(HARLINGEN, Texas) – From corporate managers to small-business owners, students in the Business Management program at Texas State Technical College are gaining the hands-on skills and leadership necessary to lead Texas’ evolving business landscape.
To meet modern industry demands, the program’s curriculum immerses students in the operational and leadership challenges they will face in their careers.
One way the program implements real-world application is through a comprehensive management scenario, according to Haley Champman, the program’s lead instructor. Students step into the role of a project manager tasked with turning around a struggling hotel renovation project with communication breakdowns, staffing challenges and operational inefficiencies.
“Students are required to develop a formal management plan that addresses key areas such as team development, conflict resolution, time management, communication strategies and reporting processes,” she said. “They must evaluate issues such as unclear leadership, lack of meetings, language barriers within the construction team and competing priorities. They then propose actionable solutions to get the project back on track within a limited timeframe.”
Chapman said employers emphasize critical thinking as one of the most in-demand leadership traits.
“Organizations need individuals who can think critically, adapt quickly and make sound decisions when challenges arise,” she said.
As an active-duty member of the U.S. Army Kevin Rocha Mata, said the coursework helps translate his military leadership principles into a corporate business setting.
“Concepts such as accountability, communication and decision-making are emphasized throughout the program,” he said. “I hope to transfer my skills into a human resources representative role. The knowledge and leadership skills will help me focus on supporting employees and other areas.”
Jennifer Rosas, an instructor in the program, said the skills she gained were invaluable in her former job at the Snyder Independent School District.
“Communication and teamwork paired with a deep understanding of Microsoft Office spreadsheets were my go-to,” Rosas said. “I used those skills from student data analysis to managing budgets for various departments.”
TSTC’s Business Management program is offered completely online and offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, as well as certificates of completion in Bookkeeping Accounting Assistant, Business Management Technology and Office Assistant.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters at TSTC starts Monday, March 30. For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.