From classroom to career: why recruiters love JMU business students

As the College of Business structure underwent an expansion and renovation, re-opening in 2020, ongoing discussions focused on what the college needed—larger classrooms, study areas, offices, event spaces. With student success in mind, it was decided that a dedicated employer space could serve to “open doors” for students to build their networks, learn about internships and secure job offers. 

Just outside of the EY Professional Development and Undergraduate Programs Suite on the first floor of Hartman Hall is a unique space that hosts recruiters while they visit the CoB. It serves as a low-stress environment for students to learn more about a company and industry positions that align with their interests, and for recruiters to share about their company culture, positions and opportunities.

Year after year, recruiters return to JMU’s campus to engage the next generation of professionals. Alex Shillinglaw, lead campus recruiter for assurance and tax at RSM, says she and her colleagues love coming back. “Alumni want to come back regardless, and they're so excited to recruit the next class of Dukes. The sense of community here makes us excited to recruit at JMU,” she says. 

Alumni and recruiters alike enjoy returning to campus to interact with the current student body, but it’s not just because we have a beautiful campus or excellent dining facilities. They understand the quality of a JMU education and the kind of skills CoB students learn to master. Shillinglaw says, “We've found that JMU students—we’ve hired so many over the years—are passionate about being very successful. They’re hard workers, ambitious, but very down to earth at the same time. Overall, they are prepared and hungry to work. Not only do we like them personally, but their work ethic has been proven year after year.”

Through classes, student organizations, events, networking and competitions, students begin refining their skills at the onset of their time in the CoB. Recruiters often note that CoB students arrive not only with technical knowledge, but with a clear understanding of professional expectations. Senior Campus Recruiter for Cherry Bekaert, Claire Sonksen says, “I think that the professors and the different clubs and organizations do a great job of preparing them, not just for the work that they need to do, but the expectations of when you show up on day one. They already know how to set a professional tone, what they should be wearing, what they should bring with them—the soft skills.”

Sonksen and Shillinglaw, and recruiters alike, recognize the immense value of setting students up for real-world success. College of Business students are “hardworking and disciplined,” according to Shillinglaw. “They're in Hartman Hall at 8:00 AM working. They're on campus all day. They're going to class. They're taking projects seriously. They are very determined.”

That level of commitment doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s one reason why relationships between the college and employers continue to deepen. Another great benefit of having a dedicated space for employers is the trust and connection it fosters. Firms aren’t just investing in students through job offers; they’re also supporting them financially. No less than eight accounting firms, including both RSM and Cherry Bekaert, offer scholarships to students in the M.S. in Accounting program. “We want to invest in motivated, eager, passionate students,” Sonksen says.

That investment goes beyond scholarships—it’s reflected in the time and presence recruiters dedicate to campus. Their regular visits to Hartman Hall’s employer space create opportunities for students to explore career paths, ask questions and make meaningful connections. This visibility and accessibility often lead to internships, which can evolve into full-time job offers. The University Career Center (UCC) plays a key role in coordinating these visits and tabling events, ensuring students have consistent access to employers. Based on the post-graduation pursuits of 93% of the CoB Spring Class of 2025 bachelor’s degree recipients, 93% gained program-related work experience during their time at JMU and 53% received a job offer from their internship.

The College of Business’s intentional design, both in its physical spaces and its academic culture, creates an environment where students thrive and employers take notice. From the moment they step into the Learning Complex, students are immersed in opportunities to connect, grow and prepare for life beyond graduation. Recruiters return not just for the talent, but for the energy, professionalism and drive that defines CoB students. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect and shared success—one that continues to grow stronger with each graduating class.