Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development Impact Report FY24-25

Fowler College of Business

Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Dear Donor,

Thank you for your generous support of the newly renamed Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development and for championing the career readiness and professional growth of Fowler College of Business students. Your gifts are helping us open doors for students and provide meaningful opportunities that strengthen their career readiness and long-term success.

With nearly 9,000 students in the college, your support allows us to expand our reach, enhance the quality of our programs, and provide transformative experiences that prepare students to thrive in a competitive job market. From one-on-one coaching to immersive career-readiness initiatives, your generosity makes it possible for us to equip students with the skills, confdence, and connections they need to launch successful careers.

We are truly grateful for your partnership and generosity. This report highlights the programs, services, and milestones made possible through your contributions—eforts that are shaping the future of career development at Fowler and empowering students to step boldly into their futures.

Tina Tan, M.A., N.C.C Director Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development

Propelling the SDSU Community Forward

Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development Endowment

The Fowler College of Business received a $2.5 million gift to establish an endowment to signifcantly enhance our ability to prepare students for professional success through expanded career readiness initiatives in perpetuity. In recognition of the gift, the College's career center was renamed the PartrickClayes Center for Career Development

Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development Endowed Fund - General Support

For the 9th annual SDSU Day of Giving, donors supported career and professional readiness programming for our nearly 10,000 business students. These gifts provide students with access to training and coaching opportunities to propel them toward successful business careers upon graduation.

Gary Bezer and Lise Fleury PATH Academy Endowment

Professionalism — Accountancy — Training — Hiring

The newly established Bezer-Fleury PATH Academy is a professional readiness program exclusively for Guardian Scholars and Project Rebound students pursuing degrees in Business. Through customized programming and hands-on training, the Academy is designed to empower frst-generation college students with the skills, resources, and confdence needed to successfully navigate the business world.

Thriving in the Aztec Experience

Matthew Hall, Class of 2025

Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Fowler College of Business

Major: Finance

The Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development has supported me time and time again throughout my college experience. I sought guidance from the Center before every interview, cofee chat, or networking event to continuously improve my skills, develop my resume, and build confdence.

My most recent appointment, just weeks before graduation, was in preparation for an interview with Morgan Stanley. I was able to review my resume and conduct a mock interview. Thanks to the Center's guidance, I received a job ofer and started in mid-June at Morgan Stanley’s UTC ofce.

I am a member of four organizations on campus: Finance & Investment Society, Tijuana Home Build, Ski & Snowboard Team, and the Sailing Team. However, the Center has been just as essential to my growth and success.

I’ve come a long way since freshman year—from not knowing where I wanted to go within the world of fnance to securing my frst corporate job before graduation. Throughout my journey, I've learned that repetition is key—much of life is about showing up.

The Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development has supported me time and time again throughout my college experience.

Hewan Abraha, Class of 2025

Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Fowler College of Business

Major: Management Information Systems

The Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development has been one of the most impactful parts of my college journey.

Over the past two years as a student worker at the Center, I’ve not only gained professional skills—like crafting a strong résumé, presenting myself confdently, and networking—but I’ve also had the opportunity to assist other students in navigating their own career paths, which has taught me a lot. The Center’s career fairs and events have helped me better understand how to communicate my strengths and goals to employers.

As a fourth-year management information systems major, these experiences have been key to my growth. Outside the classroom, I’ve been involved in the East African Student Association and the Black Business Society, which have strengthened my sense of community and leadership.

After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in project management, and I feel confdent the Center has prepared me to take that next step.

“Over the past two years as a student worker at the [Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development], I’ve not only gained professional skills but I’ve also had the opportunity to assist other students in navigating their own career paths.

Celebrating Shared Success

Statistics of Interest

The team held over 905 one-on-one sessions—88% with undergraduates, 8% with graduate students, and 4% with alumni. Of these, 49% were in-person, 50% via Zoom, and 1% by phone.

Breakdown below:

Seniors = 41% (371/905)

Juniors = 31% (281/905)

Sophomores = 11% (97/905)

Freshmen = 5% (47/905)

Master’s (MBA and Specialty Master’s) = 8% (73/905)

Alumni = 4% (36/905)

Recent Highlights

Passport to Professionalism Program

Launched in Fall 2024, this structured, multi-year initiative guides Fowler College of Business students through a comprehensive professional development journey, equipping them with the essential skills and tools needed to be career-ready by graduation. The program sets clear, year-by-year goals to support students' career development. Introduced during summer orientation, it drew strong interest—over 120 students registered for an info session. Thirty students joined the frst cohort, and 29 are on track to complete the frst-year theme, “Career Introductions.” They’ll receive a certifcate of completion and then continue into year two, “Career Exploration.”

Program participant Sarah Cahn shared, "Thank you for leading this program. It has been a great opportunity for me to take initiative in my professional development, which is something I wouldn't normally do. I really love the structure it has given me to step outside my comfort zone and participate in activities that will beneft my future career. I've truly loved my experience so far!”

Executive's Closet

This initiative launched in Fall 2024 and is rooted in our commitment to equity and inclusion by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to professional clothing. It also supports career readiness by boosting student confdence and promoting a polished, professional image.

Through two summer drives, faculty, staf, and employer partners helped collect nearly 700 pieces of professional clothing. Over 250 students attended the pilot event, many leaving with attire to boost their confdence and career readiness. The program returns in Fall 2025, with donations already underway.