Tepper School of Business Launches Course Sequence Aimed To Advance Leadership, Global Citizenship

New undergraduate business administration course, driven by students, imparts hands-on career readiness skills

The Tepper School of Business has launched Business Leadership Endeavor (BLE), a new three-year course sequence for the Class of 2021. Designed to equip undergraduate business administration students with core leadership competencies encompassing professional development and social responsibility skills, Business Leadership Endeavor is unlike other leadership development offerings as students engage in organizational development and enterprise building as they progress through the Tepper School undergraduate business program.

While the Tepper School is renowned for its analytical reputation, Business Leadership Endeavor students will complement this coursework while developing key leadership capabilities in six areas — self-reliance, critical thinking, network building, collaboration, innovative problem solving and global citizenship. As much of program is driven by students, it provides ongoing opportunities for assuming ownership of the educational experience and demonstrating management skills in real-time.

"Our business administration students leave the Tepper School with a thorough understanding of fundamental business areas they will need in their given career paths," said Jennifer Wegner, executive director of the Tepper School Undergraduate Business Administration Program. "The progression of Business Leadership Endeavor builds on those core skills and enhances career success following graduation by developing strong leadership traits."

Business Leadership Endeavor provides students with progressive course credit throughout their undergraduate experience. Course responsibilities include personal development planning, ongoing self-assessment and future path portfolio sharing. Cohort gatherings are cohesively woven into the requirements, including networking with students, alumni and other leaders, as well as participating in community service projects.

"Being well-versed in knowledge underpinning industry success is a given for our students, but as our students essentially build and own Business Leadership Endeavor, they are gaining practical leadership and organizational development experience," said faculty lead and course architect John Lankford, distinguished service professor of management at the Tepper School.

Prior to the launch of Business Leadership Endeavor, students participated in a semester-long Professional and Service Project (PSP) course during their fourth year, culminating their professional and service development efforts in the undergraduate business program. Upperclass Tepper School students will now be involved in the undergraduate-wide transition to the new course sequence.