CoB Professional Development Program
Experience Guarantee is a unique professional development program at the College of Business designed to help students focus on events and experiences that lead to career readiness. Employers want to hire graduates who have developed the competencies that you will have the opportunity to acquire and through Experience Guarantee.
All CoB students will complete Experience Guarantee – Blue prior to graduation. These experiences are molded into coursework and out-of-class time to make it as seamless as possible. Students who would like to get even more out of their CoB experience can participate in more events and advanced professional development opportunities to complete Experience Guarantee – Gold Honors. Students graduating with Experience Guarantee – Gold Honors will receive a medal at commencement to keep and display.
Completion of all professional development opportunities can be added to resumes and be synced to LinkedIn profiles, which will appear under Licenses & Certifications.
Here are four ways students benefit from Experience Guarantee:
Our many professional development activities provide a unique opportunity to tap into our network of Advisory Board members, alumni and friends of the College. These business professionals offer their real-world advice and experience, providing an inside look at different industries, organizations and occupations to help students explore potential career paths and discover their passion.
According to a recent survey, 75% of College of Business graduates reported they completed an internship or co-op. These relevant, on-the-job experiences provide valuable insights and knowledge development that makes these students more desirable to employers. Moreover, students who complete internships report earning higher starting salaries at their first job after graduation.
In partnership with UA Career Services, the College offers workshops and personal advising to assist students in preparing to apply for internships and full-time jobs, including resume reviews, tips for navigating Handshake (UA’s online job board), interviewing skills training and mock interviews, building a top-notch LinkedIn profile, and more.
The Experience Guarantee Professional Development program focuses on facilitating students’ development of the core career readiness competencies employers are looking for: career management & professionalism; communication & critical thinking; leadership, teamwork & self; technology; and global & cultural engagement. The Experience Guarantee program is a great resume booster and will provide you with relevant experiences to highlight in job interviews.
Proven Results
University of Akron College of Business students graduate career ready and connected – which is why you’ll find them employed at virtually every major company in Northeast Ohio, along with scores of smaller local companies and corporations around the country.
Here are some of the thoughts from students who have completed Experience Guarantee Gold honors:
- "The Experience Guarantee program was very beneficial in deciding what career path is best for you. It was also great to meet real business professionals and get advice and feedback from them. The program really prepares you for the world of business after graduation."
- "The Experience Guarantee events did wonders for me. Combined with my Business group membership, they made me feel like I had a 'hand up' while looking for a full-time job."
- "The Experience Guarantee program was an awesome experience for me! I love the flexibility of the program as to how students can keep track of their progress over the course of the four years they are here."
- "I think the Experience Guarantee program and Professional Development Center is one of the most helpful resources on campus."
Required:
- Review and workshop your resume
- Create a LinkedIn and Handshake profile
- Attend ‘Real People, Real Careers’
- Attend one (1) Business Communication speaker
- Attend two (2) Suit-Up Week activities
- Attend UA Career Fair
Choose a minimum of three (3) options:
- Attend Career Services’ professional etiquette presentation
- Conduct an informational interview
- Visit a company
- Student organization membership
- Sit for a mock interview
- Complete a LinkedIn Learning course
- Enroll in Coursera course
- Leadership Designation Program (LDP): Rising Leaders
Required:
- Review and workshop your resume
- Create a LinkedIn and Handshake profile
- Attend ‘Real People, Real Careers’
- Attend one (1) Business Communication speaker
- Attend two (2) Suit-Up Week activities
- Attend UA Career Fair
Choose a minimum of three (3) options:
- Attend Career Services’ professional etiquette presentation
- Conduct an informational interview
- Visit a company
- Student organization membership
- Sit for a mock interview
- Complete a LinkedIn Learning course
- Enroll in Coursera course
- Leadership Designation Program (LDP): Rising Leaders
Choose a minimum of two (2) options:
- Complete an internship
- Study abroad/Faculty-led international program
- Hold an elected student organization leadership position
- Participate in designated competitions
- Compete with the CoB Speech & Debate team
- ILA LDP (complete all three levels)
Visit the Suitable website to login with your UA credentials.
Questions? Email pd.business@uakron.edu