Organizational Studies

As the founding Director of the Organizational Studies Program, it has been a pleasure to watch and listen to students present analyses of and solutions to difficult complex problems---such as adequate funding for public schools in Ohio, developing a more effective student residence allocation system at Denison, and advising a local coffee shop on how to restructure and improve its operation. Students have surprised themselves with their professionalism.

Dear Dick, just a note to tell you how pleased I am with the way the first Org. Studies Seminar has gone. I have received several letters from students and alumni testifying to the value of the program and what a great experience it was. It's nice to start with a resounding success! I hope you will share with your colleagues on the faculty what a good start you've had with the program. Thanks for your leadership and hard work.

The Organizational Studies program at Denison offers exposure to the real world of business across a wide variety of professional fields to help Denison students across disciplines gain exposure to how decisions are made. I was particularly impressed with the breadth of types of speakers in the OS program - from backgrounds as diverse as corporate America to not-for-profit agencies. With this wide exposure to a variety of topics, the Organizational Studies program is invaluable in gaining perspective across a wide variety of business settings that is relevant, regardless of major. The exposure to the variety of career fields and the glimpse into a broad range of business types would have been a great asset to me in helping to decide "what I want to be when I grow up" - I wish that the OS program had been in existence when I was at Denison!

The Organizational Studies Program is an excellent way for students to learn how organizations, from corporations to not-for-profit entities, operate. It also provides an avenue to investigate career opportunities within particular fields and businesses.

I think the OS program is a fantastic way for students to expand their contact base and gain some real world knowledge and insight. Moreover, it is a great way for current students to establish a working relationship with a great resource: Denison alumni.

I think the Organizational Studies program is one of the best things Denison has going for it's students, particularly as a competitive advantage over other liberal arts programs. What a great opportunity for the students to stay on campus in the early part of the summer to get some real life exposure to different businesses and career choices. You will be going into the working world with more knowledge and exposure than many of your peers, which can only help you to make better choices regarding whatever you will do next. I was also impressed with the kids, and with Dr. Przybyla's development of the agenda. The students were highly motivated, and clearly interested in learning as much as they could from the presentations. They asked insightful questions, and were attentive throughout the entire day I was there. It seemed like there was a nice mixture of students with a variety of interests, which contributed to a well rounded group. And beyond the scheduled programs, there were also opportunities for the group to socialize together and maintain the continuity of the group, even beyond the day. Dr. Dave Przybyla did an excellent job organizing the presenters - I thought the variety of topics and the different presenters that were lined up gave the students such a broad spectrum of information, and varied exposure to all kinds of fields. All things considered, I was highly impressed with the Organizational Studies program. The benefit to the students will be long lasting, as they decide how to proceed after college and as they begin their own careers. I definitely enjoyed my day there presenting to the students, and would be happy to do it again in the future.

Unquestionably, the Organizational Studies Program was [one of] the most important steps of my undergraduate career. Through its rigorous seminar curriculum, experienced guest speakers, and available internship opportunities, I feel more equipped to pursue the career of my choice. Yet more important than this, I feel better prepared for the long life that is ahead of me. The skills that I can take away from the program, such as interdependently working within a larger group for a common goal, will help me to overcome many obstacles that I am sure to face in and out of the job world. Along these lines, the close ties and relationships that I developed with fellow students, faculty, and Denison alumni are some of my most treasured memories. I am sure that these connections will remain strong as I travel down the long road I have ahead. Remarkably, I feel as if the Organizational Studies Program has somehow given me an advantage over the majority of my peers - an advantage that I deem as priceless.

The Organizational Studies program was by far one of the most important experiences that I had while at Denison University. Having graduated just six weeks ago and begun a career with Bank One Corporate Audit, I can already see that value that I gained from being a participant in the Organizational Studies program. While the curriculum at Denison is incredibly strong and diverse, I often felt that there was a missing link. In retrospect, I realize that the Organizational Studies program served as that missing link in helping draw a connection between the variety of courses that I took while at Denison. During the interview process, employers often expressed a concern about my liberal arts background, especially with companies that typically recruited business majors. In response to that concern, I was able to provide them with my Organizational Studies experience. It seems as though the part of the program that most impressed potential employers was the connection between the internship experience and course work.

Being a member of the Organizational Studies program was the right choice. It was unquestionably the best experience I have ever had. I have never worked as hard as I did during the month of June. But I also never had such a good time either. I never thought that I would be able to say that I would enjoy pulling all-nighters in an effort to prepare for a presentation. However, the adrenaline rush that I got was unremarkable because I knew that I was part of a group that was doing something that some would argue was a near impossible task. And that is exactly what I learned to work as...a group. It was so great to have a group of students assembled who shared the same motivation and desire to learn and to succeed. They really were an unbelievable group of students. A group of friends that I will always have.

For me, hearing the stories of the many visiting alumni was both eye-opening and informative. We were able to speak with alumni and other professional businesspersons in areas ranging from advertising to entrepreneurship to non-profit organizations. I particularly enjoyed talking with the women speakers to see hwo they were able to "strike balance" between a professional and personal life. While they each did things differently, they were all more than willing to share information, helpful hints and answer any questions that I had.

Congratulations on your wonderful program. I wish I could have been there to hear the students' discussion/presentation about Thornwood Parkway. I bet they were surprised by their own professionalism. They are a credit to Denison and to you and the department. I think the program you have designed, especially as it includes the policy analysis stuff and the internship, is really ready for national recognition. No one is combining the business and academic to anything like the degree you are and Denison should embrace it and be proud! I am sure you are off somewhere resting up after the deluge (the program, not the rain) and savoring your success. You should be. The surprise visit to Cedar Point was a brilliant stroke. What a great way to reward the students for their hard work and to raise thier satisfaction in a final crescendo!