Â鶹´«Ã½

At CMDI, you learn how to communicate and think critically. Knowing your field is one thing. Feeling confident in putting that knowledge into practice at your first job—or the rest of your career—is another.

The newly launched Public Professionalization Minor helps you bridge that gap. Through practical coursework and real-world experiences, you’ll build the confidence to take what you learn at Â鶹´«Ã½ and put it to work in your career.

In a recent survey by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, nine of 10 employers said that Generation Z employees need more professional support, a better understanding of technical skills and more socialization to public workplace performance. This minor begins to address some of those needed skills.Ìý

The classes and internship associated with this minor will help you:

• Make connections that matter. Discover how to network naturally and start conversations.
• Feel ready for interviews and first jobs. Practice interviewing, workplace communication and the everyday interactions that help you feel comfortable in a new environment.
• Showcase what you can do. Build a portfolio that highlights your skills.
• Understand how workplaces work. Explore workplace culture, professional expectations, ethics, leadership, teamwork and project management.

This minor will be available starting in Fall 2027. However, students can start taking classes toward the minor immediately. One path for completing the minor is enrolling in theÌýCMDI in DC study away program during the spring or fall semesters and taking CMDI 3200, Public Professionalization.