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Background

Business students can benefit from professional development opportunities. For instance, integrating professional certifications into business classes will increase student success in connecting with the real world and help secure employment. Some popular professional certifications or licenses include accounting, finance, cybersecurity, project management, and more. In addition, attending professional conferences, training, and workshops adds unique value to students’ professional development.

Eligibility 

  • Must be enrolled in undergraduate or master’s programs at the EGSCoB. (MBA online cohort, DBA, and PhD students are not eligible). 
  • Good academic standing. 
  • Have not received this award in the past two years. 

Students will submit a proposal for specific funding requests. Items can be considered include but not limited to: 

  • With specific learning outcomes embedded in a business class, professional certification or license exam, or prep course for these exams. 
  • Necessary expenses for research projects with clear research outcomes. 
  • Necessary expense for poster printing at the UMSL Undergraduate Research Symposium or similar engagements. 
  • Travel expenses to regional research or professional conferences if presenting. 
  • Other appropriate expenses with strong justification. 
  • Expenditures must directly support the approved professional development activity and comply with university purchasing and reimbursement policies. 

All requests must be approved by department chairs before submission. 

Students must complete the approved activity and submit the required documentation verifying the completion. (For instance, if a student has been awarded travel support to present at a conference, the student must provide evidence of presenting at the conference.) Failure to do so will result in forfeiture or repayment of the award and may affect the student’s eligibility for future funding opportunities. 

All expenses must comply with the UM system rules and regulations. 

Annual funding is subject to available resources. Awards will be approved until allocated funds for that academic year are exhausted. Award amounts will vary based on demonstrated need, availability of funds, and committee evaluation. Awards may range from partial funding to a maximum of $500 per student.

  • Student submits a proposal approved and signed by department chairs to Dr. Gerald Gao (gaogy@umsl.edu). The proposal must clearly demonstrate the need for support and its potential impact on professional success. The proposal will also list the timeline and when the outcome will be achieved.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. Students must apply at least four weeks before the time expenses will be needed to allow time to review the proposal.
  • Evaluation and criteria. A committee led by Dr. Gerald Gao will review the proposal and determine the award and the amount. Reviewing criteria include the potential impact, the significance of the need, and other relevant aspects.
  • Award and Funds. Dr. Gerald Gao will notify the student of the decision. If awarded, the student will work with the department chair and business manager to receive the award or be allowed to submit documentation for reimbursement.
Students will be required to provide a final report to demonstrate the outcome and impact of the award. Depending on the funded proposal, the student may be asked to submit to the UMSL Student Research Symposium, present, or share the outcome with the broader community.