By Communication Consultant Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

Welcome Back Series, Part 1 – Fall 2021:

Can you believe it? From being completely away from the school, friends, and even family, to being accustomed to today’s virtual environment, we have already been remote for more than a year. However, with continuous effort and collaboration, we finished strong in the past year. Finally, we are now able to return to campus in person! With such exciting and encouraging news, the RCBC welcomes business students from all school years, along with several tips for both new and returning students in fall semester.

Dear Freshmen:

First and foremost, welcome the class of 2025! No more anxious waiting for school offers–you are now officially a part of the Lehigh family. The challenge ahead is to enjoy the transition from high school to college. But no worries, Lehigh Business College prepares you well from the very beginning.

Through taking a wide range of introductory courses in the first year, you will be able to have a general understanding of each field. Besides participating in various networking events, career fairs, and business clubs, do not forget to reach out to your professors. This might seem obvious, but we often tend to overlook the significance of building relationships with them. By actively engaging in class discussions and asking questions in office hours, you will benefit from these connections in your future study and even career.

Furthermore, take advantage of campus resources. Resources like the RCBC, the Writing and Math center, and the Center for Career and Professional Development are all great places to address any concerns you may have, especially in the beginning of your college life. With these resources, you could also start to build your resume at an early stage. Do not worry about not having any work or leadership experiences for now–you can describe your high school accomplishments and activities; you’ll gradually accumulate college experiences later on. For further information, you could refer to our Advice for First Year Students.

Dear Sophomores:

Congratulations to sophomores, you have now entered into a new stage of college life! Though the remote freshman year was challenging and not anticipated, it definitely strengthened your learning and adapting skills. And now you will begin to face various new decisions, including choosing major(s), expanding networks, and seeking potential internships. Considering major(s) in advance, you could visit your academic advisor to plan out your potential major courses. In addition, enhancing your resume and being familiar with resources like Handshake and LinkedIn enable you to sell yourself while building connections and finding different opportunities. Any open opportunities like externships or leadership experiences will make you stand out among peers and help your academic and professional path go smoother down the road. As we all know, it is always beneficial to plan ahead and actively enrich yourself rather than just sitting and waiting for something to happen. But at the same time, don’t be stressed out and remember to take a break for yourself as well. Additional information could be found in our Advice for Sophomores in Business.

Welcome freshmen and welcome back sophomores! Juniors and seniors, our welcome back message to you is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.