Professional Development Month

The College of Business places a strong emphasis on career culture among students with our unique professional development program. Part of this program includes Professional Development Month. Held each September, Professional Development Month offers students opportunities to become more career-ready and find an internship or job. From the Dr. Bill Phillips Etiquette Dinner toting the promise to ‘make meeting and eating less awkward’, to resume review sessions with experts from the College and ISU Career Center, the month was packed full of ways for students to learn about important professional topics in an approachable way.

“This year’s professional development month was truly amazing,” said Director of Professional Development John Ney. “We had record attendance at all of our events, from the Career Fair to the Dr. Bill Phillips Etiquette Dinner supported by alumni Gary and Susan Campbell. These events are so important because they help students develop their personal brand, network and apply soft skills learned in class. The most common reaction we get from students is ‘Well, I really didn’t want to go, but I’m so glad I did!’”

Interested in supporting an upcoming professional development event? Email John at johnney@isu.edu.

Students Show Off Their Professional Best During the First Annual College of Business Fashion Show

Part of this year’s Professional Development Month coincided with New York Fashion Week. Joining in the social media storm of runway excitement, the College of Business took to the hallways for a pop-up fashion event of our own. As morning classes ended, runway music began. Students and professors walked the second floor showing off their favorite business professional and business casual outfits. Host John Ney, Director of Professional Development, announced brands and where people purchased their outfits from so audience members could go browse if they saw something they liked.

“This event was so fun,” said Ney. “It was awesome seeing students cheer on their peers, give great examples of professional wear, and show you don't have to shop on Rodeo Drive to look good."