The Wirth Center for Professional Development
What We Do
The Wirth Center for Professional Development is a flagship initiative of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business designed to ensure that every student graduates not only with strong business knowledge, but also with the professional behaviors, presence, and confidence demanded by today’s employers. Through structured programming, alumni mentorship, and immersive experiential learning, the Center embeds professionalism as a defining standard of the Tobin experience.
About the Center
While business education has traditionally focused on technical skills, employers consistently identify communication, professionalism, and executive presence as key drivers of career success. The Wirth Center was created to intentionally develop these competencies through a structured and equitable framework that supports every student’s growth.
Mission
To empower every student with the skills, behaviors, and confidence needed to represent themselves and their organizations with excellence, integrity, and professionalism in any setting.
Professional Engagement Program (PEP)
At the heart of the Wirth Center is the Professional Engagement Program (PEP), a structured four-year pathway that guides students through progressive stages of professional growth. Developed in close collaboration with Career Services, the program aligns with key academic milestones to ensure that every undergraduate business student builds the judgment, confidence, and professional presence expected of today’s leaders. Through intentional coaching, experiential learning, and career readiness programming, PEP provides a clear roadmap from first year through graduation.
Key Pillars of the Center
The Wirth Center builds professional excellence through a set of core pillars that shape how students communicate, lead, and represent themselves in professional environments.
Students build confidence and professionalism through training in workplace etiquette, cultural awareness, and executive presence, supported by immersive simulations such as business dinners and networking environments.
Workshops and coaching strengthen verbal and nonverbal communication, storytelling, presentations, and professional interactions essential for career success.
Students develop a strong professional identity through guidance on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, and executive presence, reinforced by individualized feedback.
An alumni mentorship experience connects students with trained mentors who provide real-world perspective, professional modeling, and expanded networks.
Professional skills are reinforced through hands-on engagement with alumni, employers, and executive leaders across internships, milestones, and capstone experiences.
Competency milestones and digital credentials track student progress and recognize professional readiness throughout the undergraduate journey.
Get Involved. Become a Mentor.
Tobin alumni play an important role in supporting student success through MentorPlace, a structured mentorship experience within the Professional Engagement Program. Alumni mentors share career insight, provide guidance, and help students build the confidence and professionalism needed to succeed.
Contact
Elisa Zervos, Director of Career & Professional Development and ICF Professional Certified Coach, at [email protected]