Schottland Scholars

Where Leaders are Made.

Schottland Scholars is a prestigious, one-year leadership training program designed for 10-12 top performing School of Business seniors. The program aims to develop scholars’ professional and interpersonal abilities using a combination of formal assessments and personalized training, 40+ small group meetings with C-suite executives, and one-on-one mentorship with high-level executives in their chosen field.

Scholars undergo a rigorous application and interview process designed to look for leadership potential with an emphasis on traits related to empathy, self-awareness, problem solving, and motivation for personal growth. Students are held to the highest standards in their professional and academic lives as both representatives and role models at the College of Charleston School of Business.

Rising seniors interested in becoming a part of the Schottland Scholars program should visit Apply for more information on requirements and the application process.

Mission

The Schottland Scholar Program hopes to cultivate the next generation of conscientious leaders through purposeful self-exploration, rigorous interpersonal training, and thoughtful exposure to a range of leadership styles.

Class of 2024

Group photo of the Class of 2023 Schottland Scholars

Photo from left to right (top-down): Dr. Esta Shah, Destiny Humphrey, Lexi Keberlein, Mr. Bill Finn, Sydney Shanahan, Connelly Grant, Nick Matthews, Tyler Bauereis, Cameron Akers, Axel Stordahl, Billy Barlia, Nate Brej, Michael Mcintyre (not in photo)

Program Curriculum

The Scholars participate in a range of activities throughout the academic year.
  • Skills Assessment and Leadership Development Training

    These trainings are conducted by licensed psychology and management Ph.D.s and certified professionals.

  • C-Suite Executive Small Group Interviews

    Scholars take part in dinner meetings and site visit interviews with c-suite executives between 20-30 times throughout the academic year. Meetings typically feature leaders of Charleston’s largest and most impactful organizations, such as Charleston Regional Development Alliance, InterTech, Bosch, Ingevity, Explore Charleston, Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, AstenJohnson, Santee Cooper, Urban Electric, Water Mission, and more.

  • Mentor Program

    Scholars are paired with an executive mentor in their field of interest with special attention to finding mentors who can coach personal development in one of a student’s self-identified growth areas. Alumni mentor relationships are also fostered and supported throughout the year through networking events and one-on-one meetings.

  • Tour of Organizations

    The Schottland Scholars take two all-expense-paid trips to thriving business centers to meet with companies who are leaders in their respective industries. This provides an opportunity for Scholars to meet and network with 10+ business leaders per trip outside their local demographic network. Common destinations include New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Rochester, NY, and more.

  • Business Etiquette Training

    Formal etiquette seminars on business professionalism are held including dress, correspondence, formal dining, and cross-cultural norms and expectations.

  • Oral and Written Skill Development

    Scholars foster and develop these skills through continuous exposure and communication with executives with feedback by both the academic directors and a 15 year+ mentor and former CEO, Bill Finn.

Where Leaders are Made

Annually 10-12 top performing School of Business seniors join the Schottland Scholars.
Group shot of scholars
15+ year mentor and founder, Bill Finn with scholars.
Scholars with Bill Finn
 
 

Since 2009, students in the Schottland Scholars program have been exposed to a broad range of successful business executives representing diverse industries, organizational cultures and leadership styles.