Shout out to our student organization leaders: Get to know senior Elizabeth Fifer, a management major with a minor in HR management, and the president of the newly-organized Business Professionals of America (BPA) Club at USI.
USI is the only BPA Post-Secondary chapter in Indiana, thus giving us a unique opportunity connect with BPA chapters in high schools throughout Indiana and connect those prospective students to the Romain College of Business.
Why did you choose USI and the Romain College of Business, and what makes them special to you?
I chose USI because I felt like my education would be personalized, and I loved the intimacy compared to bigger universities. I was the President of my high school BPA Chapter, so I always knew I wanted to major in something business-related. This led me to choose the Romaic College of Business. What makes them special to me is that I feel like my experience is valued and I am not just a number. I have received amazing support from faculty and the general USI community. My professors know me on a personal level and are invested in my education.
Why did you choose your current major (Management) and minor (HR Management)?
I was originally a Business Administration major, which allows you to take a variety of courses in business-related topics. This led me to take a management class, which I enjoyed so much that it made me change my major. I chose to minor in Human Resources because I have always enjoyed learning about employee relations and the diverse areas within HR. I ended up shadowing an HR generalist and experiencing how involved and ever-changing their days were, which sold me on the path. I really enjoy meeting new people and being a liaison, so I was pulled to the employee relations part of Human Resources.
What are some of your favorite spots on campus and why?
I love to sit in the UC East downstairs. There is a couch that is a great place to people-watch and study. I really enjoy spending time there with friends, drinking coffee, and doing homework. I also like to sit at the tables behind the piano stairs in the BE. You get to be surrounded by classmates and an energetic atmosphere.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen? What do you wish someone had told you?
Get involved: I have met my best friends through various organizations on campus. I would have never met some of these people if it weren’t for getting involved because we are all different majors and never would have run into each other in class. Not only does campus involvement allow you to make friends, but it also sets you up for great experiences that will help you advance in your future career.
What made you decide to pursue being president of BPA?
I was the president of this organization in high school and knew the amazing opportunities that it brings students. I felt it would be a great organization to bring to campus, and when my advisors approached me about starting it on campus, I knew as a former president, I could offer a lot of great input to help get the chapter started here at USI.
Tell us more about your organization and why USI students should get involved with it!
Business Professionals of America is open to all majors. BPA allows students to enhance their participation in professional, civic, service, and social endeavors. We push students to accomplish their goals of self-improvement, leadership development, professionalism, career development, and so much more, all while having fun. Since we are new on campus, we have the ability to mold the future of USI BPA and shape the organization into what we, as students, want it to be.
A fun fact about you:
A fun fact about me is I named my dog after Thor’s dad, Oden, but I call him Oddie. He is a 1.5 year-old Yorkie Poo who is super energetic and way too spoiled.
Published September 14, 2023