Stuart School of Business (SSB)

This course equips students with essential skills for launching and advancing their careers. Through interactive workshops and practical assignments, students will learn how to plan their job search, prepare for career fairs, and build a professional network. The course covers personal branding, resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, and crafting compelling cover letters. Students will explore online tools for career success and receive personalized feedback on assignments. The final weeks focus on enhancing public speaking and presentation skills, culminating in a final presentation that showcases each student's professional growth.

This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in today’s dynamic and diverse professional environments. Through a combination of interactive workshops, practical exercises, and real-world applications, participants will develop competencies in communication, leadership, cultural awareness, and innovation while fostering an inclusive and ethical workplace culture. The curriculum begins with foundational learning on U.S. workplace etiquette, communication norms, and legal considerations, followed by hands-on practice to build confidence and adaptability. Students will refine professional communication skills, leverage AI for effective writing, and learn strategies for networking and informational interviews. Leadership development is emphasized through the study of conflict resolution, leadership styles, and team dynamics. The course also introduces design thinking and creative problem-solving to drive innovation, culminating in strategies for promoting equity, inclusion, and bias awareness in professional settings.

Aligned with the Stuart Educational and Professional Development Competency Model, the second-semester course (SSB 512) focuses on preparing students for internship and early career opportunities through intentional skill-building and applied practice. The course emphasizes interview readiness and professional communication, including articulating business competencies through behavioral and case-based responses, leveraging and engaging effectively in networking and informational interviewing for opportunity discovery. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of employer expectations, workplace norms, and recruitment processes across industries. Through interactive workshops, mock interviews, employer-informed activities, and reflective exercises, students will gain the confidence and practical tools needed to compete successfully for internships and experiential learning opportunities.