Your  Account:

FAQ

  • What are the benefits to me for participating in this program?

    By participating in this program you are:

    • Gaining access to executives in a one-on-one environment.
    • Honing your soft skills to make you more marketable during your educational career and upon graduation.
    • Starting early in your career planning ensures more access to experiences like volunteering, internships and jobs that will give you the skills you need to obtain an outstanding career outcome post-graduation.

     Did you know? It takes on average 6-9 months to secure a job. Recruiters begin their search for recent graduates in the fall semester of a student’s senior year. Most begin as early as recruiting from student interns.

  • When did the Business Professional Development (BPD) program start?
    BPD began as a pilot in the MGMT 445 Career Development course for upper level students in 2014. Due to recruiting cycles, and what we know about employer expectations, it is now a requirement for all College of Business Administration (COBA) students as early as their second year in pre-business status.
  • What happens if I do not complete the program requirements?
    This program is a CoBA degree requirement. Students who do not complete this requirement will not be able to register for Senior Experience or Global Business Experience.
  • What are the qualifications to be in the BPD program for 2018-19?

    Pre-business or business status students who are:

    • Transfer students entering in fall 2017 or later.
    • First year students who enrolled in CSUSM as of spring 2016 or later.
  • How is this program unique to other career development programs?

    This program is set up to help you identify an individual development plan that places you on a course to achieving a career outcome pre-graduation.

    It is also unique in that we have San Diego executives who will coach each cohort of students through the program. These experts will provide first-hand knowledge to real-world employment needs and expectations.

  • Who is an Executive in Residence (EIR)?

    An EIR is a San Diego executive from a variety of business fields who volunteers his/her time to our students in the BPD program. They are a coach and advocate for your success. Each student in BPD is in a cohort of approximately 40 students along with an EIR.

  • What is an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
    An IDP is a guide to setting goals for your career success. Many employers use IDPs to help employees with professional development and employee success. You are obtaining practice in using an IDP so that you will be ready to use one in your future employment or graduate school situations. It will also help you map out your career objectives for post-undergraduate career success. An IDP is a fluid document. Your goals will most likely change over the course of your life and that is okay; this document holds you accountable to thinking about and acting on your goals set out by you.
  • How long does the program last?
    The BPD program is set up as a 2-unit course (BUS 300) offered in the fall and spring semesters. A student would enroll in the course for one semester. The course meets once per week for the full semester, and has external course assignments and activities associated with it.
  • What activities are required outside of the course?
    See syllabus. Students will be required to conduct informational interviews, attend a business etiquette dinner, attend networking events, and conduct a mock interview with an employer.
  • Will I be graded?
    Yes. This is a University course offered for 2-units of credit. The University grading scale will be used.