Bridget Niland

Interview with a Professor

We spoke with Bridget Niland, who formerly served at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, after working as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. She is currently an associate professor of business administration and sport management as well as the director of athletics at Daemen College. She shared her insights about how to strategically pursue a degree in business administration or a related field.

What are the skills, interests and personality traits necessary for a student to be successful in the field of business administration?

"Business is based on relationships with others. The best business people are often those who have an outgoing personality and are, by nature, goal-oriented. I have witnessed a number of students who are effective communicators rise quickly in the business world. It also helps to relate well to persons of various backgrounds."

What is the most rewarding part of a career in this field? Why should students pursue a career in this field?

"Business people often get the chance to build new businesses or take an existing industry to a new level of success. The output of business is very obvious and can be measured in not only dollars, but also the satisfaction of customers.

"Business is what drives the economy and also allows for great creativity and interaction with others."

What advice would you give to students considering this field of study?

"Not all business programs are created equal and students should be judicious about the school at which they select to study business. Students should look for schools with strong ties to an industry or community. Internships and career preparation should be part of the curriculum."

*Interview Featured on the World Wide Learn webpage at: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/business/business-administration