US: 'Bridge' prepares executives for classroom

Making the transition from classroom theory to real world work experience is often a difficult feat for any recent business-school graduate looking for a career in today's recovering economy. But for those wanting to make the transition from a work environment to the classroom, the prospect may seem even more intimidating. The US AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) has launched a unique programme to convert experienced business professionals into qualified instructors.

It hosts a five-day workshop that gives industry experts and business executives the insight they need to transfer their real-world experience into a curriculum for today's business students. Recently, 25 business professionals graduated from its 'Bridge Programme'.

"The Bridge Programme deals with one of the most fundamental challenges facing business schools today," said John J Fernandes, AACSB International President. "The programme is consistent with AACSB's efforts to ensure there is a rich pipeline of qualified professionals, beyond business PhDs, who can bring their expertise to the classroom."

To qualify to participate, applicants must have a masters degree and more than eight years of professional experience that can lend itself to an area of teaching curriculum in business schools.

"We have placed graduates in 58 schools, almost all in the United States," said Fernandes. "In a business, everyone is pretty close to the same level of preparedness, they all want to be there. In a class, it's a lot less controllable than a business environment."

Roy McCraw graduated from the Bridge Programme last June and is now working as a part-time instructor at the University of Tampa. After 45 years experience in financial planning, McCraw wanted to transfer his skills into teaching.

"Teaching was something I had wanted to do for a long time," he said. "I enjoy the academic freedom of providing that learning experience without thinking of the bottom line."