University of Evansville: The Schroeder School of Business Administration

GAP: The Global Assistance Program

The School of Business Administration is going through another transformation as it works to integrate its new Global Assistance Program into its growing curriculum.

The new program will give students interested in business more opportunities to gain real-life experience as well as provide UE with another means of interacting with the local community.

“The current curriculum is the strongest experience-based learning process in the country," said Bob Clark, dean of the School of Business Administration. “This [program] will help to make UE a more prominent figure in the community."

Clark said he developed GAP by listening to and pinpointing the needs of local businesses.

Senior business, engineering and computer science students are eligible to apply. A resume, letter of application, reason for interest in the program and three references are required for consideration.

“It is a great way to learn," Clark said. “There are no structured lessons like you would find in a textbook. Students are provided with solid practical experience in addressing business issues in a work environment."

Students involved in GAP will gain real-world experience that not only develops their business sense, but also provides them with a more appealing resume.

“Local companies gain by drawing on the bright students we have here at UE for insight and a fresh perspective on business," said Kristina Setzekorn, assistant professor of management. “It is a way for UE to be involved in the community."

Businesses such as Whirlpool have already shown interest in the program. Whirlpool collaborated with UE students last summer in an effort to refine the new program.

“The student profits by developing a professional network they can call upon in the future," Setzekorn said.

Through GAP, students are able to collaborate, combine their respective knowledge and create a solution to an actual issue of a real-world company. “All businesses are global these days," Clark said. "[It’s global] whether they market their product over the Internet or import their product from a foreign country.”

Faculty have also become involved, acting as resources and helping guide students through the problem-solving process. “As the program evolves over the next few years it may be integrated fully into the curriculum and become a standard for seniors entering the business field," Clark said.

GAP Student Internships

We have an exciting opportunity for seniors wanting to apply and demonstrate the knowledge; technical, business and social skills they’ve developed at UE to international business contexts. You will participate with a team of three or four fellow UE seniors to find business solutions for firms operating, or wanting to operate, globally.

To apply for these internships, please send your resume, a letter of application explaining your interest and qualifications and a list of three references (at least two UE faculty members) to: