URI holds first Professional Development Week

The University of Rhode Island recently held its first Professional Development Week in November with several hundred student and alumni participants taking part in the event.

Participants were educated on the proper ways to deliver 30-second elevator pitches that are engaging, how to land internships and fellowships and how to balance work and personal life. Many other topics were covered, as well.

“The feedback from students was great,” URI University College for Academic Success Program Coordinator Shilah Belle said. “Students often thanked the program presenters and stayed after the sessions to ask questions and discuss various topics related to the presentation.”

The main goal of the week-long event was to help students begin planning their careers as early as possible.

“We wanted students to understand that it is never too early to plan for life after college,” Belle said. “From freshman to graduate students, participants were actively engaged not only with each other, but with the presenters as well. Presenters engaged the students and urged them to take a hands-on approach, allowing them to practice conversation and interaction right in the classroom. Students from every major were patient, attentive and ready to learn.”