PDA Categories

Professional Development Activities (PDAs) offer opportunities to gain a heightened understanding of the majors and subsequent career options in business and to become more marketable post-graduation through acquiring additional business credentials, skills, knowledge and practical experiences. Becoming more connected and engaged both on and off campus and expanding professional networks are a few examples of how PDAs help provide a more fulfilling university experience.

Majors and Careers in Business PDA-101B

This PDA category is intended to give insights into the career opportunities available to business majors. PDA sessions consist of business professionals, faculty and/or staff discussing their career progression and offering their expertise and first-hand advice as it relates to a variety of business-related careers, functional areas, job types and industries. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category. Within four weeks of completing a session, PDA credit will be added to the PDA section of the student's Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 101B-Majors and Careers in Business.

Examples of workshops and events that count toward this PDA category include Charting an Exciting New Professional Direction, Connecting with a Faculty Mentor and Know Your Options! Major Confusion: Get Help Choosing a Major that is Right for You.

Experiential Learning PDA-102B

This PDA category is designed to offer experiential learning opportunities such as studying abroad and internships. Experiential learning helps students to become more marketable post-graduation as it enables them to acquire additional business credentials, skills, knowledge and practical experiences. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category. Within four weeks of completing a session, PDA credit will be added to the Professional Development Activities section of students Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 102B-Experiential Learning.

Examples of workshops and events that count toward this PDA category include Job Shadowing, Finding the Perfect Internship, Dream Careers: Intern in a Big City with a Top Company.

Leadership Development PDA-103B

This PDA category is designed to teach skills and behaviors necessary to be an effective leader. With leadership being among the most sought-after skills among employers in the marketplace, this PDA category is also intended to enhance students’ employability. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category. Within four weeks of completing a session, PDA credit will be added to the PDA section of the student's Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 103B-Leadership.

Examples of workshops and events that count toward this PDA category include Charlie Farrell Discusses the Key Skills, Behaviors and Traits Needed to be a Successful Leader, WIPL Women’s Leadership Conference or Feel the Teal Training Sessions,

Building a Professional Profile PDA-104B

This PDA category is designed to offer training in the process of creating a professional portfolio in both online and paper mediums. Activities that students may have an opportunity to take part in sessions on resume writing, Handshake profiles and job searches, LinkedIn, business cards, business portfolios, professional websites and personal branding. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category. Within four weeks of completing a session, your PDA credit will be added to the PDA section of your Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 104B-Building a Professional Profile.

Examples of workshops and events that would count towards this PDA category include Crafting Your Resume: Resume Do’s and Don’ts, Rapid Resume Reviews, LinkedIn 101, Building Your Online Portfolio, LinkedIn Intensive, and Building Your Brand with Social Media.

Interviewing Skills PDA-105B

This PDA category is designed to help develop interviewing skills in face-to-face, phone, and online mediums. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category for this semester. Within four weeks of completing a session, your PDA credit will be added to the Professional Development Activities section of your Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 105B-Interviewing Skills.

Examples of workshops and events that would count towards this PDA category include: How to Ace a Job Interview, Speed Interviewing, Interview Like a Rockstar, and Mock Interviews.

Transitioning to the Profession PDA-108B

This PDA category is designed to support in the development of networking skills, expanding professional networks, and/or exposure to potential job or internship opportunities. See the PDA calendar for a schedule of sessions/topics that satisfy this PDA category. Within four weeks of completing a session, your PDA credit will be added to the Professional Development Activities section of your Program Evaluation and coded as PDA 108B-Transitioning to the Profession.

Other campus workshops and events that would count towards this PDA category include: Utilizing the Business Card, Off-Campus Business Networking Opportunities, The Art of Networking, Salary Negotiation and Career Skills online Webinars. Using Handshake and Social Media for the Job Search, How to Network Over Break, Job Search Strategies, Career and Internship Fair