Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Student Professional Development Program


Prepare to Excel

The Babb Center offers the Certificate of Student Professional Development (CSPD) to provide career preparation programs and services that give students a competitive edge in obtaining internships and securing employment. By providing informational workshops and networking opportunities, the center helps students develop a professional portfolio of skills and attributes that are sought by area, regional, and national employers.

To participate in the workshops and sessions hosted by the CSPD, students must complete a CSPD application and meet the requirements for the Student Professional Development program.

Student Professional Development Program Application

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at time of program application
  • Completed application or
  • Complete any one of the certificate workshops listed

Get a head start on your career and stand out from the crowd by earning UAFS's Distinction in Professional Development. Employers regularly seek out graduates who have earned this distinction because they know it represents professional excellence. There are two levels of certificates with each having specific requirements.

The Silver Level Certificate is awarded to students who successfully fulfill the requirements of the program, which includes participating in the mandatory sessions and events, as well as meeting the academic requirements. There are 12 required sessions and events as shown below. Members must also participate in various events, complete the requirements of the workshops, and meet academic requirements to receive the certificate. The CSPD calendar is updated every semester with detailed information about the workshops and sessions. The awarding of certifications takes place at CSPD's awards banquet at the end of each semester.

Required Workshops/Activities

  • CSPD Orientation
  • Basic Resume Writing/Cover Letters
  • Interview Skills
  • Create a Career Action Plan/NACA Next
  • Complete a Skills Assessment/Clifton Strengths
  • Utilize LInkedIn in Your Job Search
  • Networking 101/Creating an elevator speech
  • Telephone/Virtual Interview Skills
  • Two (2) student option sessions

Senior-Level Required Workshops

  • Job Search
  • Practice Interview
  • Advanced Resume Writing

Other Requirements

  • Have 2.75 cumulative GPA upon completion of degree
  • Attend at least one (1) career fair during senior year (may include major-specific fairs)
  • Attend at least four (4) networking mixer/information sessions (NMIS)
  • Attend at least one (1) NMIS per semester in senior year

To achieve the Gold Level Professional Development Certificate students must first complete the requirements for the Silver Level Professional Development Certificate,

AND

Complete an internship in the field of study for academic credit,

AND

Participate in two (2) of the following activities:

  • Complete a faculty-approved research project
  • Complete a MayMester in an approved environment
  • Present or compete in an organizational regional, state, or national competition
  • Complete 15 hours in an approved campus organization leadership project
  • Complete 15 hours in an approved community service leadership activity