21. Professional Development Program

21. Professional Development Program

The mission of the professional development program at Franklin College is to prepare all students with the knowledge, human skills, and creative problem-solving frameworks to find, choose, and thrive in jobs that are fulfilling and meaningful.

At Franklin College, professional development is not an “add on” to the academic experience. Instead, students will find the eight core competencies of professionalism — self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and digital fluency — intentionally integrated throughout the liberal arts curriculum and in all academic disciplines.

All students will have the opportunity to engage with a qualified practitioner partner, someone who works or has recently worked in the field of study, in the classroom.

Additionally, students can take part in a range of co-curricular activities offered through the Offices of Career & Professional Development, located in the Dietz Center for Professional Development, and the Office of Global Education, located on the first floor of Old Main. The integrated professional development program consists of the following required and optional components to help each Franklin College student to be ready for what’s next:

Required

1. Complete the liberal arts curriculum focused on critical thinking, global awareness, effective communication, problem solving, and systems knowledge. These skills are needed in today’s complex, dynamic and entrepreneurial workplaces. 2. Acquire professional skills (All are required for students to access alumni networks and official college recruiting activities.): a) construct a professional resume (approved by the student’s academic department); b) participate in at least one official mock interview; c) establish a professional online profile (as defined by the academic department); and d) develop a fluency with relevant technologies and digital tools. 3. Participate in professional experiences: a) at least one off-campus, credit-bearing (1) internship, (2) field experience, or (3) undergraduate research experience approved by the academic advisor and b) a networking opportunity as defined by the academic department in consultation with the offices of career development and professional development (e.g. departmental alumni/professional panels, alumni engagement networking events, or internship-related networking opportunities). 4. Articulate the relevance of liberal arts, disciplinary, and applied experiences at Franklin

College in a culminating document.

Additional Opportunities

• Workshops that address skills and competencies needed in the workplace • Networking opportunities with alumni and other professional friends of the college • Activities to develop an appreciation of the arts and • Special topics courses which focus on issues relevant for professional success and the betterment of the student, their peer groups, and society.

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