The Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) in the College of Business held its grand opening on April 9 in the Jacob T. Stewart Building. CSPD is a comprehensive resource focused on preparing students for successful entry into the global, professional business environment. The CSPD offers preparation workshops, networking sessions, mentoring and internship opportunities.

Forty-two students who were nominated by College of Business faculty members will participate in CSPD’s professional development program during the 2015-2016 school year, where they will participate in workshops in communication, professionalism, interpersonal skills, decision making and experiential learning to prepare them for their future careers.

“Our students have participated in many beneficial professional development seminars and networking opportunities, such as the appropriate use of social media, managing your own personal brand, how to wow employers during interviews, dinner with GSU President Dr. Warrick, business etiquette, and project management certifications and career options,” said Greta Carter, director of CSPD. “We have 42 students in the CSPD program, and we are proud of them for their participation in the CSPD activities and for their willingness to receive the training we are offering.  Upon graduation, these students will be the total package.”

Remarks were given by Otto Meyers, executive dean of the College of Business; GSU Interim President Cynthia Warrick; Quentin Messer, Jr., assistant secretary of Louisiana Economic Development; Christine Bartlett, center leader of IBM in Monroe; Wayne Weir, vice president of Business and Support Solutions at CenturyLink; and Perry Jones, region vice president of Coca Cola Manufacturing and a member of the CSPD Advisory Council.

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