Where Preparation Becomes Practice

In 2008, the Robins School launched Q-camp, a career program that redefined how students prepare for life after graduation, placing an intentional focus on developing interpersonal and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. At a time when many institutions prioritized technical expertise, Q-camp recognized that these interpersonal and leadership abilities are essential for long-term success and employability. Q-camp was a cornerstone of business students’ sophomore year, ensuring they were actively engaged in career development early in their college journey and making professional readiness a clear and lasting differentiator of its offering.

That early foundation laid the groundwork for a more integrated, curriculum-based approach to career development. Robins PRO (Professional Readiness Opportunities) is designed to ensure that every undergraduate business student graduates not only with academic knowledge but with the capabilities and expertise needed to succeed. Experiences such as the Robins Mentoring program and Executives in Residence provide students with practical and personal support and real-world exposure that takes knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world settings.

The Robins PRO Experience

A hallmark of the experience is the Robins PRO Conference, which builds on the legacy of Q-camp and is embedded directly into the curriculum through the required Business Communication course. The half-day conference brings together students, alumni, and employers for networking, panels, and hands-on learning. For many sophomores, it’s their first real introduction to the professional world. 

The conference is offered for two days during the fall and spring semesters. The most recent conference concluded in March. The conference brought together over 50 faculty, staff, alumni, and corporate partners, 200 student participants, and 10 student volunteers over the two days to learn, grow, and connect. 

Jonathan Adams, director of the Center for Professional Skills and Development, plays a pivotal role in developing and managing the program. “The conference functions as an experiential extension of Business Communications, where students move beyond developing materials like resumes and elevator pitches to actively practicing professional communication through networking with alumni and corporate partners,” he said. “From an employer perspective, the conference creates multiple early engagement opportunities on campus each year. It allows organizations to connect with a wide range of students, helping employers to build meaningful relationships with students and identify talent earlier in their academic journeys.”

From Attendees to Leaders

Several upperclassmen serve as volunteers, having previously attended Q-camp. For senior student volunteer Ellie Zarch, the conference represented exactly that kind of full-circle moment. “I had such a great time at Q-camp my sophomore year, and I really wanted to pay it forward,” she said. “I really enjoy being a mentor, and this was a great opportunity to do that.”

Now a double major in business administration and political science, Zarch returned not just as a volunteer, but as a leader, serving on a consulting panel and guiding a group of younger students through the day. “Many sophomores reached out to me after the conference to continue networking, and I’ve been able to deepen those connections,” she said.

That continuity is exactly what Robins PRO is designed to foster.

Abdulahi Abeaw, a senior studying economics and finance, found that the conference experience has evolved. After attending Q-camp as a sophomore, he returned as an ambassador for two years, helping bring Robins PRO to life.

“I wanted to contribute to an event that connects students with industry professionals and makes them more career-ready,” he said. “The dedication and kindness of the team convinced me to give back.”

His role spanned everything from classroom outreach and event coordination to introducing speakers and even serving as a panelist. “Being a resource for students, and having them acknowledge that you helped them was really rewarding,” he said.

Confidence Through Experience 

For student participants, the Robins PRO Conference often serves as a first real step into the professional world.

Deven Vennera, a sophomore student, arrived expecting to explore career paths and practice professional conversations.

“The experience definitely met those expectations,” he said. “We were able to hear from industry speakers and have direct conversations with people working in roles we’re interested in.”

But what surprised him most was how much emphasis professionals placed on relationships. “I previously thought technical skills or credentials would matter most, but many speakers emphasized that connections and communication are just as important.”

That shift in mindset is one of the conference’s most important outcomes, helping students see networking as more than just a transactional exchange. “The best interactions were when we talked naturally,” Vennera added. “It helped me see networking as more about genuine conversations.”

Another attendee, sophomore Lia Adams, said the conference delivered both clarity and confidence. “Robins PRO was a great experience,” she said. “I met a lot of great experts while networking and was able to set up coffee chats, which helped land me my internship for this summer.”

For Adams, who is interested in a career in human resources, the conference also expanded her understanding of how different fields intersect. “I was happily surprised with the amount of information I received from the consulting panel that spread awareness into the general professional world,” she said.

One of the most impactful moments came during mock interviews, an exercise designed to simulate real-world pressure. “It was challenging to be interviewed in front of 20 other students,” she admitted, “but this definitely helped remove nerves when being interviewed by panels.”

Her takeaway reflects a broader theme echoed by many participants: growth happens in discomfort, but also in openness. “Networking is not meant to be scary, simply just a conversation,” she said. “Do not be afraid to ask ‘silly’ questions.”

Building Something Bigger

At its core, the Robins PRO Conference is more than an event; it’s a structured, intentional approach to preparing students for life after graduation. By requiring participation, integrating it into coursework, and emphasizing real-world interaction, the program ensures equity in access to career development opportunities.

"What excites me most about Robins PRO is that it gives our students a way to be intentional about their own development,” said Mickey Quiñones, dean of the Robins School. “It brings together the many opportunities we offer into a clear framework for growth. The conference is an important entry point, but its real power is how it connects to a larger experience that unfolds over time and prepares students for long-term success.”

What makes it truly impactful are the people within it, the students who show up, step forward, and support one another, the participants who walk away with a lasting academic and professional experience, and the corporate volunteers who assist along the way.

As Zarch reflected on her experience, she said, “Getting to help out younger students and talk about my experience—that was the most rewarding part.”

And for Abdulahi, the impact extends even further. “After graduation, I would be happy to stay involved and hopefully return as a corporate partner,” he said.

The long-term vision of Robins PRO is more than preparing students for the workforce; it’s to create a cycle where today’s participants become tomorrow’s mentors, speakers, and leaders.