For Marietta College students, postgraduate success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of intentional preparation and the confidence to step boldly into the future. That’s the driving force behind the new Career Readiness Program, developed by the Department of Business and Economics (B&E) and led by Associate Professor Rick Smith, department chair. Designed for B&E majors, the program equips students with valuable skills, habits and professional experiences that set them apart in today’s job market.
The Career Readiness Program’s tiered structure ensures each student benefits from resources available both on and off campus. Tier 1, the Core Professional Readiness Badge, is now a graduation requirement for all new B&E majors, guaranteeing that students graduate with a polished résumé and cover letter critiqued by professionals, interview practice, and attendance to workshops and events that expose them to various areas of business and professional development.
Once completed, students can choose to pursue Career Engagement (Tier 2) and Advanced Professional Distinction (Tier 3), earning credentials that demonstrate their commitment to professional growth.
“The world of work is competitive—that’s no secret,” Smith said. “This program gives our students an advantage over other applicants to internships, graduate school and jobs, by helping them gain core professional skills, build a professional network and show employers they’ve completed a structured program focused on career readiness.”
The tiered structure was intentional, as not every student is able to or wants to pursue off-campus activities, such as internships and study abroad, which are some of the activity options to complete Tier 2 and Tier 3.
“With Tier 1, every student has access to on-campus resources. But for those who want to push themselves further, Tiers 2 and 3 provide avenues such as mentorship, job shadows, leadership experiences, internships and study abroad,” Smith explained.
Unlike traditional career services, which can be an optional add-on late in a student’s academic journey, Marietta’s Career Readiness Program embeds professional development into the student journey from day one. “This helps our students start thinking about their future the moment they arrive on campus, giving them a head start on their professional development,” Smith said.
The program also creates new opportunities for collaboration with alumni, faculty and local business leaders. Smith explained that the program will eventually begin accepting applications for mentorship, giving alumni and industry leaders opportunities to mentor students directly. Local businesses can also play a key role by submitting internship job descriptions to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development for inclusion in Marietta’s job and internship postings. Together, these efforts create a strong support system that links students with professionals who can provide guidance and open doors.
Looking ahead five years, Smith said the department will measure success in real outcomes, such as increased job placement numbers, more competitive graduate school and post-grad internship placements, and other quantitative and qualitative measurements.
With this innovative approach, Marietta College ensures that graduates don’t just leave with a diploma, they leave with the tools, confidence and experiences to thrive as professionals, leaders and Pioneers in their chosen fields.
To learn more about the Business and Economics Career Readiness Program, visit marietta.edu/business-economics-career-readiness-program or contact Associate Professor Rick Smith directly at rcs003@marietta.edu.