Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)/ Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is sponsoring professional development month throughout the month of October, during which they are hoping to have at least two seminars each day on the Southern Arkansas University campus.
Professional development month is a series of seminars and other activities designed to aid students in developing qualities necessary to be successful in the professional world. The seminars will focus on skills such as cover letter/resume writing, interviewing, professional dress and good time management.
“Most people, especially those in business fields, believe generation Y to be poorly prepared for professional settings,” said Traci Hughes, SIFE/PBL adviser. “To combat this notion, today’s college student must strive to develop his/her professional skills. Focusing upon such skills is essential to success.”
Students will have plenty of opportunities to cultivate traits essential for success throughout professional development month. The seminars are scheduled at 3:10 and 5:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday in BUS 208; a calendar of the month’s activities can be obtained by contacting Hughes, at 235-4298 or TraciHughes@saumag.edu.
The focal point of professional development month will be the fall career expo on Thursday, Oct. 22 in the lobby of the Business Building. So far, SIFE/PBL has seven companies scheduled to attend the event. The career fair will be held in the morning, and companies will hold on-campus interviews that afternoon.
Another event that will be part of professional development month is an etiquette banquet to be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29 in the Reynolds Center. The purpose of the banquet is to teach those in attendance proper table manners, such as what fork to use for what course, etc. The cost to attend the banquet is $15, which covers the cost of the meal. Tickets can be purchased from any SIFE/PBL member or in the College of Business Dean’s office.
All SIFE/PBL sponsored events are open to everyone–all students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community.
“Professional development month is a great opportunity to come out and meet with local business leaders, as well as faculty. The more people who get involved the better,” said project leader Teddy Shoemaker.
SIFE/PBL meets on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in Business (BUS) 208. Anyone interested in more information may either attend a meeting, or contact Dr. James Clark at (870) 235-4313 or in BUS 301 or Hughes at (870) 235-4298, or in BUS 316.
