UC Riverside’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM) is proud to have co-hosted the recent University of California SIEML Conference alongside the six fellow UC business schools. This immersive business and career leadership experience, held May 20 to May 31, 2024, on the UC Davis campus, welcomed 50 high-caliber students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI).
What is SIEML?
The Summer Institute for Emerging Management Leaders (SIEML) is a unique program designed to introduce talented undergraduates to the exciting world of graduate business education at the University of California system. Over the course of two weeks, participants gain valuable insights through:
- Engaging lectures from UC faculty on relevant topics,
- Interactive workshops that foster collaboration and skill development,
- A real-world case competition with funding opportunities, and
- Exposure to all six UC business schools, each hosting the conference for a day and showcasing their unique programs and faculty.
The structure of SIEML ensures that students not only learn theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience. Each activity is carefully designed to prepare participants for the challenges of graduate education and future careers in management. By experiencing the UC system first-hand, students are able to see the breadth of resources, faculty expertise, and academic opportunities available across campuses.
AGSM at SIEML
The UC Riverside School of Business hosted SIEML participants on May 23. The day’s agenda highlighted the strengths of AGSM’s faculty, alumni, and programs. The schedule began with a thought-provoking lecture by Assistant Professor Mindy Truong on "Reducing Biases in Organizations and Understanding Microaggressions." Her talk provided participants with tools to recognize and address subtle forms of bias, an essential skill for future leaders seeking to foster equity in the workplace.
Following the lecture, attendees engaged with AGSM alumni through a panel and discussion session. This panel gave students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals who once stood in their shoes. Alumni shared their career journeys, insights on navigating graduate business school, and advice on building resilience in competitive industries.
Later in the day, Assistant Professor Demetrius Lewis delivered a captivating lecture on "Building Social Capital and Strategic Networks." His session emphasized the importance of relationships and community-building in achieving long-term success, underscoring how networking serves as a foundation for career advancement and leadership.
The day concluded with a comprehensive overview of AGSM’s graduate programs and the application process. Staff members provided clarity on admissions, scholarships, and opportunities for student engagement, encouraging participants to envision themselves as part of the UCR graduate community.
Investing in Diversity
SIEML is a cornerstone initiative in our ongoing commitment to fostering diversity within our graduate programs. By introducing talented students from various backgrounds to the exceptional educational opportunities offered by UC business schools, we can cultivate a future generation of business leaders who reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. The program underscores the belief that representation matters and that diverse perspectives lead to stronger, more innovative solutions in the business world.
Programs like SIEML also help dismantle barriers by making graduate business education accessible and approachable. For students from HBCUs and HSIs, exposure to UC campuses, faculty, and alumni demonstrates that pathways to advanced study and impactful careers are open and attainable.
Are you interested in pursuing a graduate business degree at UCR’s AGSM? We encourage you to visit our website business.ucr.edu/graduate to learn more about our programs and the application process.
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