Leadership Summit Prepares Students for the Workplace

The Office of Career Services and the Division of Business and Communication partnered on the inaugural COMPASS Leadership Summit. Lead by Jessica Woolworth ’05, CPA, MPA, chair of Department of Business and Management and assistant professor of accounting, this two-day career preparation event took place April 1-2 at the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa. 

Juniors and seniors from the Division of Business and Communication gained practical insight into key topics that will impact their success in gaining full-time employment and succeeding in the marketplace. Several sessions filled both days of the conference and were led by Vanguard faculty, staff, and alumni. Presentations included “Searching for a Full-Time Job” by Professor Emeritus Ed Westbrook, “Your Personal Brand” by Alysia Ruiz ’11, and “Nailing Your Interview” by Richelle Rivera ’96, as well as an etiquette luncheon and networking event.  

The COMPASS Summit represents the launch of a larger innovative program designed to position Vanguard Business and Communication students for high-level career success. COMPASS, which stands for Cultivating Opportunities to Maximize Professionalism and Advance Student Success, will be an annual, team-based, gamified program that will challenge students and their peers to gain professional leadership, networking, and digital skills under the mentorship of student leaders and faculty. This elite program will begin Fall 2022. 

If you are interested in investing in Vanguard students’ professional development, contact the Office of Career Services for an overview of opportunities.