more than one opportunity as they worked towards Business Certificate Program completion, including the month-long Excel Tutorial offered during the month of January.

March 16, 2017

Your Guide to Career Direction = Fullbridge

INFO SESSION>> Tuesday, March 21 at 5PM in Hogan 519

To complement the Holy Cross rigorous education, Fullbridge Professional Edge will immerse you in business, finance, marketing, and innovation—for career direction. Working closely in teams to tackle real-world projects, you will develop a strong core of work competencies, and develop confidence to take your next step. Your Fullbridge coach will be your guide and mentor throughout the six-day program.

Classrooms will be transformed into a simulated workplace – the program is an intensive lecture-free hands-on experience that culminates in a final team presentation. Get real world experience. Fast.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS>>

August 21 – 26, 2017 (week before fall classes begin)

January 15 – 20, 2018 (week before spring classes begin)

May 17 – 23, 2018 (week between finals and graduation)

GET STARTED>> fullbridge.com/holycross

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