Not Everything Important Is Taught in the Classroom: Using Cocurricular Professional Development Workshops to Enhance Student Careers

Abstract

Business schools and graduate business programs have struggled since their inception to ensure that what students learn in their courses will resonate with the skills needed in their careers. To date, there has been limited attention paid to cocurricular experiential learning opportunities to assist with this challenge. In this article, we discuss the process of implementing cocurricular professional development (PD) workshops as part of a college-wide initiative to increase experiential learning opportunities for students. This college-wide initiative challenged two assumptions: first, that the classroom is the best space for valuable learning and second, that faculty are the best equipped to lead decisions on what students should learn. The workshops help students develop both the tangible and intangible skills required to succeed in industry. We faced many challenges in implementing the workshops, including the need to challenge the predominant view that nothing of significant value could be learned in a workshop. We conclude our article by identifying the factors responsible for the ultimate success of the program and offer guidance for colleges looking to change perceptions of value in learning and broaden their experiential learning practices.

An Empirical Investigation of a 21st Century Career Development Program for Business Majors

“…Other research has centered on how the requisite aptitudes and abilities can and should be taught and learned. Theorists are increasingly calling for experiential learning activities inside the classroom to develop students' essential managerial competencies (Bruni-Bossio & Delbaere, 2021;Koys, Thompson, Martin & Lewis, 2019;Niman & Chagnon, 2021, Obi, Eze, & Chibuzo, 2021Perusso, van der Sijde, Leal, Blankesteijn, 2021). Others are explaining the urgency of offering carefully designed career development programs that specifically prepare students for lifetimes of employability (Bridgstock, 2009;Chan & Derry, 2013;Dey & Cruzvergara, 2014;Moore & Morton, 2017;Pouratashi, 2019;Savickas et al, 2009).…”

Experiential marketing and Islamic branding: a new perspective on college decision in Islamic higher education

“…This study aims to fill the gap by proposing a conceptual model of experiential marketing, Islamic branding and WOM. This model is based on the college decision theory, which says that potential students choose universities based on experiential marketing in the form of learning activities and educational services (Daftary et al , 2020; Raub et al , 2017), the branding of an educational institution in the form of the quality and added value of higher education in particular (Jabbar and Edwards, 2019; Lent et al , 2017; Yi et al , 2020) and word of mouth from colleagues in the form of recommendations and positive information (Bruni-Bossio and Delbaere, 2021; Kaye et al , 2010). This research is so crucial because Muhammadiyah, through its higher education institutes, supports the Indonesian government from having to teach its people.…”

Human Resource Management Reimagined: A New Perspective on HR Courses for Contemporary Careers

“…Many college students’ career journeys begin with transitioning from college to the workforce and are followed by continuous planning and adjustments to the workforce (Choi et al, 2015; Neuenschwander & Hofmann, 2022). A constant theme of struggle and emphasis in business schools (and higher education) is the disconnect between what is taught in the classrooms and the skills students need when entering the workplace (Bruni-Bossio & Delbaere, 2021; Donald et al, 2018). Relatedly, a recent survey shows that U.S. parents increasingly demand explicit value and return for their investment in their children’s education, which often translates into career outcomes (Knott, 2022).…”

“…Management educators have explored several innovative ways to enhance students’ employability or career readiness (e.g., Bruni-Bossio & Delbaere, 2021; Ritter et al, 2018; Spee & Tompkins, 2001). Many business schools also provide career counseling and workshops, helping students secure internships and jobs and setting them up for success in their early careers.…”