Whether you are a freshman just starting out or a senior nearing graduation, it’s helpful to be aware of the resources that can help you succeed. If you’re in the University of North Georgia’s Mike Cottrell College of Business, here are three essential resources you could take advantage of starting today: PROS, the Swanson Student Success Center and the Launch Pad.

The Professional Roadmap to Ongoing Success (PROS)

Every freshman in the Mike Cottrell College of Business starts with PROS. While learning about your capstone project as a lowerclassman can be both exciting and overwhelming, UNG has made the PROS program more manageable by breaking it down into understandable parts.

Allie Raughton, a junior business administration major, said, “During freshman orientation, I was introduced to the Suitable app for PROS, where all my tasks are listed. This allows for super quick access to all kinds of business links and resources. In my experience, it has been very easy to access resources and know who and where to go.”

Camden Dover, a senior accounting major, said, “When I first started the PROS program, I didn’t want to do it at first, but now that I’m about to graduate it’s a good thing I did it. It really helped set me up for success post-grad.”

PROS is divided into four badges that students complete throughout their college career: Explore, Prepare, Connect, and Launch. Each badge is designed to enhance students’ professional development, boost their confidence, and pave the way for future success. For more information on each badge, visit your academic advisor.

Swanson Student Success Center

The Swanson Student Success Center is another resource for business students. The staff assists students with internships, networking, practice interviews and resume preparation.

“We actively help them ramp up their competencies with the goal that they would have a job when they graduate. In our 2023 survey, we learned that 75% of our students were offered a job from an internship and 68% of students accepted those offers,” said Robbie Ouzts, director of engagement and student professional development.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet employers and interact with them. Since working here, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with so many different businesses and building soft skills to land interviews,” said Meredith Morris, sophomore accounting major.

The Launch Pad

The Launch Pad offers an opportunity for business students to connect classroom knowledge with hands-on entrepreneurial projects.

Christopher Greene, director of Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said, “The Launch Pad…is a space where they can test ideas, collaborate with peers and actually make things, including businesses, which is what is needed to succeed in today’s creator-driven world. It’s like a playground for innovation, giving students the freedom to explore, fail, learn and ultimately grow into the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Students with entrepreneurial ideas can get help developing their business plans, and those looking to enhance their skills can benefit from various workshops.

“The world is a constantly changing place and we help them keep up with that and not just regurgitate information. We help them learn the trends and take those head on to utilize every day. If they have an idea for a business, we are here to help them build upon it, no matter what step they are it. We give them the knowledge they are looking for,” said Edman Cantrell, senior information systems major, who also works at The Launch Pad.