Crystal J. Smith

Bachelors of Science| Leeds School of Business and Administration

University of Colorado, Boulder

• Emphasis in Operations Systems Management, Management Information Systems, and Human Resources
• Completed certification program in International Business
• Completion of coursework and preparation for exams as PMI Project Management Professional

Supplemental coursework in Commerce at the University of Wollongong, Australia

Activities

College was a wonderful and educational experience for me.  I knew from the beginning that I wanted to pursue a degree in Business.  By the end of my first year, I also knew that I wanted to become a scuba instructor, coach high school speech and debate, and join a business fraternity. 

Teaching scuba (classroom, pool, and open water sessions) helped build on my presentation skills.  It also gave me responsibility over the safety of others, knowing that what I taught them would prepare them for a lifetime of safe practices in a dangerous, but otherwise exciting, sport.

 Coaching speech and debate at the high school level was a tough experience as an 18-year old college student.  I had to find a balance between viewing the team members as my peers, and viewing them as students for me to teach and evaluate.  Having placed in the top 12 at Extemporaneous Speaking at the national tournament the year before, the students did respect my expertise and we were able to develop a great relationship as they learned to be more comfortable and convincing in their speaking and acting abilities.

Delta Sigma Pi provided many opportunities for leadership among my peers, for networking with professors and business professionals, and for organizing and participating in community service events.  I was elected to the Executive Committee every semester, and enjoyed organizing networking events with corporate sponsors, social events, professional sit-down dinners for groups up to 150, meeting agendas for our 120-member chapter, and events in the community.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had.  Prior to my semester abroad, I had been given the opportunity to travel for a month at a time to Egypt and Micronesia, and had spent two weeks in Chile as the Central Region Vice President of the Boy Scouts of America at the World Jamboree.  Living in another country and putting a focused effort into learning their culture, however, was a much richer experience.

At the University of Wollongong, I deliberately chose courses that would give me a different perspective on topics I was already familiar with.  I took history classes, and learned that history has many versions, depending on who is telling the tale.  I took cultural classes, and learned that other countries face the same socioeconomic issues that the U.S. does- although sometimes they use very different approaches.  I took management and marketing classes, and learned that commerce is very different under Socialism, with much more focus on the rights of the business than on the rights of the consumer.

I would recommend a study abroad experience to any student, expecially those who are interested in working with companies and customers on a global scale.