### A Summer of Opportunity: UAB CampBIZ Empowers Future Leaders
Nearly 20 high school students marked their summer vacation with a purposeful journey into the world of business at the second annual UAB CampBIZ. This weeklong academic day camp, held in June, offered an immersive experience designed to boost business knowledge and equip students for their upcoming college transition through a series of enlightening workshops and engaging discussions led by seasoned professionals in the field.
### Engaging Themes: Business Meets Science & Technology
The theme for this year’s CampBIZ, “Business Meets Science & Technology,” provided a compelling backdrop for the activities and learning experiences that unfolded throughout the week. Students had the unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations and trends at UAB, beginning with a captivating tour of the UAB Technology Innovation Center. Under the guidance of Executive Director of Infrastructure, Rachel Moorehead, students witnessed firsthand how technology drives business solutions in today’s landscape.
In addition, the campers explored the new UAB Science and Engineering Complex, accompanied by School of Engineering Associate Dean Andrew Sullivan, MSc, PE. This peek behind the scenes allowed them to appreciate the intersection of scientific inquiry and commercial viability, reinforcing the camp’s central theme.
### Insights from Industry Experts
The essence of CampBIZ was enriched through guest speakers from the Birmingham business community who shared invaluable insights and real-world experiences. Notable speakers included Dr. Anthony Hood, former Vice President and Chief Access Officer for First Horizon Bank, and Jessica Watts, the innovative owner of the House Plant Collective. They offered perspectives on the evolving business landscape and highlighted the significance of adaptability and creativity in today’s workforce.
Adding to the lineup was Hilary Batista, last year’s CampBIZ coordinator, who currently serves as a copywriter at Telegraph Creative. Her journey inspired students to think critically about the choices they make as they prepare for their futures.
### Hands-On Learning Experiences
Beyond lectures and presentations, CampBIZ emphasized hands-on learning, ensuring that participants could apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. A standout activity was “The Perfect Pitch,” organized by the Collat Career Center. Students crafted and practiced their elevator pitches in real time, riding the elevators of the Collat building. This creative exercise infused excitement into the traditional pitch format, empowering students to build confidence in their communication skills.
Compounding this experience was a mini career event where students interacted with representatives from local organizations such as the Birmingham Barons, UAB Solar House, QuantHub, and the Birmingham Business Alliance. These interactions allowed students to network and practice their skills in a supportive environment, reinforcing their learning and opening doors for future opportunities.
### Celebrating Achievement and Leadership
The culmination of CampBIZ was a festive banquet featuring a keynote address by Valerie Alexander of Speak Happiness. Valerie shared invaluable leadership tactics with the students and presented them with a copy of her book, “Success as a Second Language.” Her insights provided inspiration and tactical advice that students can carry into their respective futures.
The evening also featured appearances from UAB alums who are making waves in their careers, including Ella Stanley, an Economic Empowerment Advisor with Inspiritus Refugee Services, and Magan Weeks, a recruiter at Books-a-Million. Their stories demonstrated the diverse paths one can take after leaving UAB, further motivating students to pursue their dreams.
### A Unified Vision
Alicia Clavell McCall, the camp director and senior instructor at the Collat School of Business, emphasized the significance of CampBIZ: “It reflects UAB’s shared values that we are better together.” By uniting current students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, educators, and community business leaders, CampBIZ fosters an environment of collaboration and advancement, keeping the spirit of community at its core.
As the camp came to a close, it left an indelible mark on the participants, providing them with not just skills, but also a network of connections and resources to support their burgeoning careers. With such a potent mix of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, CampBIZ remains a beacon of opportunity for high school students looking toward their future.