Professional and Career Readiness Activities
Below are several Professional and Career Readiness (PCR) activities at Western Washington University. Some of these experiences have already been completed, while others are part of my plan for continued professional development.
These activities focus on building skills in four key areas:
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Ethics and Professionalism
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Accessibility, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity
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Professional Communication
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Career Preparation
Together, they contribute toward the 36-point requirement designed to help students gain practical skills and prepare for future career opportunities.
Ethics and Professionalism
An experience that enhances learning about the importance of ethical behavior in business and/or practice in interacting in a professional setting.
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5 Points Total
Applied For A Scholarship
1 point
Applying for scholarships has helped me develop my professional communication skills by clearly expressing my goals, experiences, and achievements. The process also pushed me to reflect on my strengths and the direction I want to take in my career. Even beyond the financial support, it has been a valuable opportunity to practice presenting myself in a professional and thoughtful way.
Applied For A Scholarship
1 point
Applying for scholarships has helped me develop my professional communication skills by clearly expressing my goals, experiences, and achievements. The process also pushed me to reflect on my strengths and the direction I want to take in my career. Even beyond the financial support, it has been a valuable opportunity to practice presenting myself in a professional and thoughtful way.
Attended Professional Development Conference
3 points
Attending Target’s Prepare for Next conference has been an important opportunity for my professional growth as a developing leader. The conference brings together team leaders who are preparing for the next step in their careers along with ETLs and Store Directors from across the district. Through discussions, leadership sessions, and shared experiences, participants learn about effective management strategies, team development, and the expectations of higher leadership roles within the company.
Being able to connect with experienced leaders and hear about the challenges and successes they’ve faced has helped broaden my perspective on leadership. It has given me the chance to ask questions, learn new approaches to problem-solving, and think more intentionally about how I lead and support my own team. Experiences like this help strengthen my confidence as a leader and provide valuable insight into the skills and mindset needed to continue growing and preparing for future opportunities within the organization.
Accessibility, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity
An experience that enhances learning about the importance of DEI in business. These experiences can vary widely from a training seminar to a deeper exploration of identity, belonging, structural racism, and unconscious bias to an interaction in an international setting.
Management 311
Attending classes that focus on management and leadership has been an important part of my professional development. One class in particular explored how to effectively manage and support a diverse range of people while maintaining fairness and accountability. We discussed topics such as bias awareness, equitable decision-making, and how strong leaders create environments where individuals feel respected and supported. Learning how to balance fairness with effective leadership has helped me think more intentionally about how I manage and interact with others in professional settings.
Enrolled in HR322
Taking a class focused on equitable hiring practices, bias awareness, and inclusive workplace policies would be a valuable step in my professional development. As someone interested in leadership and people management, understanding how bias can influence decision-making and how organizations can build more inclusive environments is an important skill. This course would help me develop a stronger awareness of how hiring and workplace policies impact both individuals and team culture. Learning how to recognize bias, support fair hiring practices, and contribute to an inclusive workplace will help me become a more thoughtful and effective leader. Developing these skills is an important part of professional growth because strong leaders not only manage performance, but also help create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and able to succeed.
Go to CBE Event
Attending a Women in Business panel or speaker event would be valuable for my professional development because it provides the opportunity to learn from the experiences of women who have navigated leadership roles and professional challenges in the business world. Hearing different perspectives on career growth, leadership, and overcoming obstacles can offer practical insight that isn’t always taught in the classroom. It would also allow me to build connections, ask questions, and better understand the paths others have taken as they developed their careers in business and leadership.
Go to CBE Event
Attending a panel or presentation on equitable hiring practices would be valuable for my professional development because it would help me better understand how organizations can create fair and inclusive hiring processes. As someone interested in leadership and team development, learning how bias can impact hiring decisions and how to build more equitable systems is an important skill. Gaining insight from professionals who work in this area would help me think more intentionally about how hiring practices influence workplace culture and how leaders can create opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Professional Communication
An experience that provides students an opportunity to practice interpersonal communication to learn and develop their professional communication skills.
MGMT 319
3 Points
Taking MGMT 319, a professional communication course, has been extremely valuable for my professional development. The class focuses on communication skills that are essential in professional environments, including public speaking, writing clear and effective emails, and presenting ideas in a way that is organized and persuasive. Each class session introduces practical strategies that I can apply both in my academic work and in my leadership role at work.
One of the things I appreciate most about the course is how applicable the lessons are to real professional situations. We practice communicating ideas clearly, thinking about audience, and structuring messages so they are easier for others to understand. These skills are critical in leadership roles where clear communication can impact team collaboration, decision-making, and overall workplace effectiveness.
Overall, MGMT 319 has helped me become more confident and intentional in how I communicate. Developing these skills is an important part of my professional growth, as strong communication is a foundation for effective leadership, teamwork, and long-term career development.
Attend Resume Workshop
1 Point
Attending a resume workshop will be an important step in my professional development as I prepare to enter the workforce after graduation. A strong resume is often the first impression employers have, so learning how to clearly communicate my skills, leadership experience, and accomplishments is essential. This workshop will help me better understand how to structure my resume, highlight relevant experiences, and tailor it to different career opportunities. Developing these skills will allow me to present myself more confidently and professionally to potential employers as I continue preparing for future career opportunities.
Attend "Confidence at the career fair" Workshop
1 Point
Attending the “Confidence at the Career Fair” workshop will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen my professional development as I prepare to enter the workforce. Career fairs can be intimidating, and learning strategies to approach conversations with employers confidently will help me communicate my skills, experiences, and career goals more effectively. This workshop will help me practice professional networking, learn how to present myself clearly to recruiters, and gain insight into how to make meaningful connections during career events. Developing these skills will not only help me make the most of career fairs while I am still a student, but will also prepare me for future professional interactions such as interviews, networking events, and professional conferences.
Career Preparation
An experience that supports student efforts in effectively planning, networking, seeking a job, or in any other way preparing for their preferred career path.
1 Point
Having a LinkedIn profile is an important part of my professional development because it allows me to build and maintain a professional network while still in college. LinkedIn provides a platform to showcase my education, leadership experience, and skills, while also connecting with professionals, companies, and organizations in fields I’m interested in. It also allows me to learn from others by following industry leaders, staying updated on trends, and exploring potential career paths. Developing and maintaining a professional online presence helps me practice presenting my experiences in a clear and professional way, while also opening opportunities for networking, mentorship, and future career growth.
Works 200+ hours per quarter
3 Points
Working more than 200 hours each quarter, including 40 hours per week as a Team Leader, has played a major role in my professional development. Balancing a full-time leadership position while completing my degree has strengthened my time management, accountability, and ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively. In my role, I regularly support team members, help manage daily operations, and navigate challenges in a fast-paced environment, which has allowed me to continuously develop my leadership and communication skills.
This level of professional experience has also given me the opportunity to practice problem-solving, decision-making, and team coordination in real-world situations. Learning how to lead a team, support coworkers, and maintain performance standards while managing a busy schedule has helped me grow both personally and professionally. These experiences have prepared me to take on greater leadership responsibilities in the future and have reinforced my commitment to continuous growth and development in a professional setting.
Attend Career Fair
3 Points
Attending a career fair would be a valuable step in my professional development because it provides the opportunity to connect directly with employers and learn more about different career paths within the business field. Even though I have not completed this activity yet, I see it as an important way to practice professional communication, introduce myself to recruiters, and gain insight into what companies look for in potential candidates. Preparing for and participating in a career fair also encourages me to refine how I present my experiences, skills, and career goals in a professional setting. Experiences like this help build confidence in networking situations and provide a better understanding of how to transition from college into a professional career.