Source: Olivia Law-DelRosso, 785-532-7190, Olivia@k-state.edu
Website:http://www.cba.k-state.edu/ProfessionalAdvantage
News release prepared by: Olivia Blanco, 785-532-2753, oblanco@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012
Professional advantage: Nationally known speaker kicks off College of Business Administration's new professional development program
MANHATTAN -- Best-selling author and inspirational speaker Patrick Combs will kick off Professional Advantage, the College of Business Administration's new professional development program at Kansas State University.
Combs' lecture, "Major in Success," will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in McCain Auditorium. It is free and open to the public.
"Major in Success" is a motivational speech based on Combs' book of the same title. In his speech, he will introduce topics of personal fulfillment, passion and working smart.
"We are thrilled to have a nationally regarded speaker to address our students," said Ali Malekzadeh, Edgerley family dean of the college. "His experience and motivational words are an excellent way to introduce Professional Advantage to our students."
Professional Advantage works as a road map for students to help them get the most out of their college experience and be prepared to realize their professional goals. The program sponsors professional development events, including lectures and networking clinics, as well as the Executive Mentor program. All events are aimed at helping students find their strengths, learn soft skills and gain confidence.
By participating in Professional Advantage and attending events, such as the Combs lecture, students gain an edge in their initial job search and the rest of their professional lives.
"The events planned for this year's program will give business students a solid base to make the most out of college and starting their professional lives,” said Olivia Law-DelRosso, program director. "Mr. Combs' lecture, with its humorous inspiration message, is a great start to Professional Advantage."
Combs was raised by a single mother and was the first in his family to go to college. In trying to achieve success, he accumulated $45,000 dollars in credit card debt. Using his financial struggle as a learning experience, he is now a sought-after speaker and entertainer who has spoken at more than 1,000 college campuses and at Fortune 500 companies. He has appeared on many national shows, including "NBC Nightly News," "The Tonight Show," "Good Morning America," CNN and "The Montel Williams Show."
The next event planned for Professional Advantage will be a seminar on efficient networking on Oct. 8. For more information, visit http://www.cba.k-state.edu/ProfessionalAdvantage.
