MBA Professional Development Day

From table etiquette at a client meeting to networking in the workplace, The Richmond MBA Professional Development Day gives students a chance to take the things learned only outside the classroom and apply them at work the next day. 

“The event exceeded expectations,” said Kyle Gigliotti, GB‘16. “I always disliked networking. Working a room always felt like an awkward, superficial, and self-serving task. But the Professional Development Day segment on networking (that also included some practice!) has allayed my anxiety by arming me with some practical techniques and by injecting some humor into the oftentimes uncomfortable situation.” 

His experience is exactly what Associate Director Debbie Fisher hopes every student will gain from the day.

“Students develop interpersonal skills throughout their life; however, employers cite the need for more interpersonal skills training,” Fisher said. “We want our students to be able to exchange ideas in a candid and collaborative manner.”

Which Gigliotti says, changed the way he approached networking. 

“I am an MBA candidate late in the program, so I maybe knew three people going into the event. After that day, I had a pocketful of business cards and followed up with close to a dozen new people I met,” Gigliotti said.

Keesha Trim, GB‘19, said she loved the range of topics speakers covered, and was very impressed by the uniqueness of the event.

“The speakers were engaging and the material presented was applicable to all work experience levels,” Trim said. “This event demonstrates that the University not only provides a quality education, but also ensures students have the interpersonal skills needed to develop and foster professional working relationships.”

In order to help MBA candidates continue their education outside the classroom, the MBA program will offer a full day career exploration in March. For more information, visit the MBA website.