Professional Development Workshop Prepares Seniors for Future Careers

The Ledbetter College of Business hosted a professional development workshop in October aimed at helping seniors prepare for their future careers. With graduation near, this event equipped students with the knowledge and skills to make a strong impression in the competitive job market.

Students learned how to use LinkedIn, a business-focused social media outlet, learned how to market themselves to prospective employers, and received professional head shots for their resumés.

Dr. Heath Hooper, Dean of the Ledbetter College of Business and Associate Professor of Sport Management, said it was important for students to learn about professionalism in business and that this event provided great ways for students to get ready for the transition from college to the working world. “Learning about the importance of dressing professionally and having a good head shot on LinkedIn can set students apart from the competition. I think that it’s a great way for students to promote themselves in today’s business environment,” said Hooper.

Brandy Alexander, a career expert from the

Goodwill Career Center, was the guest speaker for the event. She offered insights and valuable tips for a successful job search as well as an in-depth presentation on how to use LinkedIn, which has become a vital tool for networking and job hunting in today’s digital age. Seniors had the opportunity to create a compelling LinkedIn profile, expand their professional network, and leverage the platform to secure job opportunities in their chosen fields.

Students understand the importance of networking and know that LinkedIn is a valuable tool that can help them move in the right direction. Gareth Anderson, a senior general business major, encouraged his fellow students to take their LinkedIn profiles seriously. He recommended creating a profile that aligns with specific career goals, maintaining a professional online presence, and seeking out job opportunities in line with a student’s ambitions.

Jasmine Rodriguez, a senior criminal justice major, took advantage of this opportunity to learn more about LinkedIn and to prepare for her future career. She emphasized the significance of a professional LinkedIn profile picture and advised other students to ensure their profile image depicts professionalism. Additionally, Rodriquez highlighted the importance of careful connections on the platform, urging students to connect with individuals who align with their career interests while maintaining a professional tone.

Both Anderson’s and Rodriguez’s insights illustrate the importance of LinkedIn as a powerful tool for networking and job searching, reinforcing the need for a well-crafted and professional online presence. As students prepare to step into the professional world, these words of wisdom from their peers will undoubtedly help guide their journey towards career success.

By: Blake Baldwin