Professional Development Institute helps students down career path
Saba Naseem
Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: News
Applying for graduate school and jobs may be a stressful process for students in this time of economic turmoil, but the UA offers students an opportunity to receive help for this long process. The Professional Development Institute, sponsored by the Career Development Center, offers career-building workshops, guest speakers and innovative activities for UA students.
"PDI is committed to enhancing students' professionalism and empowering students to present themselves successfully as candidates for employment or for graduate school," said Becky Vianden, associate director of the Career Development Center.
PDI, established in spring 2005, enhances students' career development and prepares them for life after graduation. Each student is assigned a personal career coach who can help with every step of their career development such as choosing major, exploring careers, choosing a grad school or finding resources for employment after graduation.
There are currently around 1,550 students involved in PDI. Applications are online on PDI's Web site and all students who apply are accepted. There are, however, a few requirements after being accepted into the program to become an active member. Students must meet with their career coach at least once during the academic year and they must attend at least one workshop during a semester.
Students who are participating in PDI expressed their gratitude for the institute.
"PDI allows you to prepare for both graduate school and employment," said Adam Sartin, a senior business major. "The workshops help you to be well rounded and help you build a cover letter, resume and interview skills that set you apart from your peers."
Sartin said that he would encourage others to join the program. "If someone joins and even puts in a little effort they will reap some great benefits. Of course, someone who really tries to get the most out of it will most likely be well on their way to landing a great job," he said.
Former students in the institute were also glad to have taken up this opportunity.
According to Karna in the Introduction to PDI video, "PDI really helped me gain a Co-op experience with J.B. Hunt transport services as an Information Services Intern."
After completing the PDI program, students receive a certificate of recognition from the Career Development Center and a letter of commendation from the Dean of the student's school, such as Fulbright or the Walton College of Business.
So for any students who are having trouble with their career path or students who are determined to get ahead in the game, PDI might be the place to begin the long journey towards life after graduation.
"PDI is committed to enhancing students' professionalism and empowering students to present themselves successfully as candidates for employment or for graduate school," said Becky Vianden, associate director of the Career Development Center.
PDI, established in spring 2005, enhances students' career development and prepares them for life after graduation. Each student is assigned a personal career coach who can help with every step of their career development such as choosing major, exploring careers, choosing a grad school or finding resources for employment after graduation.
There are currently around 1,550 students involved in PDI. Applications are online on PDI's Web site and all students who apply are accepted. There are, however, a few requirements after being accepted into the program to become an active member. Students must meet with their career coach at least once during the academic year and they must attend at least one workshop during a semester.
Students who are participating in PDI expressed their gratitude for the institute.
"PDI allows you to prepare for both graduate school and employment," said Adam Sartin, a senior business major. "The workshops help you to be well rounded and help you build a cover letter, resume and interview skills that set you apart from your peers."
Sartin said that he would encourage others to join the program. "If someone joins and even puts in a little effort they will reap some great benefits. Of course, someone who really tries to get the most out of it will most likely be well on their way to landing a great job," he said.
Former students in the institute were also glad to have taken up this opportunity.
According to Karna in the Introduction to PDI video, "PDI really helped me gain a Co-op experience with J.B. Hunt transport services as an Information Services Intern."
After completing the PDI program, students receive a certificate of recognition from the Career Development Center and a letter of commendation from the Dean of the student's school, such as Fulbright or the Walton College of Business.
So for any students who are having trouble with their career path or students who are determined to get ahead in the game, PDI might be the place to begin the long journey towards life after graduation.
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