Spring Branch ISD Featured News

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy of Business in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) recently offered senior students  a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore New York City's financial district. The three-day excursion was provided invaluable insights into the job application and recruiting process.

Students visited some of the top companies in the industry, including PwC, CBRE, and UBS, where they had a chance to meet with recruiters and industry experts. The educational component of the trip was complemented by enrichment activities, including a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and a viewing of the Broadway play, Back to the Future.

For Stratford alumnus Caroline Baerg, who participated in the program in 2014, it was a chance to mentor a new generation of future financial leaders. Currently employed in finance in New York City, Baerg attributes her passion for the field to her own Academy of Business experience.

Much like it did for her, Baerg hopes the recent trip will inspire and encourage students to delve into the diverse opportunities that a career in business has to offer.

“For me, the Academy of Business was instrumental in instilling great financial principles through core classes, such as accounting and money management,” said Baerg.  “The program also provided a strong foundation for future learning, helped me stand out in interviews, and prepared me for my first internship.”

Meetings with financial institutions are set up via business partner connections through the Academy of Business. Strong connections between industry and the classroom are critical components of successful CTE instruction, and something that instructor Paul Colquitt sees as transformative. “They provide a huge advantage when recruiters are looking to hire,” said Colquitt.

Equally significant for Baerg is the personal experience. “Venturing out of one's comfort zone is vital to growth and experiences like this provide that,” said Baerg. “This program helped narrow down my career path early on and grow my network for future opportunities.”

For more information about SBISD’s Academy of Business, visit the CTE website. There, you can learn more about the 26 Programs of Study offered in SBISD.