SIFE teaches members business skills

Students in Free Enterprise at the University of Tennessee work hard to learn the tools they need to succeed in today's business world.

SIFE is a nationally-sponsored program dedicated to developing leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise. SIFE is involved with many community projects that assist them in developing those skills while they are still in college, SIFE President Jessica Bookstaff said.

One of the biggest projects this semester was the Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Seminar, where SIFE team members and distinguished faculty from UT held a full-day seminar for the Boy Scouts which involved lectures and activities. Team members provided guidance along with creating student activities, Bookstaff said.

"We offered three badges to the scouts -- American business, salesmanship and personal management," she said.

In the spring, SIFE will begin their work/seminar programs, one of which is an interview skills workshop targeted at women in a low income bracket who are trying to get back on their feet in the workplace, Bookstaff said. Another program will be directed at senior citizens and their familiarity with computers.

"The computer workshop is targeted to senior citizens and teaches them the basic computer skills, including Internet use and software applications," she said.

A third program is a personal finance seminar designed to inform students about using credit wisely, planning for investments and preparing for the future. SIFE is also working with Ernie Cadotte, professor of marketing, logistics and transportation, assisting him in recruiting teams for his High School Internet Marketplace Competition, Bookstaff said.

"This educational program offers high school students an intellectual challenge in business management that is both stimulating and fun," she said.

The competition involves high school teams from all over the country, and it takes the form of a simulation that is played out over the Internet. The program was developed by the College of Business Administration and the Department of Continuing Studies and Distance Education.

"This program is a way for high school students to develop business decision-making skills," she said.

To learn more about SIFE or how to become a member, contact Monique Anderson, director of undergraduate programs for the College of Business Administration, at 974-2341.