First year of VCU School of Business funding program sets a strong foundation for career engagement

By Megan Nash

In its pilot year, a funding program at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business has awarded nearly $40,000 to 49 students pursuing professional development opportunities.

Administered by the school's Office of Student Engagement, with support from Business Career Services, 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 Cait Burns, director of student engagement, who oversees the fund. "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 can receive up to $2,000 to help offset travel, event registration and other expenses.

Established in summer 2023, the Professional Development Fund originated from an endowment by School of Business alum Linda Warren, with additional funding from Business Career Services employer sponsorships and career fairs.

"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 said. "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."

Natalie Hampton, who graduated in May 2024 with a degree in supply chain management and analytics, used the fund to facilitate her participation at the 2023 Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business: Intercollegiate Business Convention in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She said the experience was transformative.

"My favorite part was hearing from so many inspiring women in business," Hampton said. "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."

For Laila Dajani, a marketing major set to graduate this year, the fund supported her trip to 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," she said. "Sessions and workshops led by industry leaders offered a comprehensive understanding of the evolving marketing landscape," including how artificial intelligence could shape the workplace.

Having faced financial challenges, Dajani noted 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."

Muhammad Abdullah Khan, who expects to graduate in 2024 with a master's degree in decision analytics, used the fund to attend the National Society of Black Engineers 50^th annual convention in Atlanta.

"As an international student, I seek to gain professional exposure and networking opportunities that were not available to me in my home country," Khan said. "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."

Burns cited the students' stories in noting how the Professional Development Fund will continue to make an impact in its second year and beyond.

"College is a big financial investment," she said, "and it's meaningful to help close the gaps in opportunity and access to professional development."

Applications for the VCU School of Business Professional Development Fund will open Aug. 1 for undergraduate and graduate students. Funds are limited and cannot be guaranteed, and students should submit applications at least six weeks before funds are needed. For more information or to apply, contact Cait Burns, director of student engagement, at [email protected], or visit the fund website.

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