Jack Sherlock
Reporter
Depending on a person’s financial status, there could be a few disgruntled, negative feelings that come with discussions on money management. However, a few key leaders in Idaho State University’s College of Business are looking to take any preconceived notions about the difficulties of finance management and rid of them as they redefine the outlook on the economic sector of our daily lives.
They will do this by implementing community-wide access to two brand new programs offered here at ISU—financial literacy and professional selling. Collectively, these two programs aim to put responsibility and confidence in the hands of those that struggle with financial literacy, all while assisting learners to wield these tools carefully through the potential minefield and pitfalls of the financial landscape. The expected outcome is expertise and smooth sailing while playing active roles in the financial game we all buy and sell in to.
“All are welcome in the discovery of se-curing a better financial future,” said Bob Houghton, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Informatics with ISU’s College of Business. Houghton first emphasized that this opportunity is not just for those studying within the College of Business, nor is it just for ISU students. This opportunity is offered community-wide, and the program leads encourage anyone and everyone to sign up and take advantage of honing their skills in personal and professional finance.
“We truly believe that the financial literacy certificate is offering life skills that every single college student, well, every single person should know, so we are really pushing hard for everyone to take that,” says Houghton. The financial literacy pro-gram covers concepts of banking, under-standing credit evaluations and fundamentals of building good credit, budgeting techniques, accruing and paying off debt and how financial programs like a 401Kand other personal investment opportunities are structured.
The second certification program offered is in professional selling. Learners in the course will evaluate finances from a professional, entrepreneurial standpoint, where the practice of salesmanship, marketing, and developing & delivering a good product are a few key points to capitalizing on creativity to consumers that are looking to buy. According to Shane Hunt, Dean of the College of Business and original visionary to these new programs, “Sales is at the heart of every business, and providing the sales certificate for students of all majors will help them as they build their professional lives.”
Both of these programs are 9 credits total, with no previous experience required from any learner interested. Additionally, prerequisites are not a concern due to the linear-forward formation of the program. “The classes build into each other, so follow the steps outlined in the certificate and you will complete the program with-out any requisite issues,” said Houghton. Starting in the fall of 2021, any ISU student can add either one of these programs to their current degree plan. However, community members not affiliated with ISU as a student will only be able to partake in the financial literacy program, as of now. This program will be offered through the Continuing Education Workforce Training department.
For more information on these pro-grams, you can reach out to Ashley Larson(ude.usinull@nosralyelhsa) or Tara Smith (ude.usinull@htimsar-at) and they can provide a listening ear for questions, comments and concerns.
