Randolph-Macon College students learned firsthand the importance of career planning and preparation at the fourth-annual Edge Career Boot Camp. This hands-on workshop, facilitated by The Edge Career Center and more than 100 alumni and other business leaders, took place February 5-6, 2016 at the Westin Richmond Hotel.

Boot Camp is an important part of The Edge, RMC’s four-year career program that provides students with a competitive advantage when applying for jobs or graduate school. Boot Camp is a signature two-day, off-campus immersion program where students learn to identify their career passions, tell their story and hone their interview and communication skills to prepare for success after college.

Photos: Boot Camp 2016

The weekend was devoted to helping students develop their own elevator speech and “brand,” learn how to communicate with confidence, and identify their strengths and capabilities—all with the help of top-notch speakers and mentors, including RMC alumni. This year, 129 students participated in Boot Camp. In addition, eight Boot Camp Ambassadors—students who participated in last year’s Boot Camp—used their knowledge to help students take full advantage of this unique experience. In cooperation with Jillian Asay ’12, The Edge was also able to incorporate nine Varina High School Students into the Boot Camp experience.

“It was the learning experience of a lifetime for those nine students, and a great benefit to the RMC students who interacted with them throughout Boot Camp,” says Josh Quinn, associate director of professional development and medical careers for The Edge.

Finding the Edge
Boot Camp participants attended workshops, practiced the essentials of business-dining etiquette at a formal dinner, and formulated an “action plan” for career success. Breakout sessions included “Tell Your Story,” “Communication Styles,” and “Your Best Interview.” Business leaders from several companies, including Momentum, circle S studio, and BB&T, were on hand to offer students career advice and share their business acumen, and RMC alumni served as interviewers in a simulated interview program. A closing reception with RMC alumni and business leaders in attendance, offered students the opportunity to put into practice their networking skills. Cindy Szadokierski ’81, executive director of The Edge, says Boot Camp continues to grow and flourish.

“This year’s event—our fourth—was better than ever,” says Szadokierski. “Our students learned from the best, polished their professional skills and realized the importance of networking. We are especially thankful to the business leaders—including our alumni—who helped make Boot Camp a huge success.”

The Randolph-Macon Edge
At Randolph-Macon College, everything’s connected. Our curriculum challenges students; our Edge career program turns skills into action. With an extraordinary education and the help of faculty advisors, coaches, and alumni, preparation for success begins the moment students set foot on campus. And it never ends: The Yellow Jacket connection continues long after graduation. Alumni serve as mentors. Faculty continue to encourage and inspire. These partnerships last a lifetime.

The Edge, a personalized, comprehensive four-year career preparation program provides students with a competitive advantage with their career or graduate school goals. The Edge takes students from résumé-building to networking opportunities to careers. Yellow Jackets learn how to be leaders, thinkers, and communicators, and they can put it all into practice with a tailor-made internship—essential experience in today’s competitive world.