Professional Development

Every Franklin College student participates in professional development. Students are offered opportunities on- and off-campus to strengthen their professional growth. Professional development experiences include courses, credit-bearing internships and other professional programming.

Download the Professional Development Handout

Program Highlights

  • Practice in professionalism
    • Etiquette Dinner
    • Networking Events
  • PEP (Positively Engaging Professionalism) Sessions
    • Prepares students for upcoming internships through topics such as communication, appropriate dress, and professional behavior
  • Special topics courses and workshops
    • PDP 200: Preparing for Your Internship
    • PDP 300: Personal Finance
    • Healthcare Benefits Workshop
    • Entrepreneur Panel
    • …and many others
  • Four-Year Professional Development Certificate
    • The program assists students interested in healthcare careers to develop professionalism and build a professional network by exploring career opportunities, participating in field experiences, and engaging with a professional career mentor.

Mentoring Opportunities

Franklin College offers dedicated career mentors for students seeking jobs in healthcare professions. Please contact Jeremy VanAndel for more information.

  • Novi Effendi

    My experiences in the PD-Cert program and professional internships have helped me sharpen my leadership skills. The PD-Cert program showed me how to build a strong resume and the value of networking. My internship showed me the value of my future career as a pharmacist. Jill Novotny has been helpful throughout my internship process. Her guidance has helped me avoid obstacles that many students encounter. - Novi Effendi '17

  • Shayla Jones

    The Office of Professional Development definitely helps you know what to expect when it comes to interviews and professionalism. Professional Development classes are an important aspect to succeeding at Franklin College and in the real world, because you learn valuable skills and strategies for working well with others. These skills have served me well during my experiences as an intern at a law firm in my hometown and at TheStatehouseFile.com. - Shayla Jones '18