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www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Business Profiles 2014 19 n ichols College has the reputation as the college of choice for business and leadership education. With a focus on experiential learning, hands-on opportunities, and individualized mentoring, Nichols enables each stu- dent to develop his or her unique leadership potential. Throughout New England and beyond, Nichols has been recognized for the value it offers students. Among regional colleges in the northern United States, Nichols ranks 9th in the category of "Best Value Colleges," according to the 2014 survey of Best Colleges released by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, Payscale.com has ranked Nichols 6th nationally among business schools for Return on Investment (ROI). Recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as the best College for Business in Central Massachusetts, Nichols offers twelve business specializations in areas such as Criminal Justice Management and Sport Management, as well as traditional business specializa- tions, including marketing, accounting, finance, and management, and also a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. For the Bachelor of Arts degree, Nichols offers majors in five liberal arts areas as well as an educator preparation program for grades 5-12. Through its Graduate and Professional Studies eve- ning programs, the College offers a Master of Business Administration degree, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree, and certificates in Advanced Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Advanced Leadership Studies, Operations Management, and Employee Benefits. The 4+1 Accelerated MBA allows accepted students to begin taking graduate cours- es during their senior year and complete an MBA within five years. Day students have the opportunity to participate in Nichols' expanding athletic program, which includes 19 NCAA Division III teams as part of the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Whether it is in the classroom, on the field or ice, or off campus, Nichols provides practical opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. As part of this experience, Nichols students gain access to some impres- sive internship opportunities. With assignments at orga- nizations including the New England Patriots, the local district attorney's office, state police agencies, certified public accounting firms, Target, Mohegan Sun, and Madison Square Garden, students find that internships often lead to full-time employment upon graduation. Other off-campus learning options include The Washington Center and study away programs, which include Academic Programs International (API) and Regent's University in London. Given the business experience of its faculty members and a focus on experiential learning, it is not surprising that a number of Nichols graduates have developed new products, started their own businesses, or further devel- oped their family business. "I was lucky to have met some fantastic professors who took a great interest in my ideas and worked with me to help develop them into a functioning business," says one student who, along with his brother, developed a new iPhone application. Ask any recent Nichols graduate the key to their suc- cessful job search, and they credit Nichols signature Professional Development Seminar (PDS) Program. The series of one-credit classes focus on preparation for the job search through mock interviews, resumé composi- tion, and portfolio development. The success of the PDS program along with the solid business education Nichols provides has been proven through the achievements of its alumni. Of alumni sur- veyed in 2013, 93 percent secured employment or pur- sued graduate studies within six months of graduation. As a result of their strong business education, diverse experiential learning experiences, and the individualized mentoring they receive, Nichols students leave college with the leadership skills and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today's job market. n Nichols College: Preparing Students to Learn. Lead. Succeed. D u D L e y , m a Nichols college Address: 123 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571-5000 Phone: Undergraduate Day Program: 800-470-3379 Evening Program: 800-243-3844 Website: www.nichols.edu Product or Service: Four-year private college Number of Employees: Staff: 138; Faculty: 93 Head of Company: Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D., President Year Founded: 1815