Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the BOLD@Olin Summer Pre-Collegiate Program at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis (commonly referred to as WashU). BOLD stands for Business Opportunities and Leadership Development, a program designed to give high school upperclassmen a taste of collegiate business education and practical leadership experience. The competitive application process resulted in 45 rising juniors and seniors from 17 states being selected to attend.
Setting the Scene
Founded in 1853 and relocating in 1905 to its current ‘Hilltop Campus’ location just west of the city of St Louis, the WashU campus is beautiful. Blending historic Collegiate Gothic style architecture with modern facilities, it evokes a sense of tradition and academic excellence. The newer structures, including the Bauer Hall complex where many of our sessions took place, boast sleek, contemporary designs with state-of-the-art amenities. The campus is lush and green, with beautifully landscaped gardens and open spaces that provide a serene backdrop for study and reflection.
WashU is renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. The Olin Business School is celebrated for its innovative approach to business education, integrating real-world experience with academic theory. The BOLD program embodies this philosophy, offering a unique blend of classroom learning and hands-on real-world projects.
The BOLD@Olin Program
One of the highlights of the program was learning from the Olin Business School faculty. We had presentations from Olin Dean Paige LaRose and from Professors in Marketing, Value Creation & Game Theory, Microeconomics and Finance. We delved into the various business disciplines, gaining insights that would be valuable in any future career path. Additionally, we had the chance to apply what we learned through a consulting project with a local school. This project culminated in a presentation, where we showcased our findings and recommendations.
Focus on Personal and Professional Development
The program also emphasized personal and professional development. We participated in a resume workshop, providing practical tips on creating a compelling resume that stands out. A personal branding session followed, which helped us understand how to present ourselves authentically and effectively.
Another memorable workshop was the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment which helped us identify our unique strengths and how to utilize them effectively in both personal and professional settings. This Strengths assessment was also informative from the perspective of leadership and group dynamics and was one of my favorite parts of the program.
After the completion of the program, we also had an optional follow-up session with Professor Thomas, who also led our personal branding session, where we took a deep dive into LinkedIn and learned how to most effectively leverage the platform for networking and career opportunities. This ended up being a small group and Professor Thomas was incredibly generous with her time and expertise.
Cultural Experiences in St Louis
Beyond the academic and professional development sessions, exploring St. Louis with fellow students was a highlight of the program. We had a diverse group, with students from both the local area and across the country, which made for rich and varied interactions.
We dined at a local restaurant and took a trip up the iconic St. Louis Arch, offering amazing views of the city. These excursions not only allowed us to bond in a more relaxed atmosphere but also to experience the city’s culture and history firsthand.
Reflecting on My Experience at Olin Business School
Attending the BOLD@Olin Summer Pre-Collegiate Program was an enriching experience that provided opportunities for growth in business education, personal development, and cultural exploration.
For me the best aspect of the program came from the interplay between the networking opportunities and the new skills we gained to leverage them. It was amazing to connect with other students who are thought peers, as well as experienced Olin Professors, all of whom were so generous with their time. Learning how to pitch ourselves effectively (always a little uncomfortable for the uninitiated!) and then developing the connections into a new and lasting community was incredibly fulfilling.
Similarly to my experience at the HOBY Leadership Seminar last month, my time at WashU brought into focus the idea that if we don’t push ourselves out into the world and out of our comfort zones, we get stuck in the same feedback loop. Growth only happens when the stimulus and the feedback changes. BOLD@Olin was undoubtedly a valuable growth experience for me.
Read my reflections Columbia’s Entrepreneurship summer program in 2023 here.