VCU School of Business Professional Development Fund gives students an avenue to thrive
By Megan Nash
In its pilot year, the VCU School of Business Professional Development Fund has awarded nearly $40,000 to 49 business students pursuing professional development opportunities.
Administered by the VCU Business Office of Student Engagement, with support from Business Career Services and overseen by Cait Burns, director of Student Engagement, the Professional Development Fund provides undergraduate and graduate business students access to professional opportunities such as conferences, hackathons and case study competitions.
“We want to give students the chance to step out of their comfort zone and gain professional experiences they otherwise wouldn’t be able to have,” said Burns. “The fund is designed to help students build their professional network, boost their motivation and confidence and get connected to internship and career opportunities”
Students are eligible to receive up to $2,000 through the Professional Development Fund to help offset the cost of travel, event registration and other expenses.
“Through the generosity of our supporters, the Professional Development Fund has been really valuable in helping students expand their perspectives and learn from experts in their field,” Burns added. “The Business Student Success team at VCU Business has made strides in recent years to envision and develop programs to introduce students to different career paths and help them gain practical skills.”
Established in summer 2023, the Professional Development Fund originated from an endowment by VCU Business alumna Linda Warren (B.S. ’75), with additional funding from Business Career Services’ employer sponsorships and career fairs.
Making the impossible possible
Natalie Hampton, who graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Analytics, found her experience at the 2023 Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business: Intercollegiate Business Convention in Cambridge, MA, to be transformative.
“My favorite part was hearing from so many inspiring women in business. A majority of these women owned their businesses or were in senior management. Hearing from these women with so much experience and advice to give was amazing,” said Hampton
At the convention, Hampton focused on career and self-development, seeking to define her strengths and weaknesses. She aimed to identify more passions within her career field, drawing inspiration from others’ experiences.
“I had always liked the idea of starting my own business with an emphasis on a transparent and responsible supply chain,” she said. “Knowing that entrepreneurship is a difficult path to take but seeing so many amazing women who have done it before me is very inspirational.”
For Laila Dajani, a marketing major set to graduate in 2024, the funds she received helped her gain experience on current trends and major players at the 2024 American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans.
“This conference provided a deep dive into the latest marketing trends, innovations and best practices. Sessions and workshops led by industry leaders offered a comprehensive understanding of the evolving marketing landscape,” said Dajani.
Having faced financial challenges, Dajani expressed the importance of the fund in her journey. “This year has been the most challenging school year financially out of all four years of college,” she said. “This fund was essential for my professional development.”
Dajani focused on career and self-development, aiming to enhance her skills in leadership, communication and project management. She sought to build meaningful connections and stay updated with industry trends.
“My favorite part about this opportunity was learning in a new location and meeting students on similar paths. We met students from other states and Puerto Rico, and I made quality connections that will benefit me in the real world,” she said.
Both Hampton and Dajani used the Professional Development Fund to improve their career readiness. Hampton found that attending the Women in Business conference helped her with critical thinking. “Engaging with accomplished professionals and exploring the strategic game of poker highlighted diverse perspectives and practical lessons,” she said.
Similarly, Dajani focused on leadership and communication. “At the conference, the president for next year and I recognized and capitalized on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals to elevate the club [American Marketing Association at VCU],” she said.
The type of experiences provided by the fund has proven invaluable for students. Muhammad Abdullah Khan, expected to graduate in 2024 with a master’s in Decision Analytics, attended the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 50th Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
“As an international student, I seek to gain professional exposure and networking opportunities that were not available to me in my home country. The NSBE convention provided a unique opportunity to meet product managers, business analysts and other tech professionals. All of these career paths are incredibly competitive and require a strong professional network,” said Khan. “The convention helped me build connections and gave me the chance to interact with peers who share the same passion and goals as mine.”
Students also recognized the flexibility and support that the VCU School of Business offers through initiatives like the Professional Development Fund.
“This fund is very important for me to gain the full experience of being a student in the U.S. and to help me access career opportunities,” said Khan.
Dajani shared similar sentiments about the doors such opportunities can open.
“I was able to get insight on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the workplace. I have been thinking heavily about pursuing my master’s degree in AI, and this showed me how evolving it is not only in the real world but in academics as well,” she said.
Seeing how the fund has helped so many, Burns shared her appreciation for its impact.
“We are so grateful to our supporters for providing funds for these incredible professional experiences. College is a big financial investment, and it’s meaningful to help close the gaps in opportunity and access to professional development,” said Burns.
Applications for the 2024-25 Professional Development Fund
Applications for the VCU School of Business Professional Development Fund will open on August 1, 2024, for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students should submit their application at least six weeks before the funds are needed. Funds are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
For more information or to apply, contact Cait Burns, director of Student Engagement at VCU Business, at [email protected], or visit the VCU School of Business Professional Development Fund website.
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