Marge Nielsen and Bill Weisgerber have developed a Saddleback College Business Coach Program to assist business students in learning more about careers in business. As the Business Coach, Marge assesses the students’ needs, develops career strategies with the students, and connects the students to a variety of services, mentors, and professional development activities.

The Business Coach Program is free, and there is no required class enrollment. The students meet with the Coach in person, by phone or email. The program is flexible and the students meet Marge during hours and locations that meet their needs. The students must be enrolled in one business or computer class to participate. However, the most important program requirement is the students’ commitment to follow through with strategies that have been defined by Marge and the student.

Bill Weisgerber, Professor and Coordinator of Saddleback College’s Business Science Department, envisioned this program, when he saw the students’ need for more career development at the same time that college and community professionals were expressing willingness to assist and mentor students. Bill noticed that college professors and business professionals were retiring, but still wanted to work with students. Harvard Business School Association members, SCORE representatives, and other business professionals expressed interest in helping students, as well. Bill saw an opportunity to use VTEA funds to start the program, and he asked Marge, who was retiring from directing the college employment services, if she would like to coach the students. This was an opportunity for Marge to assist the students, while keeping a flexible work schedule in semi-retirement.

Marge has many connections with local and statewide business/industry representatives. She works at Saddleback College as an Adjunct Business and CWE Instructor, and she has directed Saddleback College’s employment services activities for the past 20 years. She is a member of the California Community Colleges Statewide Chancellor’s Office Advisory Committees for Work-based Learning and Employment Services, as well as the Statewide Career Development Advisory Committee.

For more information about the program, contact Marge Nielsen at mnielsen@saddleback.edu

Business Coach flyer/activities attached