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Professionalism: Communicating with Respect and Impact
As College of Business students preparing to enter the professional world, one of the most important competencies you can develop is professionalism, a key skill highlighted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). At the heart of professionalism is effective communication, both verbal and written.
Communication is more than just exchanging information. It’s about expressing your ideas clearly, listening actively, and responding thoughtfully. Whether you’re asking a question in class, sending an email to a professor, or sharing input with a supervisor, how you communicate reflects as much about you as what you say. Clear, respectful communication builds trust, fosters collaboration, and demonstrates maturity.
A key part of being professional is handling feedback well. Everyone receives constructive input, from grades to project guidance to performance reviews. While it’s natural to feel frustrated if feedback doesn’t match your effort, the real learning often comes from the conversation that follows. Ask clarifying questions, share your perspective respectfully, and focus on understanding. These discussions can provide more insight than the original project or grade itself.
Remember: professionalism isn’t about avoiding mistakes; it’s about how you respond to them. By communicating thoughtfully and handling feedback constructively, you show that you are a capable, reliable, and respected member of any team or organization.
Takeaway: Professionalism begins with your words and actions. Communicate clearly, listen actively, and view follow-up conversations as opportunities to learn and grow. Your colleagues, professors, and future employers will notice, and your reputation will reflect it.
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Practice Interview Event
April 9 | Virtual
This free event through the University Career Center allows you to sign-up for a 30-minute mock interview with real employers and receive insightful feedback. REGISTER TODAY!
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Madison Make-A-Thon Kickoff
April 10 | 6:00 - 7:00PM | The Forum, Hartman Hall
Join the GCFE and Department of Computer Science for the first interdisciplinary ideation and prototyping competition. Form a team and build anything based on the mystery scenario revealed during kickoff. APPLY TODAY!
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Madison Make-A-Thon Showcase
April 11 | 6:00 - 8:00PM | The Forum, Hartman Hall
Join the GCFE and Department of Computer Science for the first interdisciplinary ideation and prototyping competition. Pitch your solution (24 hours from the kickoff) before a panel of judges and compete for prizes. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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MIF Professional Development Presentation
April 13 | 7:00PM | Room 2008, Hartman Hall
Join members of the Madison Investment Fund as they present on topics including early career advancement, certificates & assessments and post-graduate studies.
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AMA Sales Tech Panel
April 13 | 7:00 - 9:00PM | Room 0212, Showker Hall
Come out to meet, network, and hear from sales tech professionals. Enjoy appetizers and company merch. Follow JMU American Marketing Association on INSTAGRAM.
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NYC & Northern VA Career Treks Info Sessions
April 14 | 5:30 - 6:00PM | EY Suite 1013, Hartman Hall
April 15 | 5:00 - 5:30PM | EY Suite 1013, Hartman Hall
Attend an upcoming info session to learn more about CoB Career Treks. Apply now for the opportunity to join us during Fall Break 2026 as we travel to NYC to explore the world of Wall Street, and during Winter Break 2027 to learn more about the consulting industry in Northern Virginia.To learn more and apply, CLICK HERE.
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Master your Interview and Case Study
April 17 | 3:00 - 6:00PM | The Forum, Hartman Hall
Nervous for final-round interviews? Join JMU alumni and Black College of Business Club (BCOBC) for a hands-on workshop where you will be guided though case challenges and interview prep. Spots are limited, REGISTER TODAY!
| | CoB Student Job Opportunities |
Front Desk Assistant
Join the Office of Professional Development & Engagement as a EY Suite Front Desk Student Assistant. This position plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the office while promoting a welcoming and professional environment for both the office and the College of Business. APPLY TODAY!
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Social Media Assistant
Join the College of Business Marketing & Communications team as a Social Media Student Assistant to create content, support campaigns, and help manage Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This paid role (Fall 2026–Spring 2027, up to 10 hours/week) offers hands-on experience in social media strategy, storytelling, and digital engagement while building your portfolio. Email Carrie Wood at wood3cr@jmu.edu for further information.
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Shop the CoB Store
The College of Business school store is still open! We’re offering MOCK-NECKS, caps, polos and performance pullovers for all. Get a gift for a May graduate or grab something you can comfortably wear to your favorite JMU event. Whatever the occasion, we (literally) have you covered with officially branded apparel. ORDER TODAY!
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Navigating an AI-Driven Workforce
April 24 | 10:00 - 11:00AM | Virtual
Attend this free virtual panel and gain insight from leading industry professionals as they discuss AI in today's workforce. REGISTER TODAY!
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AfroTech 2026
April 30 | Application Deadline
Ever been in a room with 40,000 of the brightest minds in business and tech? Black College of Business Club (BCOBC) is heading to Houston, Texas this November 1–5 for AfroTech, the world's largest Black tech conference — applications are open to all COB majors, regardless of background. APPLY TODAY!
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
May 1 | Application Deadline
Looking to boost your resume, build connections with JMU faculty, and gain hands-on experience? As a research assistant, you’ll dive into real projects—reviewing literature, designing surveys, collecting and cleaning data, and analyzing results. Applications are now open for the upcoming Summer semester and will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 1. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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(N)ACE Professionalism
Your community's libraries are a great tool for exploring career-related goals. HERE'S a Wall Street Journal article that can strengthen career readiness competency in Professionalism. Quiz: Do You Know How to Behave at Work? Use your free access to the WSJ through JMU Libraries to take the quiz. Looking for resources to improve your career readiness? Meet with our business librarian!
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Get the News
Access the New York Times and Wall Street Journal through our subscriptions. You can also read popular and industry magazines through Flipster. Looking for other news sources? View our full list of news-related databases HERE.
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We Want to Hear from YOU!
If you have something positive to share about a CoB program you attended, an idea for a new initiative or concern about a college experience you’ve had, the SAC members are your go-to resource. They’ll carry your thoughts forward for discussion and consideration. CLICK HERE to let them know what's on your mind.
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Virtual Interview Rooms
M-F | 9:00-5:00PM | EY Professional Development & Undergraduate Programs Suite
The College of Business has virtual interview rooms for CoB students to reserve to ensure a quiet space for your interviews. Each room is equipped with a computer, camera, and microphone to facilitate your virtual interviews. RESERVE YOUR ROOM TODAY.
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Quiet Room Available
Looking for a private space for prayer, lactation, administering medication, or other personal needs? The Quiet Room is now available on the second floor of Showker Hall (Room 2111), located near the quiet study area. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to use the room for up to 20 minutes at a time. A “vacant” knob lock on the door lets you know when the room is available.
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Seeking an Internship or Job
The Office of Professional Development and Engagement provides weekly small group career coaching sessions focused on internships and jobs. These sessions are designed to guide you through the process of searching for opportunities, networking, and more. These sessions are held in-person in the Hartman Hall EY Professional Development and Undergraduate Suite. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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Join a Career Community
The University Career Center has launched the JMU Career Communities! Join the Career Communities that aligns with your major and the job functions and industry you are interested in. You will receive a customized newsletter, showing employer events, internship, and job postings related to your major and industry interest. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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College of Business University Career Center Liaison
Every Thursday | 3:00-5:00PM | Hartman Hall, Employer Space
Drop by and meet with Hadgu Hadgu, the University Career Center Liaison for the College of Business for valuable discussions and guidance about career ideas, resumes, interviews, job searches, internships, graduate schools, and networking. No appointment is required.
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JMU Career Closet
M-F | 8:00-5:00PM | Student Success Center 3rd Floor, Suite 3250
Get ready for JMU Career Fairs, interviews, and class presentations with our curated collection of professional work attire, available to all current JMU students for free. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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Handshake
Handshake offers JMU students access to: Internships and job opportunities tailored for JMU students; career fairs, workshops, and events hosted by the University Career Center; employer events, info sessions, and on-campus interviews; and appointments with JMU Career Advisors at the University Career Center. To activate your account, CLICK HERE.
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Volunteer Locally
There are many opportunities for you to give back and volunteer locally with our Harrisonburg community partners. Find something that speaks to you! For a full list of opportunities and community partners, CLICK HERE.
| | Undergraduate Programs/Professional Development & Engagement Staff | | | | |
