Student Organizations
Become involved by joining one (or more) of the business clubs and organizations offering a variety of leadership and professional development opportunities. The Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs sponsors several activities and student organizations such as:
ALPFA aids in the educational and professional development of Latinx Hispanic business students to create strong, independent professionals and promote corporate diversity. ALPFA at Penn State is a student chapter of the national organization and is a part of Latino Caucus and Smeal Multicultural Organizations.
The Ascend national organization is dedicated to helping talented professionals reach their full potential. The organization provides robust leadership development programming, elevated networking experiences, unique mentorship opportunities, and more to support members at every career stage, from classroom to corner office. The vision of the student chapter is to enhance the presence and influence of current and future business leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and to serve as a collective voice for those business communities.
AT UP was formed to help change-of-campus students transition to University Park and to provide those students with opportunities for internships, full-time jobs and professional development. As the transition can be difficult, the group strives to prepare change-of-campus students for upper-level classes as well as the career fair.
Black Male Leadership Symposium has the goal to empower Black males for the future by fostering unity and developing academic abilities and leadership skills.
The forum is a support network focused on the academic and personal issues specific to women of color. Topics are discussed at monthly workshops with the goal of creating a supportive environment and increasing leadership opportunities for female students of color.
NABA works actively with business firms, corporations, colleges, and alumni of Penn State in placing diverse candidates in positions in various business fields, while also providing technical seminars for those considering careers in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Each year, NABA hosts Netiquette, a professional development conference open to all Smeal students. The conference provides information on preparing for the next academic year’s professional development activities and career fairs.
Queer Business Leaders is an educational and professional group for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and the full spectrum of gender, identity and/or sexual orientation) business students and allies. The group aims to create an inclusive and diverse atmosphere in Smeal and to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ issues at Smeal and in the business world.
The Striving Toward Awareness and Respect for Tomorrow (START) Conference is a one-day conference, held each spring on Penn State's University Park campus, organized by a committee of students and provides participants with insights into various issues of diversity. Guest speakers, open forums, and workshops focus on issues often experienced in the workplace and identify the demands of a rapidly changing workforce.
The mission of WIB is to foster women's leadership abilities and create effective student leaders; supporting professional development of members; volunteerism in the community; and create a network between women in business, corporate executives, and University faculty. Professional development opportunities include corporate networking events and a professional dress workshop, however WIB's premier events is the annual Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference (PWPW). Women in Business welcomes all students of all majors to join the organization.