Fire Up business camp inspires future business leaders

The Central Michigan University College of Business Administration welcomed high school students to campus this summer for its three-day Fire Up Business Camp, an immersive experience designed to introduce participants to the many opportunities available through a business education. Through interactive activities, networking opportunities, and mentorship from current CMU students, campers explored career paths, built professional skills, and experienced college life firsthand.

One of the defining aspects of this year's camp was the cross-campus collaboration that made the experience possible. Faculty, staff, and students from several areas of the university worked together to create an engaging and memorable experience for participants.

"The cross-campus collaboration that contributed to the camp's success was second to none," said Anthony Niemiec. "It was inspiring to see so many areas of the university, from Admissions and [College of] Business faculty to the College of Arts and Media, come together with a shared commitment to creating an exceptional experience for our students. Their collective efforts played a key role in making the camp such a success."

Throughout the three-day program, students participated in hands-on business simulations, collaborated with peers, attended networking sessions, and connected with faculty, professionals, and current CMU students. The experience emphasized teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership while demonstrating the many industries and careers where business knowledge can make an impact.

"The high school students will take the lessons learned throughout the interactive three-day experience to make better decisions about their post-high school careers," Anthony Niemiec said. "I'm happy to say the College of Business Administration played a huge role."

Current CMU students served as mentors throughout the camp, helping participants navigate activities, answer questions about college life, and build meaningful relationships.

"Seeing the CMU student mentors interact and develop positive mentorship-like relationships with the high school participants was impactful to say the least," Niemiec said. "Developing relationships and creating connections was a major goal of the camp, and it is safe to say that goal was met."

Student feedback reflected the impact of the experience both inside and outside the classroom.

In post-camp surveys, students shared that they learned how to "functionally run a business and make it run efficiently," while others discovered that "business can really be anything." Several participants also recognized how business connects to a variety of industries, noting that business "could be tied to architecture."

Beyond business concepts, students said the camp helped them develop valuable life and professional skills. Participants shared that they learned "to be organized" and realized that "making friends is easier than I thought," highlighting the welcoming and collaborative environment fostered throughout the program.

The camp's networking opportunities also left a lasting impression. Students said the experience helped them better understand what their college journey could look like and envision their future at CMU. As one student reflected, "During the networking session, I learned a lot about what my path could look like at college. It's something I've been thinking a lot about. I also learned a lot about what my path could look like at CMU. I have definitely been persuaded a lot this week."