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!

“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. 

  • Getting started

    SPuRS publishes its calendar of Approved Events every fall and spring semester on our website and in Experience WMU. 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
    • Professional communication modules
    • Participating in a career fair or career day
    • 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

    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
    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
  • Workbook

    SPuRS workbooks are available in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall,  or you can download a digital copy of the SPuRS workbook here.

  • Video tutorials

    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.

  • Questions?

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

    Danielle Field, Director
    3020 Schneider Hall

    Brian Smith, Career Readiness Coach
    3020 Schneider Hall

    Ashley Radcliffe, Administrative Assistant II
    3020 Schneider Hall

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

Quote

  • SPuRS provides the framework for your development by offering activities, events and experiences supporting you along the way. We help you build your professional brand and become the most excellent version of yourself.

    Danielle Field, director of the Student Professional Readiness Series

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