The Center is an intermediary between work in school and work at a job. Students are given opportunities to develop the skills they will need to succeed and are exposed to resources and professionals with valuable information and insights. They are also assisted as they build relationships necessary to find employment in their fields. Julie McEliece became the director of the Fermanian Center in July 1995. McEliece feels that links with businesses are crucial preparation for finding a job after graduation.
Many companies are willing, even eager, to help college students prepare for the working world.
These organizations allow students to job shadow with their employees or offer internships to PLNC students. The Business Center helps place students in job shadowing situations, where they spend time with a professional at his or her work place. The student gets a sense of which job is best suited to his or her interests and aptitudes, and also makes contacts at companies which can be used later in searching for a job. The Fermanian Center coordinates internships for juniors and seniors, recognizing that there is no better way to see if a career fits than to try it on. Internships often lead to jobs after graduation as well.