Professional Development
Segment #8 from The Institute for Global Outreach Developments
Transcript
Here’s Gabby, a senior majoring in community development with an occupational focus in accounting. The professional development program or pro dev program is The Institute for G.O.D.’s innovative opportunity for students getting a biblical studies or admissions degree to graduate with a professional skill and certification or the equivalent without accruing debt and getting a job offered after graduation. Please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. When I started looking for colleges, I had no idea what career I would choose. I just knew I wanted to study the Bible and serve people. What’s unique about The Institute are the service opportunities, internships and even job opportunities integrated into our learning curriculum. Students can get these experiences by participating in the professional development program, helping them make informed decisions about their future occupation while studying the Bible in the classroom. Through the pro dev program initially, I served as an afterschool program administrator, then interned for a K through 12 school and finally interned for our college accounting department. After my first year, I really thought I wanted to be an elementary teacher, but through the program and conversations with my mentor, I found that the accounting internship unearthed a passion for resource management that I did not expect. The Institute’s innovative program taught me the skills I need for my profession by serving our local neighborhood, the greater Nashville area, and even the global community. I learned social, administrative and professional skills all through a Biblical perspective. I even had the incredible experience of doing accounting work with Institute students in India and the Philippines. With graduates having 100% job placement and graduating without debt, I’m graduating with three years of accounting experience, a full-time job offer as an executive accountant, a robust knowledge of God’s Word and I’m debt-free. You won’t just learn about your desired field of expertise. You’ll actually experience it here at The Institute. President Garner often says, “It’s not as much about what you’re going to do, but about who you’re going to become.” I love what I do in accounting, but I’m even more thankful for who it is that I’ve become. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Gabby. It’s great how The Institute for G.O.D. immediately puts students into their occupational field of choice, giving you a chance to discover if that’s what you wanna do with your life. You could have graduated with an elementary ed degree, but because of the pro dev program, you’re now becoming an accountant and that makes you very happy. What a great story. Thank you for sharing.