Programs

The BLC and Wellesley College: A Strong Partnership

Since its inception in 1989, the Business Leadership Council has played an important role in maintaining Wellesley's strength as a leading institution of higher education for women. Both collectively and individually, BLC members participate in a number of important programs and activities across campus, forming meaningful partnerships with the College's administrators, faculty and students. The wisdom, experience and expertise of the BLC is valued at every level across the campus, and through the group's involvement in the programs listed below, the bond that exists between the BLC and the College continues to strengthen. Through participation in these programs, as well as through a number of individual interactions, members provide critical support to the College while also forming lasting bonds and connections with each other.

If you would like more information on any of the programs or activities listed below, please contact Linda Guild at 781-397-8870.

Exploring Career Options in Business

Each year, the BLC presents an evening panel, followed by a day-long seminar in which members share their career experiences with Wellesley students. During the evening panel, students enjoy hearing directly from BLC members on subjects such as graduate school, career disappointments and points of satisfaction, and the challenge of balancing one's personal and professional life. During the seminar, students and BLC members explore a wide range of business-related subjects, including an in-depth analysis of the various business functions and skills, finding the right work environment, creating a dynamic resume and preparing for interviews.

Exploring Career Options in Business provides an important venue for BLC members to interact with current Wellesley students, who greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear from alumnae who have had successful careers in business. The seminar is organized by the BLC in collaboration with Wellesley's Center for Work and Service and usually takes place during the first week of February.

Management Basics

Management Basics is an intensive three-week career development course offered by the Center for Work and Service. The program introduces women with a liberal arts education to the skills that are essential to successful careers at the management level in both the for-profit and not-for -profit sectors. Through Management Basics, current students, recent graduates and alumnae in career transition gain fundamental knowledge in organizational behavior and quantitative decision making. Course participants also learn how to work in teams to solve problems, practice management communications through presentations, learn to apply practical tools in quantitative decision making and assess their own style and skills.

The American Cities Internship Partnership

The American Cities Internship Program, inaugurated in 2002, is a ten-week, fully-funded summer experiential learning opportunity available to Wellesley College juniors and graduating seniors. The ACIP focuses on the development of leadership skills and mentorship in the workplace, and provides students with the experience and confidence to succeed in their professional lives following their graduation from the College. A distinctive feature of the ACIP (and key to the program's success) is the involvement of the BLC and other alunae who play a vital role in developing the internships and mentoring the students.

In summer 2003, the American Cities Internship Program kicked off its second year in San Francisco as well as launching the first year in Chicago. In all, twelve Wellesley students enjoyed dynamic internship experiences identified by the BLC and City Coordinators in both cities.

The Alumnae Advisory Forum on Wellesley's Global Education Initiative

In October 2002, Wellesley College President Diana Chapman Walsh '66 and Associate Dean of the College, Andrew Shennan convened a small group of alumnae with a variety and depth of personal and professional experience related to education and global concerns. Four BLC members were part of this group of alumnae who were invited to campus for two days, during which time they took part in a series of conversations with Wellesley students, faculty and administrators. Discussions centered on Wellesley's response to the increasing interconnectedness of the world's economies and cultures. BLC members and other participants were invited to think strategically about the College's long-term goals and priorities, and to provide feedback on programs currently in place. The Alumnae Advisory Forum on Wellesley's Global Education Initiative is due to convene again this Fall.

The Shadow Program

The Shadow Program takes place each January, and provides Wellesley students with the opportunity to spend the day with an alumna exploring her professional field. This Program is organized by Wellesley's Center for Work and Service.

The Alumnae Career Advisory Network

The Alumnae Career Advisory Network (ACAN) is a valuable resource for Wellesley students and alumnae for exploring career options and opportunities. Available online, ACAN provides a network of over 20,000 alumnae throughout the U.S. and abroad, all of whom have volunteered to share career information and advice with other Wellesley graduates. The network is updated regularly, and allows users to search using a number of different criteria.

Alumnae Mock Interviews

Throughout the year, alumnae provide Wellesley students with the opportunity to participate in mock interviews, providing them with valuable experience and advice that is essential as they prepare to enter the workforce. These interview sessions are held on campus and take place regularly throughout the year.

Alumnae Association Club

There are over 100 active Alumnae Clubs across the nation and around the world, from Boston to Los Angeles, London to Hong Kong. These Clubs are an important venue for Wellesley alumnae of all ages and backgrounds to connect with one another and the College. In addition to hosting lively social functions, Alumnae Clubs work closely with Wellesley's Admissions Office through programs such as the Book Award, interviewing and general outreach to prospective students.

Linda Costello '73, BLC member and President of the Alumnae Club in Nashville, Tennessee, writes, "Six years ago, I moved with my family to Nashville after living in New York City for nineteen years. While I hadn't been involved in alumnae activities before, I felt that searching out Wellesley alumnae in my new environment would speed the process of feeling at home. I found that to be the case in spades! Now, as the President of our Alumnae Club, I've connected with a wonderful group of women of varying ages and backgrounds. I've certainly increased my connection to the College by virtue of my role, and I've renewed my appreciation of the place and the bond it creates among women of diverse interests and backgrounds."

Admissions Representative

In collaboration with the Alumnae Association clubs, the College's Admissions Office works with a network of alumnae across the nation and around the world to bring the best and brightest students to Wellesley. Through a series of activities, such as interviewing, hosting events, contacting admitted students and by simply acting as ambassadors for the College, Alumnae Admissions Representatives (AARs) help to maintain a student body that is both talented and diverse. The Admissions Office continues to employ creative strategies and seek new partnerships to help with the recruitment process.

In addition to the programs listed above, BLC members also enjoy the opportunity to connect with the College and with one another at the annual Plenary Conference in the Fall, and at the Retreat each Spring.