Best Broad events for undergraduates to connect, learn and lead this Fall

At Broad, undergraduate education goes beyond majors and minors. Real momentum begins when students tap into the ecosystem of resources designed to help them explore and grow throughout their time at Broad. During the Fall, Broad events offer a chance to kick-start the year and uncover new paths. They’re launch pads for a student’s academic journey and, often, their professional future. Read on to discover impactful Fall events with the potential to alter the trajectory of an undergraduate career.

Hosted by the Broad Center for Ethical and Socially Responsible Leadership (CESRL), the Leadership in Action connects aspiring leaders from Broad Registered Student Organizations (RSO) to like-minded peers and seasoned leaders. The third annual edition of the event opens students to the stories of three unique leaders, all at various points of their career and leadership journeys.

Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run, will give a keynote on her experience with the systems of power that shape the way we lead and define success. Afterwards, Broad Finance Professor Kymm Hadlock and recent Broad alum Oscar Garner (B.S. Finance ’21) will offer additional sessions on inclusive versus transactional leadership and finding your leadership north star.

The event caters to RSO involved students who set the tone for the culture in the undergraduate space. It’s a chance to set goals for the academic year ahead and learn how to turn values into action, bringing those skills back to your RSO and beyond.

Beth Hammond, managing director of CESRL, intentionally brings this event to students at the start of the fall semester.

“This is a chance to come together to think differently and deeper about the impact of being a leader, and how to grow and evolve at the start of a new school year,” said Hammond. “Students can walk away with new ways understand their skills and the responsibility that comes with being a good leader, both as a student at Broad and after.”

For those interested in ethical leadership but not part of an RSO, check out this list of Broad student organizations to start getting involved — be sure to set a reminder for next year’s fourth annual Leadership in Action conference. Students can also review other events offered by CESRL to learn more about socially responsible leadership.

Editor’s Note: This event is now full. To keep up with future events, check out the CESRL events webpage.

The Broad Open House is a chance to explore Broad offerings, old and new. The event is a casual space for students to come as they are and stay however long works for them.

This tabling event brings RSO leaders along with staff from Broad resources like the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Multicultural Business Programs, the Residential Business Community and more. Table representatives will share upcoming events, student activities, and what makes their organization unique, helping students see how Broad offerings fit into their current academic goals or can drive the plan they are still crafting.

Undergraduate Academic Services, the Russell Palmer Career Management Center, and the Multicultural Business Programs’ Level Up Center will be open to explore. Students can also visit the Broad Store to check out the branded merchandise offered to represent Broad on and off campus.

For those wondering how to prepare for the Open House, Ann Crain, director of undergraduate student engagement at Broad, has a few words of wisdom.

“The best way to prepare for the Broad Open House is to consider what you are curious about,” she said. “Do you want to learn more about Broad majors, career paths in business, or networking? There are a multitude of ways to engage with the college and the Open House is the best way to start your journey in Broad, get familiar with our space and connect with people who will help you succeed.”

Check out the Broad Open House on September 11 in the multi-purpose room (MPR) in the Minskoff Pavilion.

The MSU Broad Corporate Mixer, hosted by the Russell Palmer Career Management Center, connects students and employers for meaningful career conversations. This annual networking event is targeted toward undergraduate students seeking internships and full-time positions in the business field, though graduate students and alumni are also welcome.

From 4 to 6 p.m., students can meet recruiters from a range of companies seeking talent for entry-level roles and internships. For those not yet ready to apply, the mixer offers valuable insights into the business landscape and the skills employers seek in new hires.

Through the event page on Handshake, students can prepare by reviewing the list of participating employers, exploring attire recommendations, and scheduling an appointment to use the Palmer Professional Photo Pod. With these resources, Broad students can enter the event with a clear strategy, which Palmer Center staff are always available to help create.

With the MSU Broad Corporate Mixer, students can research companies in advance, prepare thoughtful questions, and update their Handshake profiles and networking skills using the resources at the Russell Palmer Center.

Visit the registration link to sign up for the MSU Broad Corporate Mixer.

Events at Broad are designed to advance students’ interests and enrich their journeys. They exposure students to new fields, helping them discover their niche areas of interest, and can lead to connections with mentors or friends who may one day be colleagues.

When students take advantage of Broad events to support their academic growth, the most important advice is to remember is to show up, be present and stay curious.

These events are just a snapshot of what’s happening at Broad this fall. Visit the Broad events calendar and explore more opportunities to build knowledge and networks.