Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Spotlight on NACE Career-Ready Skills: Leadership


The National Association of Colleges and Employers recognizes leadership as one of the core competencies needed for career readiness, and it is the second skill we are spotlighting this month. Here are three steps you can take as a Duke to get career-ready:


1. Become a Leader: Embrace Self-Awareness

Start by understanding your unique strengths and areas for growth. Take the free CliftonStrengths assessment through the CoB to learn more about your natural talents and reflect on your experiences in group projects, clubs, or other activities. Consider asking friends or mentors for feedback on your leadership style. By being aware of your qualities, you can lead with authenticity and connect better with your peers. Check out the Leadership Programs offered through the JMU Student Leadership & Involvement Office.


2. Motivate Others: Foster Collaboration

To motivate your classmates, create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Encourage open discussions during group work and actively listen to others’ ideas. Celebrate achievements, big or small, to boost morale. When you show enthusiasm and support, you inspire those around you to contribute their best efforts.


3. Take Initiative: Be Proactive

Leadership is not just about reacting to challenges; it’s also about anticipating them. Look for opportunities to improve your team or organization. Whether it’s suggesting new approaches for a project or organizing a study group, be willing to step outside your comfort zone. By taking initiative, you enhance your leadership skills and encourage your peers to do the same.


As you grow in your leadership capabilities, remember that great leaders are always learning and evolving. Your commitment to becoming a better leader can pave the way for success—both for yourself and for others.


To learn more about the current programming offered by the Office of Professional Development and Engagement, CLICK HERE.

Deadline Dash

Career Trek Information Sessions

October 22 | 5:30-6:00PM | D.C. Career Trek | Hartman Hall, 2029

October 22 | 6:00-6:30PM | NYC Career Trek | Hartman Hall, 2029


Come learn about the College of Business Career Treks that will be offered in 2025. To learn more about other information sessions and the Washington, D.C. and New York City Career Treks, CLICK HERE. Applications are due Wednesday, October 30 (Washington, D.C) and Friday, December 6 (NYC).

COB 300: Antwerp, Belgium, Information Session

October 23 | 4:30-5:15PM | EY Suite, 1st Floor, Hartman Hall


Applications are now being accepted for students interested in taking COB 300 in Antwerp, Belgium. Students may apply for Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

JMU College of Business Apparel

October 24 | Orders Due


The College of Business school store is open! Stay warm in style with officially branded hoodies, button-downs, headwear, jackets, t-shirts, and more. ORDER TODAY.

CoB Mocktail & Professional Networking Etiquette Event

November 4 | 6:30-8:00PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


Join us for a fantastic opportunity to master the art of networking with peers and industry professionals! Dress in your best business casual attire—think of it as “Dress Down Friday” with a professional twist. Leave the flip flops and jerseys at home, and come ready to connect, learn, and enjoy refreshing mocktails and light appetizers. Let’s elevate your networking skills while having a great time! Space is limited, so REGISTER TODAY.

Hart School Career Fair

November 6 | 10:00-1:00PM | Festival Conference and Student Center


Come connect with industry professionals in your areas of interest and learn about jobs and internships available. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Madison Inc. Workshop

November 6 | 3:30-4:30PM | Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, Room 1053

November 7 | 12:30-1:30PM | Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, Room 1053


Come learn more about Madison Inc. and become part of the entrepreneurial hub that powers success at JMU. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Digital Marketing EXPO

November 7 | 10:30-12:30PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


Step into the exciting world of digital marketing at JMU’s second annual Digital Marketing Career and Internship Expo (Drop-In | Free Food)! Students are invited to explore career and internship opportunities and network with digital marketing professionals. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Open Coffee: Mike Norwood (Wears Woody)

November 8 | 9:30-12:00pm | Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship


Don’t miss this chance to learn from Mike’s inspiring journey from medical device sales to launching Wears Woody—a premium lifestyle brand with a purpose—showcasing his resilience and commitment to giving back. With over a decade of experience in the medical field, Mike blends personal and professional experiences to build a brand that donates up to 7% of sales to T1D nonprofits. Join us to hear Mike’s insights on: transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, building a purpose-driven brand and changing the fashion retail game, and the role of patience and perseverance in business.

Mindful Messenger

Seeking Applicants: McDonald Bradley Scholarship


Seeking applicants for the James T. Bradley Memorial Scholarship, an endowed fund established by Kenneth R. Bartee (’83) and Sharon Schaaf in memory of James T. Bradley. This $1,500 scholarship is awarded annually to one or more exceptional rising juniors or seniors. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled or accepted into the College of Business with a declared major in Computer Information Systems or Management, have completed or be enrolled in COB 300, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and serve as a Resident Adviser or Hall Director in a university residence hall. For more information or to apply, please contact Molly Brown.

Library Spotlight

Peer Research Advisers


Want to go beyond Google to find quality business information? Our Peer Research Advisers can help! The Peer Research Advisers are business students who have passed COB 300 and undergone additional training with the Business Librarians to be ready to help students with navigating business databases and research strategies. This year we have three talented advisers -- Avery, Chase & Lorenzo! Book a consult for yourself or your group.

Leadership Insights for Wizards and Witches


Your community's libraries are a great tool for exploring career-related goals. Here's one e-book available from JMU Libraries that can strengthen career readiness competency Communication & Leadership. Leadership Insights for Wizards and Witches. Looking for resources to improve your career readiness? Send a message to our business librarians at bizinfo@jmu.libanswers.com to get tailored recommendations.

Endless Resources

Join a Career Community



The University Career Center has launched the JMU Career Communities! Join the Career Communities that align with your major and the job functions and industry you are interested in. You will receive a customized newsletter, showing employer events, as well as internship and job postings related to your major and industry interests. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

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. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

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.

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.

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. For more details, CLICK HERE.

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.

Undergraduate Programs/Professional Development & Engagement Staff

Molly Brown, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs

Schedule an Appointment

Sam Collier, Director, Professional Development and Engagement

Schedule an Appointment

Erica Kann, Assistant Director, Professional Development and Engagement

Schedule an Appointment

Alison Huber, Operations Manager

Schedule an Appointment

Instagram  LinkedIn  Facebook