What is Students In Free Enterprise?
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) is a not-for-profit organization supported by individuals, foundations, and corporations whose mission is to provide students with the best opportunity to make a positive impact in their community by developing their leadership, teamwork and communication skills through the principles of free enterprise.
SIFE is a networking opportunitySIFE links students with companies who are looking to hire SIFE students as their future leaders. |
SIFE is a media networkSIFE teams reach millions of citizens annually through media appearances on television, radio and in the newspaper. |
SIFE is a leadership development organizationSIFE teams create and execute multiple projects that develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills by teaching the principles of free enterprise. |
SIFE is a competitive teamSIFE teams compile their projects into a multimedia presentation and present it to Fortune 500 judges who recruit SIFE members to their companies. |
By becoming a SIFE member you will:
- Meet and make friends with other ambitious U of A students
- Practice entrepreneurship
- Travel and network with industry leaders who provide internship and employment opportunities to students
- Develop communication, leadership and technological skills
- Learn how to effectively organize and manage a pertinent project
- Improve speaking and presentation skills
- Have fun!
What is a SIFE competition?
The SIFE Overall Competition provides SIFE Teams with the opportunity to compete against each other and ultimately determine which team had the most impact improving the quality of life and standard of living for members of its community. The competitive format consists of a written annual report and a live, audio-visual presentation, which the teams present to a panel of entrepreneurs and executives serving as judges.
In the United States, this process begins with the SIFE USA Regional Competitions. Every SIFE Team is invited to attend the Regional Competition of their choice. Winners at the Regional Competitions then advance to the SIFE USA National Exposition. From this event, one two-year college division team and one four-year university division team will be named the SIFE USA National Champions and the four-year division champion will be invited to represent the United States at the SIFE World Cup.
In every country around the world, and at each level of the SIFE Overall Competition, the format, rules and judging criteria remain the same.
How does our SIFE team choose projects?
SIFE projects are chosen based on the following judging criteria: How effectively did the SIFE team measure and demonstrate that it created economic opportunity by helping others:
- Understand how a market based economic system operates?
- Acquire the education and skills training needed to succeed in a dynamic, competitive global economy?
- Learn how to succeed as an entrepreneur and/or improve an existing business?
- Develop the personal financial management skills necessary to achieve financial independence?
- Understand that the long-term success and prosperity of a market economy, businesses and individuals are dependent on ethical business practices?
Tell me where to sign up!
UA SIFE is open to students at the University of Arizona from all majors. We have a diverse group of individuals from many majors including Marketing, Retail and Consumer Sciences, Computer Science, Biochemistry, and more!
UA SIFE is unique among other organizations on campus in the way that there are absolutely no membership dues to be a member!
To join, simply come to one of our general meetings:
When: Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:00 PM
Where: Family and Consumer Sciences room 101.
If you have any questions, please send us a note via the "Contact Us" link to the left. We look forward to meeting you!
