About FBEI

At PLNU's Fermanian Business & Economic Institute (FBEI), we have a forward-thinking approach to business. 

Our approach is collaborative and strategic, and most importantly, it is practical.  It is what gives PLNU students an edge to provide solutions in ever-changing business and economic environments.  Our business partners seek us out for interns, employees, and consulting.  Join us as we forge business relationships, organize networking events, and sponsor programs to prepare the next generation of business leaders for a dynamic marketplace.

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FBEI Mission

“To provide our students, alumni, and constituents with a relevant business and economic voice to meet the demands of a dynamic marketplace.”

FBEI Vision

Our vision is a Business & Economic Institute as the hub of a wheel where business professionals, entrepreneurs, for-profit and nonprofit leaders, students, and faculty will gather together to enrich their understanding of each other and to build significant relationships. The rapidly changing global business community demands dynamic interaction and communication between all business participants in order to build and sustain significant value in the marketplace. We see the distinct competitive advantage for PLNU undergraduate and graduate students will be in creating academically superior business graduates who also possess the critical, moral, and ethical values necessary to the contemporary competitive marketplace.

What We Do

• Networking Events - The FBEI offers panel discussions, roundtables, and one-on-one discussions with industry experts and business executives in such areas as banking, real estate, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategy.
  
  
• Entrepreneur Enrichment Program (EEP) - The EEP connects student entrepreneurs with business professionals and financiers in an intensive and disciplined approach to business planning.  Our EEP graduates go on to start new business ventures and make valuable contributions to a variety of industries.
  
  
• Internships and Employment Opportunities - For-profit and nonprofit firms in San Diego and throughout the country seek out our students.  We hear repeatedly that the quality and character of PLNU students are second to none.
  
  
• Creative Solutions for Firms - The FBEI assists businesses with operational and product analysis, innovative marketing plans, competitive strategies, and other business needs in an effort to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our clients.
  
  
• Economic Consulting - Dr. Lynn Reaser, PLNU's chief economist, provides local economic forecasts and ways to look forward in a changing economy.  PLNU also works collaboratively with San Diego firms to provide actionable economic analyses to assist with research and consulting projects.  Clients include the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Military Advisory Council, Equinox Center, and others.

Scott Anderson - President/CEO, Federal Land Bank Association of Kingsburg

"The team at the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute truly "added value" to our business model at an event we had for our bank.  Dr. Reaser presented the Agricultural Economic Forecast to our customers and guests.  Competition for business in the Agricultural lending sector remains tough but having this group from PLNU join us helped to set us apart from the rest."

Aimee - Accounting 2008

"I really enjoyed having the opportunity to utilize all of my resources in the FBEI.  The staff are a great help and truly invest in the students they work with.  The Professional Development Events provide students with the perfect opportunity to network with business people and learn about areas of interest in the business world outside of the classroom.  They are a great tool which allow PLNU students to expand beyond the basic classroom experience." 

Skylar - Business Administration 2010

"I had an amazing experience being a student and being a part of the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute. From the professors to the staff to the dean, everyone was so willing to sit and talk with me about my education and my future. They provided with me the tools to succeed not only in the classroom but in life. Whether it was helping me land an internship, giving me suggestions on my resume or just sitting down and talking, there was always someone who was willing to help me."