Business Communication Center | Naveen Jindal School of Management

BA 1105 & 3105: Preparing Undergraduate Students For The Professional World

We understand the importance of preparing students early in their academic journey for the challenges of the professional world. This preparation includes:

Building a personal brand and developing a strategy for professional growth by researching careers and companies that align with their goals.
Communicating skills effectively through conversations, job search portfolios, and networking.
Leveraging creativity and AI tools to gain a competitive edge in the job search process.

Our program also features the unique First Year Experience modules, designed to help students navigate university life. Topics include mental health resources, academic success tools, university policies, and guidance on where to turn for support. Every freshman and transfer student completes this course, which builds confidence in managing college challenges and prepares them for internships and future careers.

The course concludes with a collaborative group presentation, where students research company information and present it in an engaging format. This project strengthens presentation skills and provides meaningful career insights for students exploring new paths.

Need help with assignments or course questions?
Please contact your instructors directly.

Employers seeking top talent:
Reach out to Jason Cirilo, Director of Professional Development, at Jason.Cirilo@utdallas.edu. We look forward to connecting you with exceptional students.

Critical Thinking & AI Integration

Our program integrates Microsoft Copilot into every class session to enhance learning. The goal is to help students become confident in prompting and interacting with generative AI tools while maintaining ethical standards. By the end of the semester, students will be able to combine creativity and critical thinking with Copilot to research companies and careers, build resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, initiate professional networking conversations, and more.

Students: Discover how Copilot can help you succeed.

Student Testimonials

Dadne Candelas

I am incredibly grateful to Professor Cirilo for curating the Professional Development course. Since taking it, I have seen exponential growth in my success with internship searches and interviews. The class goes beyond theory, equipping us with invaluable skills and the practice to master them, ensuring all our assignments could be applied directly to the real world, a benefit that is truly unmatched.

Haidi Kotsi, Business Administration

This course was especially valuable to me as a transfer student, as it helped me navigate JSOM resources and build strong interview and professional development skills. The tools this class has provided have been invaluable, and I hope other students take full advantage of everything this class has to offer.

Rollan Berzhanskiy, Finance

Through interactive lectures and structured projects, BA 1105 helped me refine my research and interviewing techniques, allowing me to navigate the recruitment process and ultimately secure my first internship.

Ihsan Yildirim, Business Administration

I’m glad to have taken BA 1105. The hands on, real world oriented assignments and collaborative environment pushed me to improve my communication and presentation skills alongside supportive instructors and engaged peers. Stepping into the role of CEO for our presentation assignment, even briefly, made the learning experience especially memorable.

See all Business Communication Center Testimonials

Spring 2026 Workshop Schedule

Workshop	Location	Date	Time
The Fine Art of Friendliness: Professional Networking	MS Teams	January 17	1:30 p.m.
Resume Bullets: Describing Professional Experience with Impact	MS Teams	January 28	12:00 p.m.
Craft and Practice Your Elevator Pitch (BCC + CMC)	JSOM CMC 12.110	February 3	12:00 p.m.
Craft and Practice Your Elevator Pitch (BCC + CMC)	JSOM CMC 12.110	February 4	12:00 p.m.
Technological Tools for North American English Practice	MS Teams	February 17	1:30 p.m.
How to Acclimate to American English Pronunciation	MS Teams	February 24	1:30 p.m.
How to Speak in Public and Live to Tell the Tale	MS Teams	March 3	1:30 p.m.
Professional Correspondence: How to Communicate Effectively Over Email	MS Teams	March 11	12:00 p.m.
Cover Letters: How to Stand Out from Other Applicants	MS Teams	March 25	12:00 p.m.
Using AI without Losing Your Authenticity	MS Teams	March 31	1:30 p.m.
Living Large with Large Language Models: LLMs in the Workplace	MS Teams	April 7	1:30 p.m.

For information, contact bcc@utdallas.edu.

The Business Communication Center offers professional headshot services every Friday in JSOM 12.106 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Headshots are walk-in only, so no appointment is required. For more information, contact bcc@utdallas.edu.

Workshops & Courses