Sanders College of Business and Technology Student Engagement

Put Your Education Into Action 

At UNA’s Sanders College of Business and Technology, your education extends far beyond the classroom. Students gain valuable real-world experience through internships, leadership opportunities, study abroad and study away programs, student organizations, networking events, and hands-on learning experiences. 

From building professional skills, expanding your network, exploring new cultures, or discovering new interests, getting involved with our Student Engagement programs is one of the best ways to enrich your college experience.

Signature Program

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Collegiate Digital Badges

Collegiate Digital Badges recognize the professional skills, leadership experiences, and hands-on learning students develop beyond the classroom. These verified credentials complement your degree and can be shared on LinkedIn, résumés, and other professional platforms to showcase your accomplishments to employers. Students interested in earning a badge can work with the Experiential Learning Coordinator to create a personalized plan before graduation.

Students wishing to pursue a badge must contact the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Madison Prince, to declare their intent to pursue the badge and establish a plan of action to be fulfilled prior to graduation. 

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Leadership Badge

Complete the following steps to earn a Leadership Badge. Can be completed over the entire time of study at UNA.

  • Hold an officer position in a Registered Student Organization. (All Sanders COBT Ambassadors and LaGrange Society members qualify without holding specific officer positions).
  • Attend at least one leadership speaker event and submit a reflection paper.  Substitutions may be available for speaker events students attend outside of UNA. 
  • Read a prescribed leadership book and write a reflection paper. Book options:
    • Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lesson I Learned Running Dunkin Donuts by Robert Rosenberg
    • Dare to Lead by Dr. Brene Brown
    • Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink
    • Give and Take by Adam Grant
    • How to be a Star at Work: 9 Breakthrough Strategies You Need to Succeed by Robert E. Kelley
    • It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership by Colin Powell
    • Wins, Losses, and Lessons: An Autobiography by Lou Holtz

Innovation Badge

Participate in at least one activity in 3 of the 4 categories listed below to earn an Innovation Badge. (Can be completed over the entire time of study at UNA):

  • Pitch Competitions: Shoals Idea Audition, Project Founder, Lift Off Shoals, or Global CEO Elevator Pitch
  • Innovation Immersion Experiences: Innovation study trips in the United States, Innovation-focused study abroad trip, CEO Global Conference, or Smart Startup. 
  • CEO chapter participation, CEO chapter Executive Board position, CEO chapter activities participation, and attend 50% of chapter activities. 
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship Courses: Select Innovation & Entrepreneurship as a minor, or enroll in an Innovation Engineering course. 

Experiential Learning Badge

Complete at least 3 of the following activities to earn an Experiential Learning Badge. (Can be completed over the entire time of study in COBT):

  • Participate in at least one internship or study abroad program. A part-time job related to the student’s major can substitute for an internship if equivalent in hours worked.
  • Compete in at least one business-related competition. (Sales Center Speed Sell, Smart Startup, BIG Ideas, TVA Investment Challenge, etc.)
  • Present at least one research paper/poster at a conference or UNA research event.
  • Complete an Institute Fellowship through the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development. 

Student Organizations 

Sanders College of Business and Technology Student Organizations

Sanders COBT Ambassadors

Represent the college at campus and community events while developing leadership, networking, and communication skills. Ambassadors serve as student leaders who help welcome prospective students and strengthen the Sanders College community.

Collaborative Learning in Marketing and Business (CLIMB)

CLIMB brings together students interested in marketing through leadership development, experiential learning, guest speakers, and hands-on workshops. Members explore real-world marketing challenges while building connections with faculty and industry professionals.

Financial Intelligence Network (FIN)

Designed for students interested in finance, FIN connects members with industry professionals through networking events, presentations, and career-focused experiences. Students also have opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain insight into careers in finance.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

UNA’s SHRM student chapter provides opportunities to explore careers in human resources through conferences, company visits, workshops, and networking with HR professionals. It’s an excellent way to gain practical experience while building professional connections.

Girls Who Code

Open to women and non-binary students interested in computer science, Girls Who Code fosters technical skill development, networking, and community through regular events and collaborative learning opportunities.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO)

CEO empowers aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, conferences, and hands-on experiences that support innovation and business creation. Students gain the resources and connections needed to turn ideas into action.

Steele Elite Team

The Steele Elite Team is made up of top-performing sales students who represent UNA in regional and national sales competitions. Members refine their professional selling skills while serving as mentors and ambassadors for the Steele Center for Professional Selling.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor organization for students in accounting, finance, business analytics, and related fields. Members participate in professional development, community service, networking, and leadership opportunities while building connections with industry professionals.

Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate (FBLA Collegiate)

FBLA Collegiate helps students develop business, leadership, and career skills through competitions, conferences, and professional development activities. Open to students of all majors, the organization provides opportunities to compete at the state and national levels.

Accounting Scholars

Accounting Scholars supports students pursuing accounting through professional development, networking, service projects, and social events. Members build valuable connections with faculty, peers, and accounting professionals while exploring career opportunities.

Women in Business

Women in Business empowers students through mentorship, leadership development, and professional skill-building. Members engage with faculty and business leaders while participating in workshops and discussions focused on advancing women in business and leadership.

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Study Abroad

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

These opportunities give students the chance to earn academic credit while exploring the world alongside UNA faculty and classmates. These short-term international experiences combine classroom learning with cultural immersion, allowing students to deepen their understanding of course material through hands-on experiences, site visits, and global perspectives.

Programs are offered in a variety of destinations and academic disciplines, with new opportunities available each year. Students can attend information sessions, complete an online application, and work with faculty leaders throughout the process. 

Apply

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