Students often make the mistake of focusing their education too narrowly. Because they assume that more specialization is always better, they fail to take advantage of the breadth of courses available at a university like VCU. Because the world of business changes rapidly, specific knowledge is likely to have a very short half life. As a result, after graduating, students will need to continue to learn and adapt rapidly to a constantly changing environment. In general, those with a broad-based undergraduate education will be best able to adjust.

It is those students who have learned how to learn, how to think critically, how to work in teams, and how to communicate effectively who will be most successful at adapting to change. Graduates who are well rounded, who have a sense of history and have been exposed to the great literature of the world, will find the business landscape easier to navigate.

Here at VCU we attempt to ensure that undergraduates receive a well-rounded education through a structured curriculum. But it is up to each student to choose wisely when selecting electives. Don’t be afraid to explore by moving outside your comfort zone when selecting courses; and don’t be afraid to participate actively in student organizations. The more broad based are your undergraduate experiences, the more options you are likely to have, and the more successful you are likely to be, after you graduate.