“Career development is vital to long-term personal success. Meritrust is excited to help WSU students set the stage for a bright future.”- James Nastars, president and CEO, Meritrust Credit Union
Professional Edge Program
Standing out to employers takes more than a degree — it takes an EDGE.
Professional Edge is a co-curriculum program designed to provide personal growth and development skills as an enhancement to the student's formal education in the W. Frank Barton School of Business. These skills and competencies are designed to position the business graduate for enhanced placement opportunities and a successful career, with progressively greater responsibilities. The program is designed to provide Barton School graduates with a competitive edge as they seek to begin their professional careers.
Skills and Competencies
- Effective resume writing
- Knowledge of the industry in which the student has an interest, and career opportunities available
- Communication etiquette
- Professional behaviors (dining etiquette, dress code, social media)
- Effective networking
- Time management
- Financial Literacy
- Diversity, cross cultural and global competencies
- Effective job search process
- Behavioral interview skills
- Evaluating and negotiating compensation packages
- Post-graduation:
- Seeking and benefitting from a mentor
- Creating opportunities for advancement
Program Features
- Two-year non-credit program, starting in the freshman year
- Open to all business majors
- Students earn points by participation
- Some events are mandatory; others are optional
- Each semester, accumulation of a pre-specified minimum number of points allows student to pass a 0-credit class.
- Students completing 4 semesters receive a Professional Edge Certificate and transcript credential from the Barton School.
Key Outcomes
- Multiple job offers for students
- Improved placement rates of graduates
- Increase in number of firms recruiting Barton School graduates
- Higher starting salaries
- Five-year advancement of graduates
