SDSU Student Business Organization Spotlight: Black Business Society
Christopher May, President of the Black Business Society
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events, and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Throughout San Diego State University’s virtual 2020-21 school year, the Black Business Society (BBS) has hosted biweekly virtual general body meetings, several professional development workshops and internship showcases via Zoom. Christopher May (Junior, Finance) President of the BBS, describes how the organization has adapted to the virtual environment, shares why students should join, and how BBS has impacted his leadership experience. May also describes his career plans while offering advice to current SDSU students.
About Black Business Society (BBS):
Goal/Objective of BBS:
The goal of our organization is to promote professional development and academic excellence within the SDSU community by providing various resources to ensure success beyond graduation.
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
Our primary gatherings are our general body meetings, which are bi-weekly on Thursdays from 4-5 PM (PST). Other things that the organization does are professional development workshops with numerous companies including Deloitte and Geico; company tours of corporate offices including Northwestern Mutual San Diego; collaborations with many organizations on campus, and community service throughout the community.
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, BBS has continued hosting general body meetings via Zoom. We have also organized many professional development workshops and internship showcases via Zoom, although there are plenty of workshops that are still in store. Lastly, we have been organizing an alumni networking event that will be recurring.
May and the rest of the BBS at an annual game day meeting where they played Black Family Feud.
Q: How does BBS connect with the community outside of SDSU?
Because we are the Black Business Society at SDSU, we connect with many people in the community who take honor in advancing the interests of Black people. This specific community is HUGE, and always is looking out for one another.
Q: Why should students join BBS?
Students should join the organization if they are looking to advance their knowledge in business and want to get a head start for life after graduation. Our organization can provide many valuable resources and opportunities for members.
Q: How can a student get involved with BBS?
Students can stay updated with everything going on regarding our organization through Instagram @bbs_sdsu. There, you can find the link to our newsletter and important information regarding the general body meetings and events.
Q & A with the Black Business Society President, Christopher May
Name: Christopher May
Major: Finance
Campus affiliations / organizations: BBS, NAACP SDSU Chapter
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I got involved with BBS because there are many lessons beyond our academic curriculum that are important for people to know in their path to success, especially as a person of color. This organization has taught me so many tips and tools that are applicable to real-life situations. So far, the experience has been amazing.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
The experience that stands out the most is being able to secure a corporate internship with Ally Financial in the Auto Finance division for summer 2021. Although this isn’t directly an experience with the organization, the resume and interviewing skills that I learned through BBS put me in the best position to be able to secure this internship.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
May at a BBS general body meeting where the BBS hosted a professional development workshop with Google.
My favorite SDSU memory so far was the football game tailgates. It was just a bunch of kids having the time of their lives, and there was a sense of freedom within it all.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself that it’s 100% okay to be as genuine as possible. I think we’re all so vulnerable and afraid during our first moments in the dorms or at the school, so we pretend to be someone we’re not.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I’ve received during my time at SDSU is to pay forward the knowledge and resources that were provided for you. One simple act can change a person’s entire life.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
I hope to get a job as a financial analyst at a Fortune 500 company following graduation. I wish to save enough to retire early, then be the owner of a really nice garden.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram
Q: Morning or Night? Night
Q: Shopping - In store or online? In store (safely)
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? TRUJILLOS
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? That ‘70s Show
Q: Hidden Talent? Still is hiding for me
*Group photos were taken before March 2020
