~Contributed by Sheila Mason, Director, Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4)
P4 Course/Programming update:
I just passed my 1st year anniversary in the Pamplin School of Business, leading our Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4). I love that professional development and career readiness is integrated into our curriculum and undergraduate degree requirements. For a quick re-cap on my last year, I spent the Fall 2023 term getting my legs under me and setting my vision for the P4 program.
In the Spring term, I was able to observe and co-teach some of the topics within the P4 courses. From that experience, and getting to know the students more, I evolved my strategy a bit and went to work on my class materials. I’ve re-designed both the Professional Development and Internship Preparation courses and have been having a great time teaching so far this term.
The Professional Development course (BUS202) is focusing on career/major exploration and developing the initial Professional Toolkit (Professional Intro, Resume, LinkedIn, etc.). The Internship Preparation course (BUS302) is focused on Internship Search Planning, Applying for Roles (Customizing materials, cover letters, interviewing), and Getting the Job (understanding Job offers, and professional communications). I have been weaving how to use Generative AI tools throughout different lessons and assignments in both courses.
Internships – where PSOB students are working:
Along with the 2 courses, PSOB students also have to complete a professional internship as part of the P4 program, and as a degree requirement. From this past summer, we had interns in a variety of companies, from startups and small local businesses to Amazon, HP, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Lithia & Driveway, Liberty Mutual, Delap, Deloitte, and so many more.
As I’ve been reading evaluations from the internship supervisors, it’s great to see that interns are contributing to critical, high-priority projects at the companies they’re a part of and that their contributions are being immediately put to use.
In reading the internship reflection papers, our students are having great experiences where they are building confidence, learning new skills, and are using the internship experience to validate or inform their next steps at UP and beyond! Is your company considering hiring interns? Supporting a non-profit where an intern could make a big impact? Lets talk! I love talking with organizations about all of the possibilities internships can bring!
Volunteers! A part of making this program great!:
Last school year, 52 volunteers supported P4 related activities with students for>140 volunteer hours – WOW! I am grateful for this engaged and passionate community. I held our first P4 activity this term with volunteers on October 1st – a Career Exploration activity with BUS 202 (sophomores). 48 PSOB students practiced networking and exploration through informational interviewing with 20 volunteers (in-person and virtual) sharing their career backgrounds and experiences.
One of the students at the event shared that: “I thought all the careers that I learned about were really interesting and versatile. I learned that I am interested in more careers than I thought I was.”
Get Involved!
Interested in supporting a future P4 event? I’m actively seeking volunteers for upcoming activities in late October and mid-November – email me at masons@up.edu to learn more. Get onto my P4 distribution list for future opportunities via this short survey, I will have options for both in-person virtual volunteers! UP Business Student Professional Development/P4 Support Survey . I couldn’t provide these experiences where students can develop and practice their professional skills without the support of Alumni and local employers! Thank you!