CU Business Intensive Certificate

Overview

Graduates face an increasingly competitive job market where business skills can complement one’s degree and enhance marketability. The CU Business Intensive Certificate (CUBIC) program has been refining students’ understanding of business concepts for more than 11 years!

This three-week, non-credit certification program teaches fundamental business skills, the importance of group work and career development skills to non-business majors. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Certificate in Applied Business and will have earned a competitive edge when entering the job market.

WHEN: May 14–June 1, 2012 or June 11–29, 2012
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm

WHERE: University of Colorado at Boulder campus
Leeds School of Business

WHAT: Students learn about key concepts in accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Students also benefit from personalized career development programs with Human Resource professionals, including résumé critiques and mock interviews.

Sample Schedule

WHY CUBIC: 10+ years of experience providing college juniors, seniors and recent graduates with a career advantage by teaching non-business majors basic business principles and personalized career development to prepare them for the ‘real world’.

PARENT TESTIMONIAL

My son is an E-biology student at CU. When we received information about the CUBIC program, it was an opportunity to continue in his current coursework but enhance it with a business focus. The immersion program gave him the ability to concentrate on his business studies, without the distraction or pressure of his required curriculum. He enjoyed his teammates, and formed relationships outside his major. I know this business training will be extremely useful in whatever direction his degree takes him.

From a practical standpoint, the career development education (resume writing, social networking for employment opportunities) he received was worth the price of the program! The one on one assistance they provided was invaluable – no more harping from his parents needed. I sincerely endorse the CUBIC program as an essential aspect of any non-business undergraduate education.

—Rebecca A. Askew, Esq.

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:

“CUBIC did a great job of providing me with a basic understanding of the business world. Being an arts and sciences major, the majority of my classes have not focused on real world life and business skill that were taught in CUBIC. Learning about accounting and finance greatly enhanced my understanding of how to run a business and allocate resources. The career days enhanced my ability to present myself to the business world by focusing on interviewing skills as well as how to properly present your résumé.”

—Ben G., Integrative Physiology; May 2011

Chipotle

Students who participate in CUBIC will also have the unique opportunity to apply business theories and tools to a Chipotle cohesion case. Students will visit a Chipotle location for a behind-the-scenes look at their business and will have guest judges from Chipotle at their final business plan presentation.

TUITION: $3,800.

Tuition includes curriculum, all materials, company field trips, lunch and snacks on all class days along with access to HR professionals and CUBIC alumni. Housing and additional meal options are available during June at an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to enroll in the CUBIC program?

Non-business undergraduate students with a minimum of 60 credit hours at the end of Spring Semester 2012 from any accredited college or university are eligible. Recent graduates who received their non-business Bachelor's degree no more than two years ago are also eligible.

Can I earn university credit?

No, CUBIC is designed to provide motivated students an intensive high-level introduction to business. CUBIC is not intended to substitute regular university courses. Participants graduate from the program with a Certificate in Applied Business from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

What is the attendance policy?

In order to graduate with a CUBIC certificate, students cannot miss more than three ½ day sessions. Attendance will be taken at random throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. We suggest that students do not commit to a job that begins before 6:00pm during CUBIC.

Can I use financial aid for the CUBIC Program?

No, traditional financial aid is not available as CUBIC is a non-credit program. A limited number of scholarships are available (requests due by March 31, 2012).

What is the typical class size?

Each class usually has 50 students (maximum 75 students). This size is large enough to promote diverse opinions and discussions, but small enough to allow individual attention from instructors and staff.

Are exams, homework or grades given?

There is homework, but no tests or letter grades are given. Homework assignments will be designed to illustrate business concepts and to build knowledge. Participants meet an average of 10-15 hours outside of classroom time to work on their business plan.

What is the Entrepreneurial Business Plan Challenge?

Students will be provided with a rich curriculum dedicated to the core areas of academic business study that will be utilized in developing an innovative business plan for a new product or service. On the last day of CUBIC, teams will present their projects to a panel of experts and their classmates. Projects will be judged and prizes awarded for the most feasible and well-constructed project. CUBIC faculty will mentor students to ensure the successful completion of their team projects.

Will I need to buy textbooks and other materials?

No, the expense of all course materials are included in the price of the program.

Do I need a laptop computer for class?

No, a laptop computer is not needed during class time. All materials and important information will be posted on a designated website.

What is the dress code?

On most days the attire is casual. We strongly encourage students to dress in business casual or regular business attire on days they are meeting with HR professionals, on field trips and during the business plan judging.

How will CUBIC benefit my future?

Business knowledge is critical and universal across all industries; CUBIC helps provide confidence in knowing and understanding business. It also provides a foundation for students so that they can start investing and saving for their personal financial future. We also focus on career development so students can work on their résumé, interviewing skills and meeting HR professionals.