Music, networking and an innovative bingo game greeted new and returning College of Business students to the start-of-semester tradition, “Welcome to the BizLife.”

A celebration of education, the September 1 event highlighted the resources the College of Business offers its students including advising, career management and international studies, as well as the multiple student organizations.

Freshman Shreeja Patel, an international business major, picked up brochures at several student organizations tables and at Career Management Services.

“I want to join some of the organizations and came to see what they’re about,” said Patel, who is from Sarasota. “Once I get everything situated, I’ll go to career management and start looking for opportunities.”

Representatives from event sponsor PwC introduced students to the firm’s leadership opportunities, establishing early connections with potential interns and new hires. Each year, PwC recruits between 60 and 70 FIU students for their multiple internships as well as full-time positions.

“At FIU we have the ability to connect with the next generation of leaders,” said Rafael Garcia, tax partner at PwC, urging students to be “very strategic” about the opportunities they will encounter. “It’s important to have a global mind so you can maximize the time and effort you have dedicated to getting good grades and obtaining your degrees.”

Orlando Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in finance, took advantage of the networking opportunity to connect with Garcia and other PwC representatives. Upon graduating, he plans to become a risk analyst, one of the practices PwC offers.

“I’m already looking for internships, and events like this allow you to develop relationships, to get more information,” said Gonzalez. “I want to know what steps I should start taking now to get that internship opportunity.”

In his opening remarks, Jose Aldrich, acting dean of the College of Business, stressed the role that networking plays in students’ success. “It’s tremendously important to get involved with the university,” he added. “Once you create the relationships, the opportunities are there.”

Welcome to the BizLife also opened doors for a dozen College of Business student organizations. “It’s a good opportunity to get students interested,” said Deidre Oge, a business management major and member of the International Business Honor Society.

Career Management Services counselors were on hand to offer details on various programs and the FIU Business Global Initiatives department featured information about the College of Business international study opportunities. Not one to miss an event, Roary stopped by to hang out with the students.