Professional organization preps students for real world

Professional organization preps students for real world

USCA’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), the international financial honor organization, hosted a professional development seminar Nov. 11 for all students, which featured representatives from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.

USCA alumna Brittany Alston, USCA’ 13, and Andrew Bell, who earned his MBA through USCA’s online program, coordinated and participated in the event to extend the reach of SRNS’ Business Services with students.

Representatives from SRNS’ Business Services Senior Leadership Team, SRNS’ Workforce Services and Talent Management and the SRNS Apprenticeship Carolina teams supported the event through a company-specific presentation and panel discussion.

The group shared the history of SRNS, its future direction, internship and apprenticeship programs, and career development within the organization.

“It’s important that students in the CSRA, our local community, understand that they have a vital employer near them that is invested in their future and development as leaders,” said Brittany Alston, SRNS Business Services, Organizational Culture and Enhancement manager.

“We are always looking for individuals who are passionate about committing to our company mission and we strive to take advantage of any opportunity that will allow us the space to share about our company and great offerings.”

Departments across the university work closely with SRNS to ensure graduates are workforce ready on graduation day. This approach aligns with BAP’s goals of mentoring, networking, employment, and workforce readiness.

To that end, collegiate BAP chapters must host a minimum of six professional events for students each year.

“The SRNS event proved to be extremely valuable, not only for me but for all participating members and attendees,” said business administration major Ian Dumas, USCA ‘26, who is the current president of the Xi Omega Chapter for Beta Alpha Psi.

“We gained an understanding of excellent career opportunities and built personal connections through networking. SRNS is one of the largest employers in the CSRA, and having the chance to connect with their professionals was an exceptional and impactful experience.”

Earlier in the semester, Xi Omega invited USCA alumni to campus for a panel discussion, sharing insights with students on what to expect once in the workforce.

“We are very fortunate that we have a lot of wonderful alumni who love to come back to campus and interact with our current students,” said Lindsay Griswold, faculty advisor for Xi Omega.

“Our organization is making a concerted effort this year to incorporate our alumni into more of our BAP events. We'll likely continue to hold this event each year because it was very well-received by the students and the alumni.”

In addition to this event, Alston says she and her colleagues who took part in the panel discussion hope to continue their partnership with Beta Alpha Psi.

“We support students through enriched engagement opportunities that allow for exposure of our company and the Business Services organization,” she said.

“The Organizational Culture and Enhancement team will provide presentations, answer students’ questions and extends the opportunity for follow-up engagement.”

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.