MTSU Gives Students Real-World Experience
Business and music programs at MTSU offer students industry expertise.
Real-world experience is integrated into many programs at Middle Tennessee State University, including its music and business programs.
In the Nashville area, there are more aspiring artists than opportunities to make a living in the music business. Recognizing this, MTSU’s recording industry department offers a unique advantage, providing student artists and songwriters the chance to submit two of their songs directly to Sony/ATV’s creative team. A lucky few have the chance to go on to perform two more songs at a live showcase, and possibly spend a day at the publishers’ Music Row studios.
MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business is also implementing a new initiative designed to give students industry experience. Beginning in the fall of 2015, all students the College of Business will be required to complete the Dale Carnegie professional development course.
“It’s a course that teaches students the ‘soft skills’ they need to succeed in business,” says David Urban, dean of the Jones College. “Part of it is teamwork and relationship building, and part of it is oral communication, leadership, and positive attitude formation. All of those things – presented in the way that Dale Carnegie associates teach them – are going to give our students a leg up. We are the only business school in the country doing this, so it’s going to be a competitive advantage for our students once they enter the job market.”
“The more we can do for our students, the more attractive they are to employers and the easier it will be for them to get hired,” Urban says.
