Haworth College of Business

Students sitting at a table in the study lounge

Student Professional Readiness Series

The Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS) is one of the things that sets the Haworth College of Business apart from other business schools. Developed as a way to ensure that all undergraduate B.B.A. students “earn their spurs” and graduate with career readiness competence, SPuRS offers a variety of options for students to practice skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The SPuRS program guides you, as a business student, in cultivating your interpersonal skills, leadership attributes and professional competencies through co-curricular programming. Working with faculty and staff who will mentor you on your journey, the program will give you the confidence you need to step into your career knowing that you're ready. And you can customize the program to make it your own. Choose between pursuing bronze, silver or gold status—the only limit is your ambition!

Haworth College of Business
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5457 USA
Main office: (269) 387-5050
Advising office: (269) 387-5075

"Spurring" you on to success

At the Haworth College of Business, we don't want you to get your degree and wonder, “What do I do now?” We want you to have the skills and confidence you need to enter into your career feeling prepared and ready to handle the challenges you may face.

The SPuRS program is developed to help you meet the career competencies set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. This means that you will have a headstart on knowing what employers are looking for and being able to exceed their expectations of recent college graduates.

 

WMU Haworth student meeting with the SPuRS director for a consultation.

Office hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location
3110 Schneider Hall

Phone
(269) 387-5131

Email
hcob-spurs@wmich.edu

Schedule a SPuRS consultation

SPuRS publishes its calendar of approved events every fall and spring semester on our website and in ExperienceWMU. We recommend that students complete a minimum of 4 foundational level SPuRS-approved activities in their first year at WMU. 

Transfer students should plan to take BUS 3000 to satisfy the foundational level of SPuRS.

Recommended first-year activities include:

  • FOCUS Assessment with worksheet
  • Participate in Resume ReVamp
  • Complete company research
  • Attending various speaker events
  • Creating a LinkedIn profile

If you need help getting started, please schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation. 

Self-guided activities are always available through ExperienceWMU. Approved self-guided activities are outlined below, but instructions for these activities can be found in ExperienceWMU with your SPuRS path. 

Foundational Level Options

Personal and Interpersonal Knowledge

  • Build Your Brand Workbook (Part 1)
  • FOCUS Assessment
  • True Colors
  • Communication TED Talk

Professional Insight

  • Company Research & Position Analysis
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Find Your Challenge

Leadership and Service

  • Big Interview Engagement (Foundational)
  • Handshake Profile
  • Best Practices for Interviewing Video Series 
  • Leadership TED Talk
  • Board of Directors

Advanced Level Options

Personal and Interpersonal Knowledge

  • Build Your Brand Workbook (Parts 1 and 2)
  • Art of Negotiation Video Series 
  • Secondary Market Research Tutorials
  • Value of Equity and Inclusion
  • Understanding Team Roles
  • One-on-One Gallup Strengths Coaching

Professional Insight

  • Informational Interviews with Employers
  • Report an Internship Experience
  • Advanced Company Research

Leadership and Service

  • Big Interview Engagement (Advanced)
  • Report a Volunteer Experience
  • The Jungle Podcast Review and Reflection
  • Professional Goal Setting 
  • Career Vision Board

SPuRS workbooks are available in the SPuRS office, located in 3110 Schneider Hall.

The video links below can answer most questions regarding ExperienceWMU and how to submit an audit.

What is SPuRS – Program Overview

Navigating ExperienceWMU

How to Report a Self-Guided Activity

How to Process My SPuRS Audit

If you have additional questions, please email hcob-spurs@wmich.edu or call 269-387-5131.

If you have questions about this program, contact one of the people below:

Danielle Field, Director
3110 Schneider Hall

Brian Smith, Program Assistant
3110 Schneider Hall

SPuRS Office
(269) 387-5131 | hcob-spurs@wmich.edu

By far, Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS) Director Danielle Field has been the biggest help for my sense of belonging at WMU Haworth. She has been a key supporter both academically and professionally. It has made my transition into college easier knowing I have a great connection that is willing to help me.

—Victor Hernandez