Worcester Business Journal

16 Worcester Business Journal | January 8, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S B E S T E M P L O Y E E S E R V I C E S Nichols College focuses on the little things BY GRANT WELKER Worcester Business Journal News Editor N ichols College doesn't have the financial heft to match up in all ways with larger area business schools at places like Boston College or Northeastern University. But the small Dudley college has made up for the difference by changing its focus to areas where other schools might not look. All Nichols students are required to take professional development semi- nars over four years, which include developing a resume, cover letter and portfolio, conducting mock inter- views, and other real-life skills other schools might offer only as options. Nichols requires its business stu- dents – who make up about 90 per- cent of the student body – to take an effective-speaking course, including at least eight presentations over the course of a semester. The focus has paid off, said Luanne Westerling, Nichols' associate dean for business. "We've gotten feedback at job fairs of, 'Your students perform well,'" she said. Not coincidentally, 92 percent of business graduates are placed in a job or advanced-degree program within six months of graduation. The business program had its larg- est-ever class this fall with 1,220 full- time students – Nichols first time over 1,200 – with a student body more geographically diverse than in the past. Nichols helps students not just talk the part but also look the part. It has lent suits, dresses, shoes and other attire students might need for an interview at its on-campus shop, Bison Boutique. "It's getting a lot of use," Westerling said. AAFCPAs, an accounting firm in Westborough, employs 24 Nichols graduates, with three more slated to join in June, said Jack Finning, a part- ner and one of the firm's founders. Finning joined the advisory board for Nichols' business program two years ago, and said the school has done a great job at expanding its visi- bility in the area. "It's a hidden gem," Finning said, crediting Nichols students for their preparation for interviews. "They seem more confident in interviews than we see from those from some other schools." Unum Group, a Worcester insur- ance company, is another major employer of Nichols graduates. The company has a summer intern- ship program called Unum Scholars in which students work 10 to 15 hours per week. Nichols students are regular enroll- ees in the program, often finding full- time jobs with the company after- ward. "They have a really good reputa- tion," said Steve Joseph, an Unum senior vice president. "There are so many fine institutions here locally, and Nichols is certainly one of them." BEST COLLEGE FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION Nichols College* Dudley, www.nichols.edu Top executive: President Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D. Founded: 1815 Employees: 208 Notable runners-up: Worcester State University, Assumption College BEST LIMOUSINE SERVICE Knight's Airport Limousine Service* Shrewsbury, www.knightslimo.com Top executives: Founder & President Michael Hogan; Co-Founder & General Manager Thomas Hogan Founded: 1985 Employees: 140 Always striving to make life easier and safer for clients, Knight's sets itself apart by having a firm understanding of what its customers' needs are and committing to fulfilling those needs across the organization. BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING/INVESTMENT SERVICES Provo Wealth Management Group* Shrewsbury, www.ProvoWealth.com Top executive: Christopher P. Provo, president & CEO Founded: 1992 Employees: 14 Provo takes a holistic approach with all its clients, guiding their financial health to align with their values. The company works to build a partnership based on trust and strives to be a dynamic problem solver for clients' needs. Notable runners-up: B&D Advisors, Fidelity Investments BEST HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts* Nichols College, Dudley Knight's offers a variety of vehicles. W

• Cover