Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Spotlight on NACE Career-Ready Skills: Communication


Communication is a key skill for success in academic settings and future careers. The National Association of Colleges and Employers recognizes communication as one of the core competencies needed for career readiness, and it is one of the two skills we are spotlighting this month. Here are three steps you can take as a Duke to get career-ready:


  • Proofreading: Ensuring that written work is free from errors is a skill that reflects attention to detail and professionalism. Whether it's a business proposal, report, or email, polished written communication builds credibility and demonstrates competence. JMU’s University Writing Center is a fantastic resource to help you with academic, professional, and personal writing projects.


  • Presentations: Developing strong presentation skills is crucial in the business world. Delivering clear, engaging presentations leaves a lasting impression and helps you stand out. Learning to structure information effectively, articulate points confidently, and engage with an audience are all critical to success. JMU's Communication Center is a great resource to help you refine your public speaking and presentation skills.


  • Asking Questions: Showing initiative through asking thoughtful questions is highly valued in any workplace. Whether you are in class or at an internship, seeking clarification demonstrates a proactive approach and opens up opportunities for deeper understanding and growth.


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

Deadline Dash

Reading Purple

October 8 | 6:00-8:00PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


I Read Purple events offer the perfect chance to unwind with a good book. Enjoy a “mostly” silent reading experience with the option to chat with fellow book lovers afterward. Bring your own book or browse our free book exchange during the event to find something new and exciting to read. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Careers in Banking

October 8 | 6:30-7:30PM | Showker Hall, Room 1112


Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Steve Petti '98, who serves as the Senior Vice President at Capital One Financial Corporation, and Eli Rosequist '22, who is an Associate at National Bank Examiner.

The Fallon Challenge

October 8 | Applications Open


Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through February 2, 2025. To learn more about the application process and the competition, CLICK HERE.

Time Management Workshop

October 9 | 12:00-1:00PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


Join the College of Business Council for Inclusive Excellence for a time management workshop hosted by the Office of Learning Success Strategies. Discover effective strategies for managing your time, enhance your study skills, and familiarize yourself with the resources available on campus for all students. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your academic success! To learn more, CLICK HERE.

GCFE Idea Power Pitch

October 9 | 5:00-7:30PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


Come be a part of the excitement as student entrepreneurs present their bold and innovative ideas in 1-minute pitches, all competing for your vote to win one of three $500 Audience Choice Award Scholarships.

Career Trek Information Sessions

October 9 | 5:30-6:00PM | D.C. Career Trek | Hartman Hall, 2029

October 9 | 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 now open!

Sales Career Networking Event

October 11 | 10:00-4:00PM | Hartman Hall Forum, Room 2021


Interested in a career in sales? Or want to learn more about what a career in sales would look like? Come to the Sales Career Networking Event to talk to employers who would love to meet you and share information about their companies. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

VA Beach Student-Alumni Reception

October 16 | 6:30-8:30PM | Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club, Virginia Beach


Calling all College of Business students that want to live in or plan to work in the Tidewater area. Don’t miss the JMU College of Business Networking Event on the first night of Fall Break. REGISTER TODAY. Registration is required.

Take Your Passion Further with the Entrepreneurship Minor

October 18 | Application Deadline


Unlock your potential for innovation with the Entrepreneurship Minor! This program equips you with the essential business knowledge and skills to turn your ideas into successful ventures. Open to students from any major (except management), the minor is a perfect complement to your academic journey. Don’t miss this chance to take your passion to the next level! To learn more, CLICK HERE.

CoB Alternative Spring Break Denver, CO

October 23 | Leader Application Deadline


Are you interested in leading a meaningful service trip during Spring Break 2025? We are looking for two enthusiastic leaders to guide the College of Business Alternative Spring Break (ASB) in Denver, Colorado. If you would like to learn more or want to express your interest in serving as a leader, please fill out the form! Serving as a leader guarantees you a spot.

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! REGISTER TODAY.

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.

Mindful Messenger

Seeking Applicant: 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 Advisor or Hall Director in a university residence hall. For more information or to apply, please contact Molly Brown.

Library Spotlight

I Read Purple


Do you Read Purple? Come to one or all Reading Purple events -- an opportunity to make time for reading and relaxing. It’s a set time to read anything you want with an optional opportunity to chat with others at the end. Want something fun to read? Stop by Hartman 1060-1061 to borrow a book for free.

See Yourself in Cyber: Security Careers Beyond Hacking


Your community's libraries are a great tool for exploring career-related goals. Here's one audiobook available from JMU Libraries that can strengthen Career Readiness Competency; Communication & Leadership. Difficult conversations: craft a clear message, manage emotions, focus on a solution. 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. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

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