About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SIFE?
- What are the main topics covered in SIFE projects?
- How does the team conceive, plan and implement their projects?
- How much involvement does each student have in the projects?
- What are SIFE competitions?
- What can I get out of being a member of SIFE Cal Poly?
- Are there career and networking opportunities available?
- Who is the Cal Poly team's advisor?
- When and where does the team meet?
- How do I join?
What is SIFE?
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international, nonprofit organization that gives students the tools to learn the free enterprise system in a real working situation. SIFE challenges students on more than 800 college campuses nationwide to take what they're learning in the classroom and use their knowledge to better their communities.
Guided by faculty advisors, SIFE Teams establish a variety of community outreach programs that teach free enterprise. For example, they teach concepts such as budgeting, accounting and supply and demand. They help budding entrepreneurs get their plans off the ground and mentor at-risk students, inspiring them to reach for their dreams.
Cal Poly’s SIFE team is a collegiate chapter of the national organization. More information about our international organization can be found at SIFE.org
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What are the main topics covered in SIFE projects?
SIFE projects cover five different criteria. All projects use training and knowledge to educate other groups about:
How the free market works in the global economy.
Entrepreneurial skills to start or maintain successful businesses.
Personal skills to help people in their daily and professional lives.
The importance of practicing business in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
Financial literacy to ensure financial stability in their futures.
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How does the team conceive, plan and implement their projects?
First, the team identifies needs that are not being filled in the local or international communities. The team then brainstorms in groups to decide what types of projects will fill these needs successfully. Once ideas and plans have been generated, the team implements their projects, being sure to produce positive, measurable results. These projects can be as short as a day long, or something continuous from year to year. SIFE Cal Poly's main goal in designing and implementing projects is to ensure that the SIFE criteria are being met (as listed above) and that the projects are impactful on those the team is teaching.
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How much involvement does each student have in the projects?
All of the projects are conceived, planned, and implemented by students. Faculty advisors serve as mentors and resources to the team, but leave all of the project planning and application to the students. This gives the team members the opportunity to personally make a difference with their ideas and efforts.
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What are SIFE competitions?
During Fall and Winter of the school year the team develops and implements their various projects. At the end of winter quarter the team presents their projects in a regional competition against other schools. Winners of the regional competition move on to national and then international presentations (The 2007 National Competition was in Dallas, TX, and the International Competition was in New York, New York!) SIFE Cal Poly has won at regional competition every year since it started at Cal Poly (five years in a row!) and has placed as high as runner-up in the national competitions.
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What can I get out of being a member of SIFE Cal Poly?
There are endless benefits of being a part of SIFE. Every SIFE member learns invaluable life lessons in teamwork, leadership, and the ability to make a difference. Also, every team member gets the satisfaction of seeing a plan of their own put into action and positively benefiting people in their community. Whether it is kindergarteners, college students, business owners or senior citizens – the projects that you create will allow these people to achieve their dreams. It is more than just educating – it’s empowering!
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Are there career and networking opportunities available?
Yes! At regional and national competitions, SIFE team members have many opportunities to meet and network with Fortune 500 companies. These companies have alums who have all been SIFE graduates. They attend regional and national competitions to meet students and serve as judges. They want to hire SIFE students.
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Who is the Cal Poly team's advisor?
Marketing professor Dr. Norm Borin has been named the Sam Walton Fellow for SIFE Cal Poly. He can be contacted at nborin@calpoly.edu with any questions.
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When and where does the team meet?
For Spring Quarter 2008, SIFE Cal Poly’s team meets Mondays and Wednesdays in room 305 of the Business Building (Building 03), from 4:10-6:00 PM.
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How do I join?
Click here for more information about how to join
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