Practical Application for Careers
and Enterprises - The PACE Program
PACE is
a hands-on, minds-on experience in which teams of students actively apply what
they are learning to real organizations and real careers. Through PACE activities,
students move beyond case studies and projects to working with real colleagues,
real clients, real projects and real challenges - plus the decisions, frustrations
and results that come with them.
First
Year PACE - Think Like An Entrepreneur
PACE I and PACE II
teaches students to "to think like an entrepreneur," develop an organization
and write a business plan. To "think like an entrepreneur"; means to
constantly look for new opportunities, identify ways to create value and apply
the resources you have to take advantage of opportunities.
- PACE
I: Consulting for Not-for-Profit & Government Organizations
The project
starts on the first day of class when each PACE team begins transforming their
team of students into an organization of consultants who will provide management
consulting services for a client organization. The service/consulting project
provides a valuable opportunity to build real-world experience and contribute
to the community through enhancing the operations of client service organization.
- PACE II: Developing an Entrepreneurial Venture
During the
2nd semester, each PACE team develops a plan for a significant business opportunity
(a "big" idea). The plans are written and presented in a public forum.
Students who want to go from "thinking like an entrepreneur"
to "being an entrepreneur" can implement their PACE plan or an entirely
different plan of their choice in the two semester second-year elective course
"New Ventures to Launch." "Being an entrepreneur" in the New
Ventures class means ...real revenues...no textbooks.
Second
Year PACE - Leading Ethical and Sustainable Organizations
Willamette
Early Career MBA students learn first hand about ethics and sustainability through
PACE III and The Oregon Ethics in Business Awards. The Oregon Ethics in Business
Awards (www.willamette.edu/agsm/ethics) honor organizations and individuals who
have demonstrated ethical business practice in its broadest interpretation: in
the workplace, the marketplace, the environment, and the community.
- PACE
III: Leading Ethical and Sustainable Organizations
Students research and interview
nominees and all relevant stakeholders of the nominees for Oregon Ethics in Business
Awards. These activities provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to learn
abouit ethics, see managers as ethical decision-makers, review organizational
systems that encourage ethical behavior, and personally network with the people
and leaders who play an important role in the region.
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