The Gibbons Business Program is expanding this year, and here is everything you need to know about it. With new initiatives, internships, and support from a generous donor family, the program is giving students a head start in the world of business before they even graduate.

Michael and Megann Gagnon have made a five-year commitment to help the business program grow, specifically in the area of the fellowship program, which has been renamed to the Gagnon Business Fellows Program. The Gagnon family’s contribution also helped establish the Gagnon Conference Room, a dedicated space where business students can collaborate, plan projects, and focus on developing their professional skills.

The Gagnon Business Fellows Programs

The fellowship program is the highest level of the Gibbons business track and gives students the chance to gain real-world experience through internships during the school day. Students are able to leave campus for two class periods, typically after lunch during flex and business periods, to participate in an eight-week intensive internship.

The program focuses on introducing students to the business world through practical application. Gibbons works with companies to match fellows with an internship that aligns with their interests and career goals.

For example, students Jackson Monsees, Jackson Richards, and Briggs Race, who are interested in construction management, are planning to meet with a construction company to explore internship opportunities. 

“The Fellows Program has been a great experience because it’s given me real exposure to the business world and allows us to learn directly from entrepreneurs and business leaders,” said Race. 

Race will be attending ECU next year to major in construction management and is excited by the possibility of interning with Loyd Builders.

Local coffee company Larry’s Coffee has also committed to hosting two student interns. In total, 11 students are currently participating in the fellowship program.

One unique component of the program is the podcast project. Each fellow must record a podcast interview with a professional. These podcasts will be published on YouTube in collaboration with the school’s media program and included in each student’s professional portfolio and LinkedIn profile.

“We are helping these students create professional wealth before they go off to college,” said Mrs. Debbie Taylor.

Fellow student, J.T. Denney, is in the process of interviewing for potential internships across the Triangle area. For his podcast project, Denney is planning to interview a local Raleigh entrepreneur who owns multiple franchises and real estate investments. 

“The class is more of a mentorship than a traditional class,” said Denney.

By the time business students graduate from Cardinal Gibbons, fellows will already have internship experience, a published podcast, and a professional online presence, giving them a strong head start for studying business in college.

Entrepreneurship

Students not yet in the fellowship track can participate in the school’s Entrepreneurship Program, which emphasizes practical business skills and competition between classes.

Students apply these skills by running campaigns at Holy Grounds. Each class develops promotional bundles and competes against other classes to generate the highest weekly gross profit.

For example, the St. Patrick’s Day promotion included a bundle featuring lemonade and a St. Patrick’s donut. Students who purchased the bundle got to spin a prize wheel with the chance of winning 10%, 50%, or even 100% off their next drink. Another class has organized a hot dog-eating contest as part of their marketing strategy.

Entrepreneurship student, Jack Schaad, says his favorite part of the program is “meeting new people and making connections.”

In addition to running campaigns, entrepreneurship students focus on creating a LinkedIn profile, listening to guest speakers, and producing a podcast as a group.

These activities help prepare students who may eventually apply for the fellowship program.

Looking Ahead

With new internship opportunities and the Gagnon family’s support, the business program at Cardinal Gibbons is expanding daily. Students should be on the lookout for new business classes next year. 

For more information, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Taylor – deborahtaylor@cghsnc.org