First-Year Experience

At the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business, you don't have to wait to start experiencing business.

Freshman Fridays bring first-year business students together for hands-on learning, real-world experiences and opportunities to connect with Detroit's business community from their very first semester.

Through two connected courses, you'll explore industries, meet business professionals, work with emerging technologies and tackle challenges that go beyond the classroom. Along the way, you'll build professional skills, discover career possibilities and form connections with fellow business students.

Every Friday. One cohort. Real experience from the start.

BA 101: Business in Action, Detroit Edition

Detroit becomes your classroom.

Explore Detroit's business community through visits to companies, innovation hubs and organizations shaping the region's economy. You'll discover how businesses operate across industries, from entrepreneurship and manufacturing to finance and technology.

Rather than taking a traditional final exam, you'll apply what you've learned through an industry analysis and professional presentation.

BA 102: Brains, Bots, and Business

Business meets technology.

Discover how businesses use artificial intelligence, analytics, spreadsheets, databases and other technologies to solve problems and make decisions.

You'll explore how these tools apply across accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and supply chain management while developing essential skills in teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving.

See what happens when the business world becomes part of your classroom.

From exploring Detroit's entrepreneurial ecosystem to learning directly from experienced business leaders, Freshman Fridays give students opportunities to see business concepts in action.

Take a look at some of the experiences our first cohort has enjoyed.

September 18, 2026 | Detroit, Michigan

What does it take to turn a business idea into reality?

Students visited Detroit's historic Eastern Market to explore the resources, facilities and support systems that help entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses.

Through tours of an incubator kitchen and business accelerator, students discovered how shared facilities help emerging businesses reduce costs, develop products and overcome challenges. Conversations with entrepreneurs provided insight into the decisions and obstacles involved in building a successful business.

Beyond the classroom: Students gained a better understanding of entrepreneurship, business operations and the resources available to Detroit's small-business community.

October 16, 2026 | Detroit, Michigan

Students stepped inside one of Detroit's growing innovation hubs to see how technology, entrepreneurship and collaboration are shaping the future of business.

At Newlab, students explored production and innovation spaces, observed 3D prototypes and drone testing, and learned how startups bring new ideas to market. Their visit to Michigan Central introduced them to the transformation of a historic Detroit landmark into a center for innovation and economic development.

Students also heard from entrepreneurs and business leaders, including Meagan Ward, founder and CEO of Femology, and panelists representing businesses and organizations within Detroit's entrepreneurial community.

Discussions explored the realities of launching a business, taking risks, building professional relationships and adapting when challenges arise.

Beyond the classroom: Students saw how innovation happens in practice and discovered the importance of resilience, networking and collaboration in entrepreneurship.

October 30, 2026 | Detroit Pistons Performance Center and Little Caesars Arena

There's much more to professional sports than what happens on the court.

Freshman Fridays students got a behind-the-scenes look at the business of professional basketball through visits to the Detroit Pistons Performance Center and Little Caesars Arena.

At the Pistons Performance Center, students had the opportunity to hear from professionals working across business operations, human resources, corporate partnerships, sales, community engagement and recruiting. The experience introduced students to the many career paths and business functions that support a professional sports organization.

Students also toured Little Caesars Arena, gaining a closer look at one of Detroit's major sports and entertainment venues and the broader business environment surrounding professional sports.

Beyond the classroom: Students explored how business disciplines come together in the sports and entertainment industry and discovered career opportunities beyond the playing field.

September 3, 2026 | Career Exploration Panel

There's no single path to a successful business career.

Professionals representing Rocket Companies, Microsoft, Impact Television Network and the City of Detroit shared their career journeys and advice with first-year business students.

Through conversations about unexpected opportunities, career changes and professional growth, students gained insight into the many directions a business degree can take them.

Panelists encouraged students to build relationships, develop their personal brands and take advantage of opportunities throughout college.

Beyond the classroom: Students began exploring career possibilities while learning how to build a foundation for professional success.

September 16, 2026 | Alumni Guest Speaker

What does ethical leadership look like when difficult decisions have real consequences?

UM-Dearborn alumnus and business executive Richard Haddrill shared lessons from his career, offering students a firsthand perspective on leadership, corporate ethics and decision-making.

Through real-world examples and an interactive discussion, students explored the challenges leaders face and the importance of addressing difficult situations with integrity.

Beyond the classroom: Students learned that strong business leadership requires more than technical knowledge. It also demands sound judgment, accountability and ethical decision-making.

Freshman Fridays are designed to help you build a strong foundation for your business education and future career.

• Real-world experience: Connect classroom concepts with the challenges and opportunities businesses face every day.
• Career exploration: Discover different industries, professional roles and potential career paths early in your college experience.
• Professional connections: Meet entrepreneurs, business leaders, alumni and professionals throughout Detroit's business community.
• Practical skills: Strengthen your communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership abilities through applied learning.
• A community from day one: Build relationships with fellow first-year business students who will share your journey.

Your first year of college should be more than an introduction to business. It should be an opportunity to experience it.

At UM-Dearborn's College of Business, Freshman Fridays help you discover what's possible, develop confidence and begin building your future from your very first semester.

Explore our undergraduate business majors and discover where your business education can take you.