Publication Date

1-1-2006

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hillery, Julie L.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences

Abstract

Many retailing and apparel merchandising programs now offer their majors a professional development course. These courses are designed to help students develop their professional skills. Additionally, it provides assistance to students in discovering their potential for their own futures. Because this is becoming such a vital piece of every student’s education, any professional development course should be enhanced in such a way as to nurture those aspects. The attitudes, perceptions, and outcomes of students (n=26) enrolled in a professional development course were assessed through administration of a pre-course and post-course survey. Little or no change occurred in students’ perceptions of most personal and career characteristics throughout the duration of the course. However, the desired careers of the students experienced a dramatic shift upon completion of the course. Upon entrance to the course, there was a large interest in pursuing a buying career. However, after completion of the course, the interest in retail management overcame the interest in buying. Additionally, students stated that the interviewing skills learned in the course would be useful in their careers.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

18 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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