University of Memphis and Bank of America Launch Inaugural Career Fellows Program for African American Students

Feb. 21, 2023 — The Fogelman College of Business and Economics, in partnership with Bank of America, have launched the FCBE Career Fellows Program. This initiative is designed to engage, educate and effectively prepare African American business students for professional success.

This partnership is a demonstration of Bank of America’s and the University’s commitment to driving opportunities for people and communities of color. The inaugural cohort of FCBE Careers Fellows include rising junior business students: Ashanti Crowder, Isaiah Capps, Chanise Thompson and Aaron Wallace.

Over a two-year period, the FCBE Career Fellows Program will provide professional development opportunities, job shadowing, resume and interview workshops, internships and career opportunities, and more. 

In a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the number of internships completed and a student’s GPA are the major predictors of initial career outcomes.

Graduates with more internships and graduates with higher GPAs had higher odds of being employed relative to seeking employment six months after graduation.

Through this partnership with Bank of America, the University of Memphis hopes to develop an innovative and strong pipeline of African American graduates. College graduation is significant to economic mobility, and the purpose of this program is to eliminate the graduation gap.

“Career opportunities are a critical pillar in addressing the racial equality gap in our country," said Trevia Chatman, president, Bank of America Memphis. "In partnership with the UofM, the FCBE Career Fellows Program is designed to further equip Black/African American undergraduate business students with career development support and guidance to help ensure their success and position them for career advancement."

“College and career readiness are more vital now than ever,” said Marja Martin-Carruth, director of the Avron B. Fogelman Center for Complete Professional Development. “With a strategic approach, we will work closely with Bank of America and the FCBE Career Fellows to create customized professional development plans in hopes of bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and career readiness by providing resources necessary for student success in today’s ever changing job market.”