Yet, classroom knowledge alone is not sufficient to fully develop these skills. Internships and experiential learning opportunities lend the polish young graduates need to be successful as they begin their careers. To meet the demand for graduates who can compete in the new economy, Bloomsburg University developed Professional U.
Professional U is a new program which engages students, alumni and organizational partners in experiences to foster career maturity and lead to personal and professional success. The program merges the offices of alumni affairs and academic internships to provide students with career-related experiential learning opportunities each year they are enrolled at BU.
The newly formed Office of Alumni Engagement and Affairs and Academic Internships will partner with faculty to provide experiences that complement the academic preparation students receive in the classroom. The goal is to ensure every Bloomsburg University student graduates with relevant work experience and a professional network — two key factors in securing meaningful employment or admission to a post-graduate or professional school.
Peer career pilots
New this semester at the Career Development Center (CDC) were career pilots — student leaders who provide basic career-related guidance on topics such as résumé and cover letter composition, interview preparation and career exploration.
The CDC co-sponsored an inaugural Senior Transitions Conference this semester to help improve or enhance learn key skills they will need following graduation. Sessions included:
- What to Wear and What Not to Wear to the Job Interview
- Networking
- Dining Etiquette and Mock Interviews with HR Representatives
- Evaluating the Job Offer and Benefits Package
- Credit and FICO Scores and Office Politics 101.
The overnight conference in Williamsport was a collaborative effort between Lycoming College, Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield and Susquehanna universities.
