For 蓝莓视频 students, postgraduate success doesn鈥檛 happen by chance鈥攊t鈥檚 the result of intentional preparation and the confidence to step boldly into the future. That鈥檚 the driving force behind the new Career Readiness Program, developed by the Department of Business and Economics (B&E) and led by Associate Professor Rick Smith, department chair. Designed for B&E majors, the program equips students with valuable skills, habits and professional experiences that set them apart in today鈥檚 job market.
The Career Readiness Program鈥檚 tiered structure ensures each student benefits from resources available both on and off campus. Tier 1, the Core Professional Readiness Badge, is now a graduation requirement for all new B&E majors, guaranteeing that students graduate with a polished r茅sum茅 and cover letter critiqued by professionals, interview practice, and attendance to workshops and events that expose them to various areas of business and professional development.
Once completed, students can choose to pursue Career Engagement (Tier 2) and Advanced Professional Distinction (Tier 3), earning credentials that demonstrate their commitment to professional growth.
鈥淭he world of work is competitive鈥攖hat鈥檚 no secret,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淭his program gives our students an advantage over other applicants to internships, graduate school and jobs, by helping them gain core professional skills, build a professional network and show employers they鈥檝e completed a structured program focused on career readiness.鈥
The tiered structure was intentional, as not every student is able to or wants to pursue off-campus activities, such as internships and study abroad, which are some of the activity options to complete Tier 2 and Tier 3.
鈥淲ith Tier 1, every student has access to on-campus resources. But for those who want to push themselves further, Tiers 2 and 3 provide avenues such as mentorship, job shadows, leadership experiences, internships and study abroad,鈥 Smith explained.
Unlike traditional career services, which can be an optional add-on late in a student鈥檚 academic journey, Marietta鈥檚 Career Readiness Program embeds professional development into the student journey from day one. 鈥淭his helps our students start thinking about their future the moment they arrive on campus, giving them a head start on their professional development,鈥 Smith said.
The program also creates new opportunities for collaboration with alumni, faculty and local business leaders. Smith explained that the program will eventually begin accepting applications for mentorship, giving alumni and industry leaders opportunities to mentor students directly. Local businesses can also play a key role by submitting internship job descriptions to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development for inclusion in Marietta鈥檚 job and internship postings. Together, these efforts create a strong support system that links students with professionals who can provide guidance and open doors.
Looking ahead five years, Smith said the department will measure success in real outcomes, such as increased job placement numbers, more competitive graduate school and post-grad internship placements, and other quantitative and qualitative measurements.
With this innovative approach, 蓝莓视频 ensures that graduates don鈥檛 just leave with a diploma, they leave with the tools, confidence and experiences to thrive as professionals, leaders and Pioneers in their chosen fields.
To learn more about the Business and Economics Career Readiness Program, visit or contact Associate Professor Rick Smith directly at rcs003@marietta.edu.