Engaging Tomorrow’s Business Leaders: A Tip Sheet for Industry Partners
The Freeman College of Management is nationally ranked for undergraduate business education, blending technical knowledge with a strong liberal arts foundation. With an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and experiential learning, Freeman students are curious, driven, and ready to engage with industry leaders like you. Below are strategies to help you connect meaningfully with Freeman students while supporting your recruitment, brand awareness, and talent development goals.
Industry Partners Program-connecting organizations with the deep pool of talented stuents at Freeman College of Management
Center for Career Advancement Employers page
Top Tips for Successful Engagement
1. Be Where Students Are — Holmes Hall Lobby Visibility
Set up a table in Holmes Hall, where over 500 students pass daily en route to classes in management and the liberal arts. Engaging representatives, branded giveaways, and an inviting setup help attract attention and spark meaningful conversations.
2. Highlight Alumni Connections and Organizational Leadership
Feature a Bucknell alum or organizational leader at your table or in your materials to share how their Bucknell experience shaped their career journey. Students value hearing directly from those who’ve walked their path.
3. Participate in Signature Freeman Events
Join high-profile events such as Freeman Forward and the Business Trends Summit of Freeman Week. These dynamic programs draw highly engaged students and offer natural, high-impact engagement opportunities.
4. Collaborate with Student Organizations
Build relationships with student leaders and their faculty or staff advisors. Sponsor events, co-host workshops, or support student-led initiatives to demonstrate your investment in student growth and leadership.
5. Engage with Faculty and Academic Departments
Work directly with faculty to co-create classroom guest lectures or experiential learning opportunities. Students appreciate companies that bring industry relevance into their academic experience.
6. Strengthen Your Employer Brand on Campus
Today’s students are drawn to employers with purpose. Share your company’s commitment to values like sustainability, equity, and innovation. Sponsoring events or experiential programs reinforces your
reputation as a mission-driven employer.
7. Offer Micro-Internships and Summer Experiences
Provide flexible, real-world learning opportunities such as micro-internships or traditional summer internships. These experiences support student development and offer your organization access to future-ready talent.
8. Align with Career Services and Academic Calendars
Coordinate with Bucknell’s Career Center to time your job and internship postings for maximum visibility. Aligning recruitment efforts with the academic calendar helps ensure your opportunities reach students at the right time. Career Center: https://careercenter.bucknell.edu/channels/employer/
9. Commit to Long-Term Engagement
Sustained involvement leads to stronger relationships and greater impact. Consider multi-year partnerships, annual event sponsorships, or recurring speaker roles to maintain a consistent presence and connection.
Why This Matters
With a shifting college enrollment landscape and increased competition for top student talent, proactive engagement with high-impact institutions like the Freeman College of Management is more important than ever. By incorporating modern strategies and prioritizing relationship-building, your organization can stand out while supporting student success and your future workforce’s needs.
Contact Missy Gutkowski, Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning with questions.
e mmg019@bucknell.edu p 570-577-1305