The Sorrell 360 Center for Professional Life at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business is celebrating five years of helping students develop the skills, connections and experiences needed to succeed in their careers and beyond.

Established to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional expectations, the center provides students with individualized guidance, professional development opportunities and direct connections with employers.

“Over the past five years, the Sorrell 360 Center has continued to grow in our ability to prepare students for life after graduation,” said Preston Pritchett, director of the Sorrell 360 Center. “We want students to leave the classroom with more than academic knowledge. We want them to have the professional skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed in their careers and in life.”

The center offers individualized resource meetings tailored to students’ career goals. Services include résumé reviews, mock interviews, networking coaching and career exploration guidance.

Students also have opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop professional skills through programs such as Sorrell 360 FINANCE, the Business IDEA Pitch Competition and the Lunch and Learn series. Events including the Career Fair, Internship Expo and BBQ with Bankers connect students with industry professionals and provide opportunities to explore career paths, build relationships and pursue internships and employment.

Since its launch, the center has expanded its staff to five full-time and two part-time professionals, increasing its capacity to offer programming and reach more students.

That growth has produced measurable results. The average number of events connecting students with business employers each semester has increased from two to six, while student participation in professional development events has grown by 31 percent over the past several years.

“These milestones reflect the growing demand for professional development opportunities and the value of building strong relationships with our industry partners,” Pritchett said. “By expanding our programming and creating more opportunities for students to engage with employers, we are helping them make meaningful connections and better prepare for their next steps.”

The center’s recent five-year celebration recognized its progress and the contributions of its staff, students and industry partners.

As the Sorrell 360 Center looks to the future, its focus remains on preparing Sorrell College of Business students to navigate the transition from college to the workplace with confidence.

“Celebrating five years gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, but we are just as focused on what lies ahead,” Pritchett said. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnerships, expand opportunities for students and help the next generation of business professionals succeed.”