WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) will open the semester with a renewed commitment to career readiness through its Spring 2026 Professional Development Series, a virtual lineup designed to help modern learners strengthen professional skills, build confidence and prepare for advancement in a rapidly changing workplace.
The series brings together leaders in organizational behavior, career coaching, workforce development and professional advancement. Held from 6 to 7 p.m. on select evenings in February, March and April, each session is led by a subject-matter expert and offers practical strategies, reflection prompts and resources that participants can immediately put to use.
February 2026: Networking Made Easy
- Date: February 26, 2026
- Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Gisele Marcus
This session introduces strategies for building meaningful professional relationships online and in person. Participants will gain practical, confidence-building techniques to expand their networks with intention and purpose.
Gisele Marcus is Professor of Practice and Vice Dean of Special Projects at the Olin Business School at WashU. A former five-time Fortune 250 general manager and internationally recognized TEDx speaker, she brings extensive experience in leadership, cultural fluency and networking.
March 26: Level Up Your Career: Practical Steps for Promotion and Advancement
- Date: March 26, 2026
- Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Dr. Jordan Watson
This session focuses on actionable strategies for career growth, including positioning for advancement, building visibility and advocating for professional value using data and results.
Dr. Jordan Watson is a career development professional with more than a decade of experience in career services, counseling and leadership development. His student-centered approach equips participants with practical tools to build career momentum and lead effectively across professional settings.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanwaddy/
April 9: Leveraging LinkedIn 101 for Career Growth
- Date: April 9, 2026
- Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Rachel Rubin Wilkins
This session provides actionable guidance on optimizing LinkedIn for personal and professional growth. Participants will learn how to strengthen their profiles, expand networks and use LinkedIn to support long-term career goals.
Rachel Rubin Wilkins is founder and CEO of Team of Seven Consulting, LLC, specializing in career mentoring, leadership development and professional strategy. A former admissions recruiter for Washington University and the University of Missouri, she holds an Executive MBA from WashU and is a #1 international bestselling author of Lead, Lift, & Leave a Legacy.
April 16 and April 23: Strengths, Growth and Your Professional Development Plan
- Dates: April 16 and April 23, 2026
- Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Dr. LaKeisha Mathews
This two-part experience guides participants through identifying strengths and developing a personalized professional development plan that supports long-term growth and career alignment.
- April 16 – Discovering and Using Your Strengths
Participants will identify natural strengths and explore how they align with career goals and organizational success.
- April 23 – Creating Your Professional Development Plan
Participants will build a personalized roadmap that includes skill-building, mentorship and career milestones.
Dr. LaKeisha Mathews is a nationally recognized career development expert with more than 20 years of experience supporting academic and professional advancement. She is the Owner and Primary Career Coach of Right Resumes & Career Coaching, LLC and serves as Director of the Career and Internship Center at the University of Baltimore.
The Spring 2026 Professional Development Series is designed for CAPS students balancing full schedules and ambitious goals. Each session focuses on practical, flexible tools that support ongoing career development. If you are interested, please RSVP here.