Terry College’s chapter of Net Impact, a student group that applies b-school skills to social and environmental causes, has received Gold Chapter Standing. This is the first time the group has earned the honor in its 10-year existence.
The Terry chapter captured the award, which was given to only 24 percent of the more than 300 chapters worldwide, for its activities, programs and membership reach in 2012-2013. Those efforts included a networking night in Atlanta with nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses and environmental groups; a trip to Coca-Cola’s Office of Sustainability; and reaching the semi-finals in a Net Impact case competition.
“The support of the national organization has helped students at UGA define their non-traditional career goals and has inspired all of us to seek summer internships that meet our individual passions, with each club member working in green manufacturing, B-Corp certification, the arts and sustainable food,” said Terry chapter co-president Betsy Curry. “Net Impact has provided a support system for us to stay motivated and focused on seeking careers that will do the most good for the most people, and that alone is something to celebrate.”
For Terry students like Curry, business school is about more than the bottom line. Because all well-functioning organizations share similarities, the same tools that keep for-profit operations afloat can beef up the operations of nonprofits and environmental groups.
“I joined Net Impact because I want to help businesses be more environmentally friendly and profitable at the same time,” Curry said. “It connects us to an impressive network of professionals working in fields that are making a positive impact on our earth and in our communities, which is invaluable when you’re in a small MBA program like Terry’s.”
Terry’s chapter also partners with the UGA Office of Sustainability. Last year, they jointly hosted a career panel featuring Georgia leaders in sustainability.
“Through collaboration, dedication, and a willingness to push boundaries and explore new ideas, this year’s Gold and Silver chapters are leading the way for our global network of impact-makers,” said Net Impact CEO Liz Maw. “These chapters demonstrate just how much can be accomplished when committed individuals decide to make an impact through the work they do.”
UGA Net Impact welcomes anyone from undergraduates to PhD candidates interested in joining.