WKU News

Management graduate Leslie Steele is the first recipient of the Certificate in Advanced Professionalism (CAP) from the Gordon Ford College of Business.

The Certificate was designed to enhance students’ professional preparedness as they enter the business world. The certificate program requires 12 credit hours in three general categories: Self-Management Skills; Advanced Communication and Leadership; and Applied Career Experiences. Students also complete a set of professional development activities ranging from attending resume writing workshops, mock interview sessions, and completing an internship.

“My career goal is to be an Office Manager of a well-established local company,” said Ms. Steele. “I knew I would need to networking, so I looked into some of the clubs sponsored in the College. I didn’t feel like they were a good fit for me. I heard about the PEAK Program, which is about working toward your professional image. I thought this would be the perfect place to network and meet people in my field on a professional level.”

During her time as a GFCB student, Ms. Steele participated in two Career Trek experiences, which she indicates is her favorite activity sponsored by the PEAK Program (Professional Education and Knowledge) and counts toward completing CAP requirements. She traveled on both the Cincinnati and Atlanta Career Trek trips.

“It was an amazing experience because I was able to see companies of different sizes, types, with different core values and missions. I may not have gotten the opportunity to do so otherwise, while learning more about them,” Ms. Steele said. “It was an eye opener for me to realize how companies differ, some of which I may feel to be a better fit than others.”

The GFCB created the CAP in response to the needs of the business community, according to Dr. Michelle Trawick, Associate Dean for Faculty and Administration.

“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,” she said.  

“The Certificate is an important and valuable complement to a student’s business degree and can significantly enhance the academic experience and career preparation,” said Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, PEAK Program Director. “Completing the Certificate provides the student with the finishing touches to an already excellent degree and it signifies to employers that the student has gone above and beyond to become a well-rounded business professional.”

Ms. Steele now serves as Office Manager at Bluegrass Insulation of Bowling Green, where she is using her education – both technical skills and her professional skills – to assist the company as it merges with a larger national organization.

“I know the educational journey is one of sacrifice, struggle, and many obstacles, but I couldn’t be prouder of my accomplishment,” she said. “PEAK and the Certificate in Advanced Professionalism can strengthen the educational journey and help prepare students for the ‘career after graduation.’”