With just weeks until his college graduation, the time was ideal for finance major Alejandro J. Medina to contemplate his future. Happily, Medina was one of two students from Beta Gamma Sigma, the student honor society in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU), selected to attend the organization’s National Student Leadership Forum in Memphis, Tennessee from November 3-6, 2011.

“Through workshops and activities, I learned much about leadership and what I was going to do with my future,” Medina said. “I realized more about my goals and what obstacles I need to overcome. It was an eye-opening opportunity.”

Bruno Cevallos, majoring in finance, international business and economics, is enthusiastic about what he gained.

“I learned that leaders need to face doubts, realizing that uncertainty can be part of leadership,” he said.

One of the most comprehensive days of the forum centered on “Learning to Read the Signs: What Kind of Leader Can I Be?” The challenging self-discovery program helped these high-achievers learn to uncover the values driving business and personal decisions.

“For instance, being unhappy in your work is a sign you’re not where you should be,” Cevallos said.

Both students appreciated networking with the 80 students attending the event.

“It’s almost weird to feel such an instant connection,” Medina said. “There was so much commonality in goals, achievements, even personalities. We talked about everything from our universities to internship opportunities.”

“We also got to see a bit of Memphis, including having dinner at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home,” Cevallos said.

Beta Gamma Sigma is a mark of excellence. 

“This honor society actively promotes and recognizes academic excellence at FIU’s business college,” said chapter advisor Clifford Perry. “Beta Gamma Sigma, recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), provides students with a lifetime membership and lets them place this academic distinction on their résumé.”

Since 2002, Beta Gamma Sigma at FIU has inducted the top 10 percent of the undergraduate class and the top 20 percent of the graduate class.

Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam is a board member for the national organization.