Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | | |
Career & Self Development
This month, we're highlighting the NACE Career Readiness Competency: Career & Self-Development, which focuses on two essential skills for building a successful career and preparing for life after college. As a College of Business student, take initiative by identifying your strengths, seeking feedback, setting career goals, and exploring opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Start building your network by connecting with alumni, employers, faculty, and peers. Explore the workshops, Career Treks, internships, and professional development events listed below to strengthen your skills and gain valuable experience. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and take another step toward your future career!
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New Professional Sales Elective: MKTG 230E (Introductory Professional Sales)
A new 1-credit general elective taught by Prof. Richard Tate, will be offered during Block 2 (October 19–December 18) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00–5:50 p.m. and is now open for registration.
Designed for students interested in exploring professional sales, the course introduces sales careers and foundational communication and selling skills while helping students determine whether a career in sales aligns with their interests, strengths, and goals. Open to all students except marketing majors who have taken or are taking MKTG 430. Register in MyMadison.
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NOVA Career Trek Info Session
October 13 | 5:15 - 5:45PM | Zoom
Stop by to learn more about the College of Business Career Trek to Northern Virginia happening over winter break in January 2027. Get all your questions answered and learn more about how to participate. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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A Hartfelt Panel Discussion
October 14 | 10:00 - 11:00AM | Hartman Hall Forum
Join the founding family of the Hart School for an engaging panel discussion on the lessons, experiences, and personal qualities that matter most during college and beyond. Drawing from their own educational and professional journeys, the Hart family will share insights on how to make the most of your college experience and successfully transition into the professional world. REGISTER TODAY!
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Practice Interview Event
October 14 | Scheduled Sessions 9:00AM - 5:00PM | SSC 4th Floor
These 30-minute practice interviews are designed to help you prepare for upcoming interviews and build confidence. Each interview is conducted by a real employer and includes personalized feedback on your interviewing skills. All employers will use the same questions and feedback rubric to ensure a consistent experience. Practice interview slots are first-come, first-served so REGISTER TODAY!
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Level Up: Post-Grad Training Programs That Propel Your Career
October 14 | 7:00 - 8:00PM | Zoom
Considering leadership development or other training programs after graduation? Representatives from several employers will discuss their programs, share insights into the application and selection process, and offer advice on how students can stand out as candidates. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what to expect during the first years of your professional career. REGISTER TODAY!
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Excel Crash Course: The Basics You Need
October 14 | 7:30 - 8:30PM | Godwin Hall 338
This workshop is perfect for people who are new to Excel or simply want a refresher on the basics. We will cover essential skills such as basic formulas, spreadsheet navigation, formatting, and other useful tools to help you feel more comfortable and confident using Excel.
Brought to you by the Excel Club and the College of Business Office of Professional Development and Engagement. REGISTER TODAY!
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Get to Know OPDE
October 14 | 12:30 - 1:30PM | Hartman Hall Employer Space
Stop by the CoB EY Professional Development & Undergraduate Suite to get to know OPDE staff and learn more about the programs, resources, and opportunities available to you. Fill out a 30-second survey and spin the prize wheel! To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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Fireside Chat
October 15 | 4:30 - 5:30PM | Hartman Hall Forum
Join the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship for an engaging conversation with Darrel Branch (’91), a global executive, entrepreneur, investor, and board member with more than 30 years of experience building brands for Fortune 100 companies, including Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, and Revlon. Hear insights from his experience building brands across global markets, advising growing companies, and mentoring entrepreneurs. The conversation will include an audience Q&A followed by a networking reception with Darrel. Snacks and beverages will be provided. REGISTER TODAY!
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Semester in Antwerp Info Session
October 15 | 4:00 - 4:30PM | Hartman Hall EY Suite
Are you interested in learning more about a Semester in Antwerp, a study abroad opportunity exclusively for CoB students? If so, join us for an upcoming 30-minute information session and hear from the program director and students about the experience. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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CoB Diversity Alumni & Student Networking Event
October 16 | 3:00 - 5:00PM | Hartman Hall, 3043
Several College of Business student organizations are partnering to host 25 JMU alumni representing a variety of industries and professional backgrounds for an inclusive and welcoming networking event. Students will have the opportunity to practice their networking skills, strengthen their elevator pitches, ask career-related questions, and build meaningful connections with JMU alumni.
Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you are committed to attending and can participate for at least one full hour. Resumes must be submitted by Wednesday, October 14 at 11:59 PM. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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Apply Now for the NOVA Career Trek
October 19 | Application Deadline
Don’t miss your chance to explore exciting career opportunities—applications for the Northern Virginia Career Trek are due this Monday! The NOVA Career Trek is open to all class years and all College of Business majors. Meet with top consulting firms and gain valuable industry insights. CLICK HERE to apply.
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Business Runs on AI: Think Like a Business. Build with AI
October 23 | 1:45 - 3:15PM | Hartman Hall 3043
Students will get to use AI to work through a business problem and then actually build something with it. REGISTER TODAY!
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Marketing Career & Networking Expo
October 23 | Registration Deadline
Drop-in on Thursday, November 5 from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the Forum to enjoy free food and connect with organizations offering full-time employment, internships, networking, professional development, and mentorship opportunities in marketing. REGISTER TODAY!
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CoB Etiquette Dinner
November 4 | 6:30 - 9:00PM | Hartman Hall Forum
Come learn about the essentials of proper dining etiquette. This event is free and available to all declared College of Business students one time during your time at JMU. Space is limited and registration is required. REGISTER TODAY!
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Open Coffee with Brett McLaren ('04)
November 6 | 10:00 - 11:00AM | Hartman Hall 1040 (GFCE)
Join the former Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of MetaPhase. Brett helped grow MetaPhase from a startup into a 250+ employee technology consulting firm with more than $50 million in annual revenue. He was recognized by the Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and helped establish MetaPhase as a recognized best place to work. Brett will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey and what he’s exploring next. Enjoy coffee, connect with JMU student entrepreneurs, and shop handmade crafts from Student-Made at JMU. REGISTER TODAY!
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Share Your Ideas, Feedback & Experiences
If you have something positive to share about a College of Business program you attended, an idea for a new initiative or concern about a college experience you’ve had, the CoB SAC members are your go-to resource. SHARE TODAY!
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Get Career Ready by Mastering Networking
Career readiness starts with learning new skills. THIS E-BOOK from JMU Libraries can help you develop your Career & Self-Development competency. Mastering networking: Forge your own career opportunities Want more recommendations? Schedule a consultation with your business librarian.
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Job Searching? Don't Get Scammed
Could you spot a fake job posting? LinkedIn reported that nearly one-third of Gen Z job seekers have ignored scam warning signs because of pressure to find opportunities. Learn more about the threats shaping today's digital world by exploring these 12 books about cybersecurity from JMU Libraries during October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
| | Professional Development & Engagement Staff | | | | |
