The Mount Union College Office of Career Development and the Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration will receive the National Association of Colleges and Employers 2005 Excellence Award in the category of Educational Programming-College. The award honors the business course series, "Putting Theory into Practice: The Career Development Series."
Working together, the Office of Career Development and the Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration developed a three-tiered program focusing on career assessment, research and development. Rebecca Doak, director of career development at Mount Union says, "Our goal was to develop a systemic approach to career development that builds to a climax in the BA 343 course."
Three courses are offered as part of the program, beginning with BA 143 which focuses on a comprehensive career assessment to match student's skills with possible careers. The second course of the series provides an outlet for students to research specific careers that appeal to their interests. Finally, in BA 343 students perfect their resumes, practice professional etiquette and learn about salary negotiations.
"The series matches the academic component of education with practical implementation of skills," says Doak.
Douglas Poad, associate professor of economics, accounting and business administration, teaches one level of the career series. "We wanted to create a mechanism and support structure to help students go through the career process in three bite-sized pieces," says Poad. "Our program is a near seamless integration of academics and personal development."
In addition to Doak and Poad, Sara Fugett, assistant director of career development also teaches a course section of the series.
"Responses to the courses have been off the charts," says Doak.
"The professional development series is made up of the best courses available to juniors and seniors," said Melanie Antonucci, a 2004 graduate of the college. "It gave me the opportunity to get prepared for what to expect upon graduation. "
Doak, Poad and Fugett, along with other faculty and staff members of their departments will attend the National Association of Colleges and Employers' national meeting in May to receive the award. In addition to being recognized at the national meeting, Putting Theory into Practice will also be recognized in Spotlight, NACE's national publication and the fall issue of the NACE Journal.