Summer Business Boot Camp
The College of Business, Center for Student Success will host a free, online Summer Business Boot Camp to help prepare students transitioning into upper-division business coursework. We specifically invite incoming transfer students and continuing CSULB students enrolled in 300 and 400-level core business classes.
Please register for and participate in as many workshops as possible. Workshop descriptions and registration links can be found below. Information on each workshop facilitator is available at the bottom of this page.
To request disability-related accommodations for any boot camp workshops, please contact - bmac@csulb.edu.
SUMMER SCHEDULE: JULY/AUGUST
All hours between 08:00 AM and 07:00 PM
| Duration | Workshop | Monday, July 28 | Tuesday, July 29 | Wednesday, July 30 | Thursday, July 31 | Friday, August 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Hours |
2 - 4 |
4 - 6 | ||||
1.5 Hours |
1 - 2:30 |
1 - 2:30 |
3:30 - 5 | |||
1.5 Hours |
5:30 - 7 | |||||
1.5 Hours |
11 -12:30 | |||||
2 Hours | Introduction / Refresh of Managerial Accounting - Terminology & Key Formulas |
4 -6 |
10-12 |
| ||
2 Hours | Introduction / Refresh of Financial Accounting - Terminology & Financial Statements |
10 - 12 |
4 -6 |
| ||
1 Hour | 9 -10 4 - 5 |
1 - 2 | ||||
1 Hour |
10 - 11 |
10 - 11 | ||||
1 Hour |
10 - 11 |
10 - 11 | ||||
1 Hour |
1 - 2 |
1 - 2 | ||||
1 Hour |
10 -11 |
|
|
| ||
1Hour |
2-3 |
| ||||
1 Hour |
10 -11 | |||||
1 Hour |
2-3 | |||||
1.5 Hours |
10:30 - 12 |
10:30 - 12 | ||||
1.5 Hours |
10:30 - 12 |
5:30 - 7 | ||||
1.5 Hours |
5:30 - 7 |
10:30 - 12 | ||||
1 Hour |
|
2 - 3 |
9 - 10 | |||
1 Hour |
5 - 6 |
6 - 7 |
5 - 6 | |||
2 Hours |
|
9:30 -11:30 |
9:30-11:30 | |||
2 Hours |
|
2:30 - 4:30 |
|
2:30 - 4:30 | ||
2 Hours |
2:30 - 4:30 |
2:30 - 4:30 |
10 - 12 | |||
1 Hour |
1 - 2 |
1 - 2 | ||||
1 Hour |
|
4 - 6 |
4 - 6 | |||
1.5 Hours |
10 - 11:30 | |||||
1 Hour |
2-3 | |||||
1 Hour |
11 - 12 |
1 - 2 | ||||
1 Hour |
|
11 - 12 |
|
1 - 2 | ||
1 Hour |
11 - 12 | |||||
1 Hour |
11 - 12 |
Workshops and Registration
Workshop Facilitator: Sabrina Landa, Accountancy Department
This workshop will help you refresh your knowledge of financial accounting and provide insight into the related topics covered in Intermediate Accounting. A thorough review of the accounting cycle including the recording process, financial statement preparation and closing entries is covered using an interactive business case. In addition, you will receive critical study tips from peers and professors to help you to prepare to complete your degree in accounting. Finally, you’ll learn about the valuable support network the College of Business provides including free tutoring, career development and campus organizations like the Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi, and ALPFA to help you jump start your accounting career. Be prepared to engage in activities that will help you succeed.
Workshop Facilitator: Sabrina Landa, Accountancy Department
- Tuesday, July 29 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM - Register
- Wednesday, July 30 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM - Register
- Thursday, July 31 from 3:30 - 5:00 PM - Register
Microsoft Excel is a robust tool useful for data maintenance and analysis. The goal of this workshop is to provide students with an overview of Excel functionality toward improving the quality of learning in your master’s program. Excel can be paired with most all coursework to enhance deliverables and prepare you for the challenges of today’s data-driven work environment.
Be prepared to learn how knowledge of Excel can improve your learning experience and set you up for success in the industry. Additional free resources will be provided upon completion to help you master Excel. Students can install Excel (Microsoft Office 365) free of cost through the CSULB Software Depot. Registered participants will be emailed regarding any additional system requirements for this workshop.
Workshop Facilitator: Sabrina Landa Accountancy Department
Business Analytics and creative visualizations are changing the way we communicate data across organizations. This workshop will provide you with a hands-on overview of how to use Microsoft Power BI to your advantage while working with multiple sources of data. We will cover basics such as data exploration and analysis, reporting, visualization dashboards, and DAX query language. Be prepared to learn how knowledge in data analytics can help boost your career.
Additional free resources will be provided to help master Power BI. Mac users may need to install Windows to run Power BI for this workshop. Registered participants will be emailed regarding the system requirements for this workshop.
Workshop Facilitator: Sabrina Landa Accountancy Department
Tableau is a well-known business intelligence system that works across PC and Mac systems helping organizations get the most out of their data. This workshop will provide you with a hands-on overview of how to use Tableau to your advantage while working with multiple sources of data. We will cover basics such as data exploration, analysis, reporting, visualization dashboards, and calculations. Be prepared to learn how knowledge in data analytics can help boost your career.
Additional free resources will be provided to help you master Tableau. Registered participants will be emailed regarding the system requirements for this workshop.
Workshop Facilitator: Lisa Smith-Jones, Accountancy Department
Looking to get a head start for ACCT 202, and/or hoping for a refresher before starting ACCT 320 this class is for you! This class will start with an overview of managerial accounting and the main differences with financial accounting. Managerial accounting key terminology and accounting mechanics related to job order and process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis (high-low method, contribution margin & breakeven), incremental analysis (make or buy), pricing approaches, budgeting approaches, standard costing analysis (variances), and present value/future value calculations … will also be discussed using everyday language and examples to ensure your comprehension and retention.
Workshop Facilitator: Lisa Smith-Jones, Accountancy Department
Looking to get a head start for ACCT 201, and/or hoping for a refresher before starting ACCT 300A, this class is for you! This class will discuss the rules of US GAAP, the basic financials statements (format and what you can expect to learn from them), key terminology, and accounting mechanics related to bank reconciliations, depreciation methods, inventory cost flow assumptions, and other relevant topics… using everyday language and examples to ensure your comprehension and retention.
Workshop Facilitator: Yong Kim, Finance Department
- Thursday, July 31 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Register
- Thursday, July 31 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM - Register
- Friday, August 1 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM - Register
This workshop will introduce the financial calculator and how it will be utilized in finance courses. The instructor will demonstrate how to use the calculator for the time value of money and cash flow problems. Students will learn to identify givens and parameters in a problem and use this information to solve for a variable on the financial calculator.
The following calculators will be used during this workshop (we recommend reviewing your FIN 300 syllabus to confirm which calculator your professor prefers):
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus [TI BAII Plus and Purchase]
- HP 10bII+ [HP 10bII Plus and free download] [ HP 10bII Plus and Purchase]
Workshop Facilitator: Lori Joy Patricio, Coordinator, Academic Coaching Program
Students will examine the three perspectives of time (Big picture, Weekly Routine, Daily to-do) and discuss/practice/be exposed to ways of managing time via each lens. Students will apply PLRS Learning Cycle to time management strategies discussed.
In this workshop, participants will explore strategies for managing their time effectively. Approaches will focus on helping students create balance in their lives to reduce stress, promote wellness, and encourage efficient learning. Students will be introduced to a learning system that improves retention and recall of information.
Workshop Facilitator: Lori Joy Patricio, Coordinator, Academic Coaching Program
Student will compare and contrast differences between upper division and lower division coursework and predict how those differences apply to Bloom’s Taxonomy/ learning expectations in upper division course work. Students will design appropriate study strategies for course load.
In this workshop you will explore the differences between lower and upper division courses as it relates to learning and studying techniques. Students will learn study strategies for managing the increased expectations and workload in upper division course work along with tips on how to apply what you learn in lecture to real-world experience.
Workshop Facilitator: Lori Joy Patricio, Coordinator, Academic Coaching Program
This workshop will introduce you to strategies that will help you connect with your professors, fellow students, and campus resources. We will explore best practices in e-mail communication, how to use the campus’ online learning platforms, and resources that are available to students (online and in-person) to help students successfully manage their transition to CSULB.
Workshop Facilitator: Lorena Chavez - University Writing Center
Monday, July 28 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Register
- Writing to Succeed in College workshop provides a general overview of the purpose of college writing and discusses the pre-writing and writing process. The workshop reviews the following topics:
- Part 1: Purpose of college-level writing, organization, prompts
- Part 2: finding your writing process, structuring your ideas,
- Part 3: finding writing resources on campus
Workshop Facilitators: Lorena Chavez - University Writing Center
This workshop will review the best tips for organizing your papers, show you brainstorming/outline examples, and more!
Workshop Facilitator: Lorena Chavez - University Writing Center
This Workshop will help you decide what aspects to focus on when revising your papers -- learn what to prioritize and what not to -- and how to make appropriate revisions.
Workshop Facilitator: Lorena Chavez - University Writing Center
This workshop provides basic information on how to create a good PowerPoint presentation.
Workshop Facilitator: Nicollette Brant - Senior Assistant Librarian
- Monday, July 28 from 10:30 AM - 12 PM - Register
Wednesday, July 30 from 10:30 AM - 12 PM - Register
In business, you need evidence, not just opinions. This workshop introduces key online research platforms available to CSULB students for accessing industry and company analysis, market insights, and research papers. It also provides an introduction to using text-based generative AI tools to support your research and Zotero, a free, open-source reference management tool.
Workshop Facilitator: Nicollette Brant - Senior Assistant Librarian
Evaluating the Quality of Data & Information Sources: Credible sources strengthen your arguments and build trust with your audience. In this workshop you will practice evaluating articles and data visualizations for use in academic and formal business writing.
Workshop Facilitator: Nicollette Brant - Senior Assistant Librarian
Integrating and Citing Source Evidence into Your Writing: Effective business writing draws on credible sources to support ideas clearly and persuasively. In this workshop, you will learn techniques for integrating evidence into your writing with clarity and purpose, while practicing how to cite sources accurately using APA style. We will also cover strategies for maintaining your own voice and avoiding unintentional plagiarism.
Workshop Facilitator: Angelita Carrillo-Humphreys, Career Counselor
This workshop will teach you how to use CareerLINK, CareerShift, and other resources to find jobs and internships. You will also learn about Career Development Center services and how we can prepare you for success in reaching your career goals.
Workshop Facilitator: Neha Vedak - CS Graduate
- Monday, July 28 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM - Register
- Wednesday, July 30 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Register
- Friday, August 1 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM - Register
This workshop dives into the world of programming! Designed for Business students, this hands-on session will demystify Python's basics, from syntax to data types. You'll learn to write code confidently and tackle real-world challenges. No prior experience needed! Covering topics like variables, control flow, functions, and data structures, you'll gain the foundational skills to start coding in Python. Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your journey into programming with Python!
Facilitator: Banafsheh Behzad, Information Systems Department
This workshop serves as an introduction to Business Statistics (IS 310). We will review the basics of the course and the fundamental topics.
Facilitator: Mohammad Daneshvar Kakhki, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems
- Monday, July 28 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Register
- Wednesday, July 30 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM - Register
This session introduces students to programming concepts in a business context. We’ll explore the basics of variables, loops, and functions, and discuss how programming is applied to solve business problems.
Facilitator: Mohammad Daneshvar Kakhki, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems
- Tuesday, July 29 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Register
- Thursday, July 31 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM - Register
A beginner-friendly workshop that covers core concepts in database design, including tables, relationships, and basic SQL queries. This session will help students feel more confident stepping into IS 380.
Facilitator: Mahtab Ghafoori Math Department
The goal of this workshop is to provide you with tools on how to successfully complete Math 115 in your first semester at CSULB. In this workshop, I will give you a brief overview of Business Calculus (first few weeks of the semester topics), study strategies, and where to find academic help on campus during the semester.
Facilitator: Mahtab Ghafoori Math Department
- Monday, July 28 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM - Register
- Wednesday, July 30 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM - Register
- Friday , August 1 from 10:00AM - 12:00 PM - Register
This workshop will help you refresh your knowledge of the basic math concepts needed to succeed in accounting 201. Each workshop will cover a specific math concept with real life examples related to the course. Be ready to do some math !
Facilitator: Hasan Ashraf, Supply Chain Management Department
Supply Chain Management (SCM) is everywhere—from the products we buy to the services we rely on. Recent disruptions like the pandemic, port delays, and material shortages have shown just how vital and complex supply chains are. As a result, SCM is now one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand career fields across industries [https://fortune.com/2018/12/11/ceo-supply-chain/].
Facilitator: Laura Gonzalez, Finance Department
This workshop will cover a basic introduction to financial health and college success. We will discuss budgeting, investment and fintech options as well as behavioral finance basics.
Facilitator: Roger Strang, Instructional Technology
Friday, August 1 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Register
In this highly interactive workshop, two case studies of biased AI-powered hiring and medical tools are presented. Walk away with knowledge of how AI bias works and the ability to systematically test AI tools, an underrated skill for the workplace that is imperative for your business to build trust and credibility, and most importantly to serve its whole audience equally.
Facilitator: Chad Harris, Instructional Technology
Friday, August 1 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM - Register
Learn how to use AI tools at CSULB to succeed in your business coursework and build essential skills for upper-division classes. This workshop introduces AI tools like ChatGPT for writing and research support and provides an overview of Excel with Copilot for smarter data analysis. Discover how business students can generate ideas, improve presentations, and conduct research more effectively.
Facilitators: Catherine Ward, Michael Aranda, Keila Tupua, Demetri Kelley
Tuesday, July 29 from 11:00AM - 12:00 PM - Register
What does it really mean to belong at CSULB? In this engaging workshop, we will explore what it means to feel connected, supported, and empowered during the college journey. Through intentional conversation and resource sharing, students will consider how pivotal a sense of belonging contributes to both personal and academic success. Together, we’ll uncover ways to build inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. You’ll leave with practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive.
Facilitators: Catherine Ward, Michael Aranda, Keila Tupua, Demetri Kelley
Wednesday, July 30 from 11:00AM - 12:00 PM - Register
Navigating college can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn about resources available at CSULB to support your academic, personal, and social success. Whether you are looking for community, financial support, or professional experience, this workshop will help you take the steps toward a successful college journey.
