From Graduate Degree to Career Readiness

The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Graduate Studies has launched a new professional development initiative designed to help graduate students and alumni translate their academic training into career opportunities.

Called the Purpose to Profession (P2P) Exchange, it was developed in collaboration with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and SHRM North Carolina. The five-session program provides participants with career preparation tools, behavioral assessments, personal branding strategies and insight into workplace expectations.

"The traditional paradigm of graduate education operates under an outdated historical assumption - that academic specialization automatically translates into professional execution," said Jim C. Harper II, Ph.D., interim associate provost and dean of the School of Graduate Studies. "We know that is not always the case."

P2P participants also complete a capstone career portfolio designed to demonstrate their professional growth and readiness. Upon completion, participants earn continuing education units, a formal certificate and a verifiable digital badge recognizing competencies in career strategy, professional branding, executive presence, portfolio management and applied career readiness.

The initiative expands the Graduate School's efforts to prepare students and alumni to confidently navigate an evolving workforce.