SPDP
Recommended Schedule
• Career Planning Workshop to be completed FRESHMAN year.
• Professional Appearance Workshop to be completed FRESHMAN year.
• The Job Campaign Workshop to be completed SOPHOMORE year prior to applying for an internship.
• Professional Etiquette Workshop to be completed JUNIOR year prior to applying for an internship.
Suggested Attire
Students are strongly encouraged to present themselves in a professional manner at each workshop. Business casual attire is recommended. (No jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.) Business casual may include a polo and khakis for men and khakis or dress pants and a nice button up shirt or blouse for women. Workshops involve professionals from the community. Every contact you make should form a positive and professional impression.
The Student Professional Development Program is a series of non-credit workshops designed to give business students the skills they need to present themselves in a professional manner throughout their career.
The Student Professional Development Program consists of four workshops: Career Planning, Professional Appearance, The Job Campaign, and Professional Etiquette. The workshops are a graduation requirement for all College of Business majors. Students are encouraged to take all four prior to applying for an internship.
Completion of the Student Professional Development Program is a graduation requirement for business students using the 2005-06 and subsequent university catalogues.
Career Planning
To be completed FRESHMAN year.
A well thought out plan of action is an essential part of being successful in college. This workshop will guide students through the process of developing a plan that fits their goals. Topics include: how to pick a major and what to do with that major, identifying what to do during college to find a career and be most marketable, and where to research and apply for internships and full time jobs.
Students must purchase Blugold CareerLink through Career Services prior to attending.
Workshop fee: $18.75
Professional Appearance
To be completed FRESHMAN year.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. This workshop will prepare students to make a positive impression that lasts. Topics include: how to dress for an interview and on the job, defining business casual and business professional dress, accessorizing, grooming, and general appearance guidelines for projecting a professional image.
Workshop fee: $12.50
The Job Campaign
To be completed SOPHOMORE year, prior to applying for an internship. Prior completion of Career Planning required.
This workshop builds upon the plan of action developed in Career Planning and takes the next step into developing a successful job campaign. Topics include: writing a resume and cover letter, searching for a job, researching a company, interviewing with confidence, and providing proper follow-up. Students will participate in mock interviews.
Workshop fee: $25.00
Professional Etiquette
To be completed JUNIOR year, prior to applying for an internship. Completion of BCOM 405, may be substituted for this workshop (must contact program administrator).
Professionals who understand how to "behave" in certain situations have a better opportunity to get ahead, rather than be left behind. Whether the situation is a business interview or a special event, everyone should know how to act in a formal dining situation. By participating in this workshop, students will learn the "Dos and Don'ts" to dining. Topics include: socials, handshakes, table settings, ordering, gender etiquette, what to order, maintaining conversation, interview dining, and table etiquette.
Workshop Fee: $38.75 ($18.75 workshop fee + $20.00 banquet fee)