CIS Students Study in Scotland

By: Carey Cole and Lindsey Blanchetti 

For the month of May, 16 Computer Information Systems (CIS) students (majors and minors) had the incredible opportunity to visit Scotland and increase their understanding of global business. The trip was led by Carey Cole from the Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics. While in Scotland the group studied for two different courses: International Consulting and Database Design.  

Additionally, the students had the pleasure of visiting international offices, which included KPMG’s office in Glasgow, as well as Deloitte and Accenture’s Edinburgh offices. Visiting the offices, the students were able to broaden their minds and gain a more global perspective of business. The group also had the chance to participate in a case study competition for Deloitte, which was judged by several JMU alumni who now work for Deloitte.  

Aside from in-class learning, students also had the chance to experience some of Scotland’s rich and historical culture in person by visiting sites such as Greyfriar’s Kirk, the Edinburgh Castle, the Museum of Scotland, Callander House, Falkirk Wheel, Antonine wall, Kelpies, Royal Yacht Britanna, and Mary King’s Close. In addition to the classes and planned group activities, the students had some free time and visited places like London, Amsterdam and Dublin.  

There’s no doubt that this trip was the experience of a lifetime. The lessons the students learned in Scotland, both in and out of the classroom, will continue to grow and shape these students into globally-minded, well-rounded individuals. This was surely a trip they will not quickly forget.