Gordon Ford College of Business News

Recognizing the need for students to improve their level of professional preparedness as they enter the business world, the Gordon Ford College of Business has developed the Undergraduate Certificate in Advanced Professionalism, which was formally approved by the WKU Board of Regents July 25.

“Feedback from local employers suggests that our students’ technical business skills meet their needs but that the students’ soft skills in written and oral communication, networking, time management, and general professional awareness need to be developed in order for them to negotiate a successful start to their careers,” said Dr. Michelle Trawick, Associate Dean for Faculty and Administration. “This certificate is our strategy to create an incentive for our students to pursue professional development and career preparation in an intentional, thoughtful manner.”

The program will require 12 hours from students in three general categories: Self-Management Skills; Advanced Communication and Leadership; and Applied Career Experiences. Students can select the courses from a wide variety of business, communication, and leadership classes. All students seeking the certificate must also complete a set of professional development activities ranging from completing an internship, attending resume writing workshops, and participating in mock interview sessions.

“The program creates a synergy among resources across the campus that students can customize based on personal career plans,” said PEAK Program Coordinator Dr. Dana Cosby. “As a result, employers will know that these students availed themselves to learning opportunities that strengthen career readiness and work maturity skills. This will be a competitive advantage for our graduates in the marketplace.”

Students can begin this fall earning credits toward this certificate.