University at Buffalo School of Management

Spring 2026 Buffalo Business 15 professional way," Nembhard says. "I know the business world revolves around networking. By connecting with peers, future mentors and potential employers, I can learn about their experiences and grow professionally." Aer each event, participants use the Suit-A-Bull app to reflect on what they learned and how it connects to course concepts. "Students are able to connect the experiences to what we discussed in class, particularly in my course's focus areas of corporate social responsibility and innovation," says Krzan. Other badges in the app include Campus Connections, CRC 101, School of Management Scavenger Hunt, Management Volunteer Program and a UB Empowered Badge, which includes completing four Leadership Lab activities. Many of these badges are earned outside of the classroom itself. For example, at the UB Bulls homecoming football game, students could check in on the app to earn skills in teamwork and engagement. "I may never have gone to a sporting event at UB if I had not been prompted in the app," says Huynh. "Suit-A- Bull has helped me explore the campus, try new things and find school resources." Early awareness of the Career Resource Center As first-year students use the app, they also discover the Career Resource Center, available exclu- sively to management students. Matt Pietrafesa, BS '29, first used the app in his seminar taught by Krzan. "Suit-A-Bull encourages use of the CRC and even helped me find where it was located," says Pietrafesa. "I look forward to taking advantage of their resources as I learn more about my own interests." Huynh also learned about the CRC — and its work- shops, résumé review and career advising appointments — during the app's scavenger hunt and her class' recitation. "Now I will feel more comfortable reaching out to the CRC because I have a better understanding of how it can benefit my academic and professional growth," she says. As students continue on their academic journey, the CRC is a crucial partner in their success. And now, behind the scenes, advisors and faculty can view results in Suit-A- Bull to see where students excel, where support is needed and how they compare with NACE benchmarks. The result: clearer goals, stronger résumés and more confi- dent, job-ready graduates. "A lot of first-semester students think, 'I don't need career help yet,'" says Rush. "But we shouldn't be the last stop on the train; we should be one of the first. We're here for them every step of the way." The app's innovative approach is already drawing attention. At the Pathways Conference hosted by Suitable in Philadelphia last July, the School of Management received the Program Growth award for successfully launching the app and demonstrating a strong commitment to student engagement and success. "Suit-A-Bull is now part of our students' routine. This is how we engage, share and celebrate," says Krzan. "Oen, we might think gamification makes things more complicated, but when you layer it into your course and make sure the experiences add value, students want to participate in it. We are giving them something in return beyond points or a grade." Suit-A-Bull is now part of our students' routine. This is how we engage, share and celebrate. CELINE KRZAN CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP Pietrafesa ACADEMIC EXPLORATION

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