First-year students and pre-business majors got a look at two of the competitive programs TCU’s Neeley School of Business offers to distinguish business students on Feb. 6. 

The BNSF Next Generation Leadership Program and the Neeley Fellows Program are both meant to provide developmental opportunities for ambitious and well-rounded students, said George Low, associate dean for undergraduate and international programs.

Pre-business majors interested in joining either program must apply and interview before being selected, Low said. Each program selects between 30 and 32 students.

The Neeley Fellows Program is a business honors program, and its mission is to “educate and develop students of extraordinary potential.” The program’s goals are personal, real and connected, said Laura Barclay, Neeley program director.

Michael Walton, a junior entrepreneurial management major, said that Neely Fellows get the chance to take their knowledge from the classroom and apply it in the real world.

“The coolest part about the program for me was getting to apply what I’ve learned during our trip to New York,” Walton said.

The BNSF Next Generation Leadership Program focuses on developing leadership skills, said Meryl Woods, a junior business marketing major. Students accepted to the program must take an additional 15 hours that are leadership-based.

“Our classes are more interactive. and that allow us to become very close with our group and professors,” Woods said.

Many first-year students attended the information meeting, including first-year biology major Grace Riccobene.

“I got to see the differences between the two programs, which I didn’t know before this meeting,” Riccobene said. “I want to join [BNSF] to develop my leadership skills, and because I like the service aspect.”

Both programs focus on building students to their highest potential, said Kirsten Fishel, program manager of the BNSF Next Generation Leadership Program.

“Being a part of either program is a differentiator and makes [students] stand out when applying to businesses,” Fishel said.