At the Intersection of Theory and Practice:
Professional Development at the Trulaske College of Business
Underpinnings of Excellence
Three years ago, the college surveyed alumni, students, and recruiters to obtain their perceptions and opinions about the educational experience provided in business and accountancy. The responses showed that alumni and students believe the education furnished by MU’s business school is rigorous and comprehensive.
This view is not limited to those who have an affiliation with the college, either. In peer evaluations, such as reported in U.S. News & World Report, the college is held in high esteem. Out of approximately 1,400 undergraduate business programs in the United States, the college BS BA program ranks in the top 5 percent in the nation.
"The education I have received at MU has been challenging and thorough, and provided me with the necessary tools to be successful during my internship," says Brenna Noble, a senior in finance and banking. Noble completed an internship at Goldman Sachs in New York City during summer 2009.
So why is professional development important if students are already learning what they need to know about business and accounting? The answer is found in the mission of the Trulaske College of Business, which in part is to "prepare our students to succeed in the world of business." All of the initiatives related to professional development are part of that preparation, which not only seeks to provide students with a competitive advantage in their searches for a post-graduation job but also with the ability to be effective right away with a new employer. This combination of academic rigor and out-of-the-classroom experiences is powerful, effective, and distinctive.
Students have myriad opportunities to take part in professional development activities that will enhance their educational experience. Many of these activities are elective and, while they may include an application process, students choose whether or not to participate.
The list is long, including being a member of Student Council, taking part in a Study Abroad Program, joining the Flegel Academy of Aspiring Entrepreneurs, or being in the Cornell Leadership Program. These programs are in-depth and highly beneficial, but none of them are mandatory.
The Transition from Campus to Business World
As of fall semester 2008, however, all incoming business students are required to participate in a new Professional Development Program (PDP) in order to graduate. By 2012, all of the nearly 4,000 business undergraduates will participate in the PDP.
The Trulaske College’s Professional Development Program was launched using funds provided by business alumnus, Bill Caldwell (BS BA ‘56). It has been expanded through a grant from the Strategic Priorities Fund, which was created following the naming gift made by Mrs. Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. to the college.
Dean Bruce Walker believes the PDP is a vital component in the preparation of students for success in their careers. "In the classroom, students gain valuable, essential knowledge about the world of business," Walker says. "But we also want to assure that students develop professional skills, acquire needed values, and apply the knowledge gained in courses prior to graduation."
Six specific competencies needed to succeed in the business world are the program’s focal points. These competencies focus on managing both businesses and people, and skills such as building and executing business plans, communication, leading and motivating others, and self-management.
Voices of Experience
The college’s alumni, as well as corporate recruiters, have endorsed and supported the creation of the PDP. They were particularly enthusiastic about the potential of the PDP to enhance the educational experience for students by providing them with more real-world exposure. Some alumni and recruiters even shared best practices from the career development programs in their own companies.
Barbara Kieffer, a 1987 MU alumna working as a senior manager in Boeing’s learning, training, and development organization, provided a list of competencies that Boeing recruiters look for when assessing prospective hires. The list includes effective team building skills, business acumen, and an ability to manage diverse people. Input such as this was critical in the development of the set of competencies covered in the PDP.
Feedback from recruiters and students also validates the PDP concept. "The college’s long-standing emphasis on professional development has made a noticeable difference in how Mizzou students interact with recruiters and then their new employers," said Claudia Coleman, a recruiter and director of network operations at AT&T. "The added emphasis to professional development should be very beneficial for both students and employers."
Students were hosted at the headquarters of BNSF in Dallas by alumnus Matt Rose, chairman, president and CEO.
A Distinct Competitive Advantage
Most collegiate business schools in the U.S. pay attention to professional development of students, albeit to differing degrees. The Trulaske College of Business believes that the amount and type of attention it pays to professional development is distinctive, if not unique, among business schools. Distinguishing features are the breadth and depth of activities and the fact that it is mandatory, i.e. a requirement for graduation, for all business undergraduates.
"This program requires me to get out of my comfort zone and start preparing for my future," said Katie Abbet, who was part of the inaugural PDP class. "Through listening to first-hand advice from visiting speakers to participating in the professional workshops, I am more confident of my abilities. Overall, I have grown not only as a student but also as a person, and I think I’m better prepared for the business world."
As employers expect a wider range of skills and competencies from new graduates who join their organizations, the college’s challenging, innovative professional development program and other outside-the-classroom activities provide soon-to-be graduates with experiences not found elsewhere. As a result, new graduates will not have to build a bridge between what they learned in the classroom and what is expected and required in the business world. Instead, Trulaske College graduates should be able to begin contributing to their new employers sooner rather than later.
Tell Me, Show Me… and Then I’ll Show You
The PDP consists of three components:
"Asking a Fortune 500 CEO about leadership was a rare glimpse into the characteristics of a successful business executive."
- Lectures and workshops
Attending lectures and workshops each semester to obtain added knowledge about business trends, issues, and practices. Students can choose from an array of outside-the-classroom activities in order to meet this requirement. Examples include Speakers Series talks, a résumé preparation workshop, and business etiquette events.
The Speaker Series features a mix of executives, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Recent speakers have included retired Sen. Paul Sarbanes and David Novak, chairman and CEO of YUM! Brands, Inc. After reading Novak’s book, The Education of an Accidental CEO, students had the opportunity to ask him questions. Kyle Cleeton, a student participating in the forum with Novak, commented, "Asking a Fortune 500 CEO about leadership was a rare glimpse into the characteristics of a successful business executive."
"Besides describing and developing competencies, the course discusses a way of thinking in order to develop a professional mindset prior to starting a post-graduation job."
- Professional development course
Taking a professional development course to strengthen skills such as leadership, networking, and time management. Once students are admitted to the upper level as juniors or seniors in business, they will be automatically enrolled in the professional development course. This new class focuses on professional competencies as well as many facets of the job search process and the transition from being a student to being a professional following graduation.
While the emphasis in this course may appear to be on practical experience, Daniel Turban, chair of the Department of Management, emphasizes the conceptual approach embedded in the course content. "Besides describing and developing competencies, the course discusses a way of thinking in order to develop a professional mindset prior to starting a post-graduation job," said Turban. "We’re trying to prepare students to succeed by equipping them with values and skills, and knowledge of course, which we believe are prerequisites for success in the business world."
A student can either complete an internship with a business firm or, individually or as a member of a team, carry out a service learning project for a non-profit organization.
- INTERNSHIP
Participating in an internship to apply business knowledge and sharpen professional skills. After students complete the professional development course, they are ready to tackle a full-scale internship. A student can either complete an internship with a business firm or, individually or as a member of a team, carry out a service learning project for a non-profit organization.
"Our intent with the practicum is that students develop or polish their abilities to communicate effectively with others, conduct themselves in a professional manner, and, most importantly, apply knowledge and practice skills in the context of an actual company or social-service organization," said Lynsie Steinley, PDP director.