To kick off the school year, the School of Business Leadership Council (SBLC) hosted a Club Rush for business-affiliated clubs on campus. The Club Rush took place on Wednesday, October 10 at the Highlander Union Building, where students could communicate with board and general members of Accounting Society, Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), Association for Information Systems, American Marketing Association, Beta Alpha Psi, Graduate Ambassadors, Business Strategy Club, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Highlander Consulting Group, Hylander Finance Group, Undergraduate Business Association and the Latino Business Student Association. The event provided a central space for students to explore their options, meet student leaders, and discover which organization could best support their personal, professional, and academic goals throughout the year.

Several notable board members were in attendance, such as Sachi Rajguroo, president of Association for Information Systems, Vivian Luong, president of the Highlander Business Society, and Hammad Manjra, president of Highlander Consulting Group, among other club members who were present to represent their organizations. Their presence emphasized the commitment of student leaders to mentor their peers and share the value of joining professional clubs on campus. By hearing directly from presidents and board members, students were able to gain a clearer sense of what each club stands for, the opportunities it offers, and how membership can enhance their experience at the School of Business.

As part of the event, the SBLC also hosted a Q&A panel so attendees were able to learn more about the benefits of each prospective club. Panelists discussed the types of events clubs host, ranging from networking mixers and resume workshops to case competitions and guest speaker sessions. Many organizations also highlighted the chance to develop leadership skills by serving on committees or running for board positions, providing practical experience that translates into future internships and full-time careers. The panel allowed students to ask questions about time commitments, membership requirements, and the value of joining more than one organization, giving them the tools to make informed decisions about how to get involved.

David Tinico, a 3rd-year business student with a concentration in Finance, stated that as a result of the Club Rush, he was interested in joining the American Marketing Association or Latino Business Student Association with the goal of securing an internship in his field. His reflection illustrated the purpose of the event: connecting students to the organizations that can help them develop the skills and networks needed to advance their professional goals. For many students, Club Rush served as the first step toward forming meaningful relationships and gaining exposure to industries that align with their interests.

All of the featured organizations at Club Rush are hosting upcoming events, including meetings with top executives, case preparation sessions, community outreach projects, and various professional development workshops. These events are designed not only to provide knowledge but also to create hands-on experiences where students can practice the skills they are learning in the classroom. Whether it is through networking with alumni, practicing interview techniques, or collaborating with peers on consulting projects, participation in these clubs helps business students strengthen their resumes and prepare for careers in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and beyond.

For more information regarding the business clubs at UCR, please visit the School of Business’s website, where all the clubs are featured. The website provides links to individual club pages, meeting schedules, and contact information for student leaders, making it easy for interested students to get involved. The School of Business encourages all students to take advantage of these opportunities, as joining clubs is one of the most effective ways to enhance the academic journey and set the foundation for future success.