The Loyalist College Business Administration students hosted the annual Alliance Excellence Achievement Program (AEAP) Breakfast on November 21 and welcomed 72 business people from southeastern Ontario to the event. The AEAP has been a component of the College’s Business Administration program for the past six years. The program, which provides a platform for businesses and students to work together, was outlined and the guests were encouraged to return and meet with the students in the new year to present the business challenges they would like the Loyalist students to assume as projects.
Nicole Trost is a second-year Business Administration student who moved from King City, north of Toronto, to attend Loyalist. “The program was recommended to me by friends of mine from Belleville and I’m so glad they did. The AEAP is an important networking opportunity for us. I know students who made contacts last year that not only resulted in their class projects but expanded into summer jobs for them as well.”
“This is the first time that I have been at this event,” said John Howes, Corporate Controller at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. “I think that sometimes it is difficult for students to understand the relevance of how what they are learning in the classroom relates to the workforce. Projects like these will show them how those skills are applied. I also believe that networking is very important — in this case, for the students and for us as employers. We might meet the right person that would be the perfect fit — maybe not for a position today, but for one that comes up in the future.”
“Our Business Administration students are passionate, reliable and dedicated,” said Bob Millard, program coordinator. “Each year we watch them complete exciting and challenging tasks. We are here to guide them as they become future business leaders. The opportunity for them to work with business professionals through the AEAP lets them use their knowledge, skills and creativity to work through real life challenges which prepares them for their future roles in the business world.”
Loyalist’s School of Business and Management Studies offers a full range of programs — including Accounting, Business, and Business Sales and Marketing, which have January and September start dates. By starting this January, students can graduate with a two-year diploma in just 16 months.
For more information regarding the AEAP please contact Professor Bob Millard at bmillard@loyalistc.on.ca. For information on Loyalist’s Business programs visit School of Business and Management Studies.