Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4) | University of Portland

Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4)

An education at the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business goes beyond the nuts and bolts. The Pamplin Professional Preparation Program – P4 – is fully integrated into the academic curriculum and ensures that you leave campus with much more than just a business degree. P4 embraces the holistic philosophy of a Holy Cross education, with students learning about themselves and the world with their head, hands, and heart. Our students begin their professional preparation during their first semester, and continue to hone their presentation skills and build their professional network throughout their time on the Bluff. 

What is the P4 Program?

Text image of reflect with your heart, learn with your head and do with your hands

P4 is...

Integrated into each curriculum is a core philosophy that by learning about yourself and the world with your head, hands, and heart, you will discover your vocation, and be prepared to enter the world as an ethical and creative business leader.

Text image of vocation uses your strengths for greater good, career uses your strengths, and job pays the bills.

Every Business Student Participates

The Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4) is a credit-based program that all students in the Pamplin School of Business participates in. A framework is created to allow a deeper understanding of your strengths and the role it plays in your professional development. The goal is to understand yourself and the common good deeply enough so you can find not just a job, not just a career, but a vocation.

Alumni Careers

Handshake Logo

What is Handshake?

Handshake is the University of Portland’s career portal through the Career Center. It personalizes career recommendations based on YOUR interests and connections, helping you discover exciting new, relevant opportunities. Find your dream job or internship; discover new opportunities; connect with great companies and non-profits! 

Learn about Handshake
Create a legacy with alumni engagement

Create a Legacy with Alumni Engagement

To assist with specific activities such as internships, job shadows, mock interviews and community service projects, please email p4@up.edu

Get Involved

Kelsey Smith

Kelsey Smith - Class of 2018
BBA, Accounting

"Though it was a lot of work, I really think that the P4 program helped me end up where I want to be. I have been offered (and accepted) a full time position in the Fall of 2017, starting Fall 2018. I am so excited and really thankful for the opportunity. I am also thankful for the support I have received from UP to get there."

Business student Crystalin Jones

Crystalin Jones - Class of 2018
BBA, Marketing

"The Pamplin School of Business provided me with a setting that has allowed me to grow as a person and redefine my idea of success. I have learned that success is so much more than a salary, it revolves around the good you are able to do in the world. For this reason, finding a vocation that would allow me to take part in meaningful work on a daily basis was vital as I explored my options. Between all of the coursework I completed for the Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4), I discovered that what I truly want to do is teach and make a positive difference in the lives of the future generation."

Courses Connected to P4 Program

Speed networking student is enjoying the process of meeting with hiring companies.

BUS 100 - Introduction to Leadership Skills

StrengthsQuest Test • Activities Fair • Ropes Course • Informational Interview • Networking • Site Visit/Job Shadow • Resume Building • Develop an E-Portfolio for personal and professional assessment
Group of students individually talking to hiring companies.

BUS 202 - Professional Development

Site Visit/Job Shadow • Group Mock Interview • Habit Awareness Seminar •  Cover Letter •  O*Net Assessment • 360 Communication Style • Draft of Personal Brand • Dress for Success • Service Day: Leading Self • Public Safety Driving Seminar
Student reviewing her notes before her next speed networking appointment with a hiring company.

BUS 302 - Internship Prep Course

 Etiquette Dinner • Evaluating a Vocation Offer and First 90 Days on the Job • LinkedIn Profile • Brand Video • Employer Profile Assessment • Individual Mock Interview • Professional Development Plan • Service Day: Leading Teams
Speed networking event

BUS 397 - Business Internship

Students participate in a required internship.
Speed networking event

BUS 497 - Business Internship

Students can participate in a second internship for credit, upon completion of required internship.