Learning. Leading. Acting. Responding to COVID-19, racial injustice and economic hardship.
Seidman TRACKS Professional Development Program
As a Seidman student, you will learn to make informed decisions, act ethically, and take initiative through the exchange and application of knowledge with a global perspective. To complement our mission Seidman College of Business offers TRACKS, a professional development program (PDP), designed to provide opportunities to apply what you’re learning; through community collaborations and innovative approaches to learning.
TRACKS identifies University and community based professional development events that will aid your growth in areas such as career, leadership, and professionalism. Events will fall into one of four strategically designated categories so that students can work on various areas to strengthen their soft skills. This program is open to all Grand Valley State University students, with Seidman students being eligible for a certificate of completion.
Communication & Professional Skills
Strategic Career Development
Leadership, Ethics & Integrity
Global & Diverse Perspectives
How it Works?
Attend a total of 8 TRACKS events then submit a reflective essay after each event about your learning experience.
Of the 8 events, 3 must be off the Required List. Full details and dates are listed on the events calendar on the bottom of this page.
Required List: choose 3 events to attend from the different categories
1. GVSU Career Fair
Fall 2020, tentatively scheduled for October 15th. May be subject to change due to COVID-19 guidelines.
2. Careers in Major interest
3. A Peter Secchia Breakfast Lecture
4. Career Center Sponsored Event
- Career Fair Prep Week Events
- So You Think You Can Network
- Career Development Conference
May attend more than 1 event under each category in addition to the 3 required.
The remaining 5 events can be selected from the groupings listed below, which encompass all TRACK categories:
- Seidman Student Organization Professional Development Event (LakerLink - Student Organization Events)
- Seidman Mentorship Program Events - Feature Economics, Marketing, Management, and Finance Departments
- Additional Career Services Events (GVSU Career Events)
- Additional GVSU professional development events (GVSU Events Calendar)
- TRACK 4 Events: Global and Diverse Perspectives - visit these links for great opportunities!
COVID-19 1-Credit Courses & TRACKS Credit
COVID-19 has affected nearly all aspects of our personal and professional lives. As a result, the world will certainly be different than before. While we don't have all the answers, the Seidman College of Business has created 1-credit courses to discuss key aspects and concerns related to the pandemic. The goal of the TRACKS program is to equip students with the necessary knowledge to be successful. Therefore, enrolling in one of the BUS 280 or 380 courses (COVID related or otherwise), students can fulfill 2 optional events of the TRACKS Program. Since the courses are interdisciplinary in nature they will cover multiple tracks within the one course, and provide immediate relevance as students enter a changed workforce.
For a complete listing of the available courses, CLICK HERE.
2020 - 2021 Events
Fall 2020 Events
Due to updated campus operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, campus events are currently in the planning phases to ensure we abide by guidelines in accordance with the University, local health officials, and CDC. Please be patient as we strive to provide the best programming while also protecting the health of all students, staff, and campus guests. For the latest on Grand Valley's plans for the Fall 2020 semester, please visit gvsu.edu/lakerstogether.
3 Learning Outcomes and a Reflective Document!
Learning Experiences are the ways new knowledge will be disseminated. There are 3 specific pathways used in this program.
This model has been adapted from Rethinking the MBA: Business Education at the Crossroads (Datar, S., et al., 2010). This leadership framework was developed by the US Army (p. 103), and has been modified to meet the needs of our students and the vision of the program.
KNOW: what new knowledge did you gain at this event?
DO: how will you continue to learn and plan to apply the information presented?
BE: in what ways has the new information influenced your personal and professional development?
Reflective Document
Each event has been selected to serve as a catalyst for practicing lifelong learning.
The TRACKS -KNOW DO BE approach helps students identify the new learning and explore practical ways of implementing this new knowledge, which culminates in becoming embedded into your brand.
Once you have attended the TRACKS event, write a short reflective essay (3 paragraphs) answering the questions below:
Click here for the Reflective Essay