More than 90 percent of the people involved in Ohio Business Week are volunteers. Ohio Business has a wide range of professional development and volunteer opportunities available to fit the busy lifestyle of today's business executive.
Speakers
Top-notch speakers are scheduled throughout the week to share their experience and insight about business with OBW students, volunteers and alumni. Though the vast majority of speakers are content-based, motivational speakers are also scheduled.
Topics
Topics include entrepreneurship, elements of cost, elements of marketing, personal finance, influencing others, business communications & writing, planning & investing, and customer service.
Format
General Assemblies are one hour in length and attended by the entire OBW student body. Smaller group assemblies are shorter in length, consist of 50-75 and are more interactive.
Consultants
Consultants visit company "headquarters" to work one-on-one with students on their business, financial and marketing plans, depending on their area of expertise. Consultants review each company's work, answer questions, troubleshoot problems, give students a "reality check" on projections, and provide support and encouragement to students and CAs.
Company Advisors
A company advisor (CA) serves as a mentor to a "company" of 10-12 students. The CA guides their company through team-building exercises, company meetings, officer elections, speaker discussions and the Emerging Entrepreneur Project.
Apply to be a CA for OBW 2008!
Professional Development
The CA program is one of the best professional development sessions available. CAs participate in seminars on current business topics, network with other professionals, and enhance their mentoring, communication and time management skills. CAs rise to the challenge of getting their team of "future employees" moving in the right direction to accomplish their goals.
Time Commitment
Ohio Business Week is for one full week, running from Sunday to Saturday. CAs arrive the Saturday before OBW begins to attend one day of mandatory training. With daily programming beginning at 8 am and concluding around 9 pm, the week is a very challenging yet rewarding experience.
A Rewarding Experience
"I would recommend serving as a company advisor to friends and colleagues. This is a great opportunity for business people to give back."
Keri DeVelvis, The Scotts Company
"OBW is a great program for future young business leaders!"
Jeff Stare, State Farm Insurance
OBW is a great opportunity to give back to our youth while enhancing your own management skills."
Beverly Tate, OSU University Hospitals East
Volunteering at OBW is a very rewarding experience
Contact the Foundation to request more information about volunteer opportunities at the program and in your local community.
