麻豆村

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, the Tepper School of Business at 麻豆村 still places a significant emphasis on a human-centered approach to business education. 聽

鈥淟et鈥檚 divide ourselves into two groups to discuss challenges we鈥檝e faced 鈥� including times we had failed and how we responded,鈥� Rubab O鈥機onnor (pictured left) told her class. The students stood from their seats, split into groups, and gathered at separate sides of the classroom.

Her theme for the 鈥淏usiness Leadership Endeavor,鈥� (BLE) sophomore class was grit, emotional intelligence, and behavioral skills.

O鈥機onnor, distinguished professor of management at 麻豆村鈥檚 Tepper School of Business, has created a three-year sequence that spans undergraduates鈥� first year, sophomore, and junior years. BLE focuses on developing students as whole persons and future leaders with a special focus on the behavioral skills that lay the foundation for lifelong personal and professional growth.

Two Tepper School alumni returned for this class to engage with students. Troy Witt, who works in marketing, and Elizabeth Jankowski, who works as an auditor, joined one of the student groups in O鈥機onnor鈥檚 class.

Students practiced their self-introduction with Witt and Jankowski and discussed their academic and professional interests. Interacting with these alumni not only provided real-world insights for students but also helped them build confidence through public speaking in a professional setting.

鈥淏usiness Leadership Endeavor is more than just a class,鈥� O鈥機onnor said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a journey that equips students with the emotional and interpersonal skills necessary to excel in their various walks of life. My goal is to inspire well-rounded individuals who can lead with empathy and understanding.鈥�

Katie Sorrell, a former BLE teaching assistant, Tepper School graduate, and current financial analyst, found the course invaluable. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 realize I needed to work specifically on behavioral skills until I took this class,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he habits we developed and the books we read were incredibly helpful.鈥�

The BLE course is divided into three segments, with each segment building upon the last, emphasizing the importance of strong habits, meaningful networks, and ongoing skill development. The course encourages students to connect personal and professional goals with their leadership development journey.

The first segment for freshmen lays the groundwork for leadership development through personal, professional, and community growth. Students focus on cultivating effective habits, enhancing development skills, and building meaningful networks.

Sophomores take the second segment in the sequence, which builds on the foundation of the first course and reinforces strong habits, networking, and skill development through passion and perseverance. Students begin aligning their growth with personal and professional goals, preparing for future challenges and opportunities.

The final segment for in the BLE series, taken by juniors, focuses on applying personal and professional skills in real-world contexts. Emphasizing broad growth and lifelong learning, students see the benefits of their assembled skills, both for themselves and their communities.

The course has been offered now for five years, and former students reflect positively on the class鈥檚 impact.

Annie Kim, another former BLE teaching assistant, Tepper School graduate, and current banking analyst, emphasized the value of the BLE classes. 鈥淚 was initially skeptical about what the class could offer. But over time, I realized how crucial interpersonal skills are in the business world,鈥� Kim said. 鈥淩ubab鈥檚 emphasis on networking and personal growth helped me become more confident and effective in professional settings.鈥�

Before joining Tepper School, O鈥機onnor held numerous management roles, including academic advising and career consulting for both undergraduates and MBAs, both in the U.S. and internationally. Her diverse experience spans investment banking in credit marketing and serving as a research assistant for the United Nations Development Program in New York.

The BLE program continues to prepare students for the complexities of the business world. Through continuous development and a focus on emotional intelligence, O鈥機onnor is shaping the next generation of leaders who are capable, confident, and ready to lead.