Mission Statement
The mission of the Carson Center is to serve students by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for personal and professional success. In collaboration with employers, faculty, and alumni, the center assists students with involvement, professional development, and internship and job search.

Focus Areas
Student Involvement
Students have multiple opportunities to enhance their organizational, service, leadership, and networking skills through the Carson Center. Programs offered include the Keys 4 Sucess, the Boeing Mentor Program (BMP), and the Business Club Council (BCC). Students are also encouraged to join academic clubs, as well as Students in Free Enterprise, and business fraternities, and take advantage or many other involvement opportunities.

Professional Development
The Carson Center aids undergraduate students with professional development by assessing and enhancing their professional skills. The center provides assistance with career preparation, including resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters; interviewing strategies; and internship and job search techniques. The center offers students the opportunity to participate in mock interviews that can be videotaped upon request. Throughout the academic year, career-related workshops, activities and events are hosted for students to participate in.

Internship and Job Search
Securing a challenging internship or top-notch job is an important step toward career success. However, finding an internship or job requires careful planning and dedication, and students need to develop the skills to execute an effective search. The Carson Center provides resources and training, partnering with the WSU Center for Advising and Career Development and faculty to assist students in their internship and job search. The center works closely with employers, but also encourages students to register with WSU CareerLink and participate in career fairs. The center hosts employer visits throughout the year and provides a professional environment for networking and recruiting activities.

History
The Scott and Linda Carson Center for Professional Development opened its doors in Todd Hall 101 to serve students in fall 2005. With offices where students can participate in mock interviews or visit with company executives and a boardroom where they can practice making professional presentations, the center is the place to “Get Involved. Get Ahead.”

The Center was funded by a gift from alumni Scott and Linda Carson, plus additional money from Washington State University through Provost Bob Bates. During the Grand Opening ceremonies in October 2005, the Carson's and their family welcomed students, faculty, and friends to visit the facility. Guests also toured the Boeing Wireless Classroom of the Future, a learning center next door that Scott Carson was instrumental in creating.

The staff and student employees of the Carson Center plan and promote a wide variety of activities, including a student welcome each fall, and career and professional workshops and events to benefit students as they prepare for internships and jobs.


A Letter from Scott Carson

A Message from the Director

Testimonials