UNIV 320 Spring 2020 1

UNIV 320 Internship/Career Readiness – DL3 (Online Course) Spring 2020

Instructor:

pronouns: she/her/hers

Office Hours online by appointment

Course Uses Blackboard: http://mymason.gmu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION The academic emphasis is on the development of tangible self-marketing documents and strategies to identify meaningful internships which will pair students’ personal interests, values and skills to their prospective career path. Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to refine and demonstrate the eight competencies employers have reported as signs of career readiness: critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, information technology application, leadership, professionalism, career management, and global/intercultural fluency. UNIV320 – DL3 is a section delivered as an asynchronous, accelerated online course. Though the delivery method is different, it should take you the same amount of time as a face-to-face undergraduate course. You should expect to spend 9 hours on coursework each week (this includes the time you would have spent in a classroom). LEARNING GOALS & OUTCOMES By the end of this asynchronous online course you will be able to:

1. Identify and translate personal strengths, interests, values, and skills into meaningful career options. 2. Identify and effectively articulate your skills, experiences and strengths related to your internship/career target through

resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and networking. 3. Research and commit to potential career choices and/or academic fields. 4. Increase your marketability to employers through a competitive LinkedIn profile.

COURSE MATERIALS & RESOURCES ● Blackboard is required for this course. You can access the site at https://mymason.gmu.edu. Log in with Patriot Pass

credentials ● Career Readiness Guide, by University Career Services. It is available at

https://careers.gmu.edu/sites/career_svcs/files/careerReadinessGuide.pdf (referred to throughout the syllabus as Guide): You may pick up a hard copy at the University Career Services Office, SUB I, 3400 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5pm); just tell the front desk you are in my class. You can also access the Guide on Blackboard under ‘Course Content‘

● Career Readiness Resources at University Career Services (UCS): UCS helps Mason students to connect what they know and have learned from their degree with their career goals. We work with students at all points in the career development process: assisting them in exploring how to best use their talents, strengths, and interests to select majors and career paths, as well as connecting with employers and strategizing for breaking into their industry of interest. For individualized attention and assistance beyond what is covered in class, reach out: careers.gmu.edu

● Frequently used web resources: LinkedIn Learning: lil.gmu.edu (log in with Patriot Pass credentials) Handshake: careers.gmu.edu/handshake (log in with Patriot Pass credentials) InterviewStream: https://gmu.interviewstream.com (you will need to create your account)

● Online Assessments:

UNIV 320 Spring 2020 2

1. SkillScan Drive 2. CliftonStrengths 3. Strong Interest Inventory

a. Mobile devices supported: Elevate supports mobile devices running Android or iOS. b. Browsers supported: Elevate supports Internet Explorer 10 or above, Safari 6 or above, and current

versions of Firefox and Chrome. https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Support/Contact-Us

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS: You will be expected to learn/understand the technologies used in this course, as well as how to seek support from the appropriate sources if you have trouble. If you find that your technology is not functioning properly, it is your responsibility to troubleshoot any issues you are experiencing and communicate with your instructor what steps you have taken before asking for exceptions or extensions. Your instructor may not be immediately available to help you navigate these issues, so don’t wait until the last minute to test out the system.

• Mason technologies (i.e. your Mason email, wifi or other campus internet concerns): https://itservices.gmu.edu. If you cannot log in to myMason please contact the ITS Support Center at (703) 993-8870 or reset your Mason NetID password at http://password.gmu.edu

• Blackboard at Mason: http://coursessupport.gmu.edu/Students/ • Handshake:

https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/categories/202711128-Student-Alumni • InterviewStream: https://gmu.interviewstream.com/Home/ContactUs • Strong Interest Inventory: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/ • SkillScan: https://www.skillscan.com/contact • CliftonStrengths: https://www.strengthsquest.com/help/technical/142535/cliftonstrengths-students-support-team.aspx

When you reach out to the appropriate resources, include a detailed explanation of the issue you are experiencing, along with screenshots whenever possible. CC your instructor or forward the communication you have had with the appropriate office. APPOINTMENTS / E-MAIL CONTACT I encourage you to contact me to ask questions, clarify assignments, make me aware of any unexpected situations, or to obtain additional help. You can always contact me via email anewham@gmu.edu to set up a phone or web appointment too. I check email regularly Monday through Friday and prefer more communication over less. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS. If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please email me within the first week of class and contact Disability Services at http://ds.gmu.edu/ and 703-993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through Disability Services. NETIQUETTE Our discussion goal is to be collaborative, not combative; you are creating a learning environment, sharing information and learning from one another. Respectful communication is important to your success in this course and as a professional. Please re-read your responses carefully before you post them so others will not to take them out of context or as personal attacks. Be positive to others and diplomatic with your words and I will try my best to do the same. Sarcasm is never appropriate and you should be careful when using humor. Without face-to-face communications your joke may be viewed as criticism. Experience shows that even an innocent remark in the online environment can be easily misconstrued. LATE CLASS ASSIGNMENTS All assignments will be submitted via Blackboard by 11:59pm on the specified due date, which is typically a Sunday of each week (Wednesdays for online discussion original posts). Late work turned in after the deadline will be accepted on a case by case basis and will result in a point deduction. Assignments turned in more than a week late will not be accepted. Exceptions may be given for extenuating circumstances if you notify me prior to the due date. INCLEMENT WEATHER Since this is an online class, assignments are still due by 11:59pm on the specified due date even if the University is closed due to inclement weather.

UNIV 320 Spring 2020 3

HONOR CODE Consistent with the University’s Honor Code, any work considered being in violation of the Code due to plagiarism or other integrity issues will be reported to the University Honor Committee. A failing grade on any assignment resulting from an Honor Committee process will result in a failing grade for the course. Additional information about the Honor code and Academic Integrity can be found at http://oai.gmu.edu/. DIVERSITY George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or age. George Mason University adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations. Please see Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics for more information: http://diversity.gmu.edu/. EVALUATION TOOLS & ASSIGNMENT POINT VALUES

1. Participation (Online Discussions/Journals/Quizzes) 88 points 2. Self-Assessments 12 points 3. Personal Pitch 10 points 4. Resume 10 points 5. Cover Letter 10 points 6. LinkedIn & Handshake Profiles 25 points 7. Counselor/Industry Advisor Meeting or Event 20 points 8. Informational Interview 25 points

TOTAL COURSE POINTS 200 Points Participation – 88 points (Initial discussion posts 5pts, Response posts 5pts, Journals 9pts, Quizzes 3pts): Participation through Online Discussions, Journals, and Quizzes: This course uses an interactive-style approach. Therefore, your active participation online is critical for effective learning to take place. An ongoing dialogue about course topics and readings will be maintained via Blackboard discussion forums. Every week you will complete a discussion, journal and/or quiz. Due to the interactive nature of discussion boards, late posts will not be accepted. Online Discussion/Journal Instructions

How will I benefit from having online discussions/journals? Online discussions/journals will help you to reflect on class assignments, activities, career-related articles, and material from the Career Readiness Guide. Journal entries are private—only the instructor will see them, and thus is also a great time to ask clarifying questions about your self-assessment results. In online discussions, you will also learn from your classmates’ reflections, insights, questions, and experiences.

When are online discussions/journals due? Your online discussion boards consist of two parts: the initial post is due by 11:59pm on Wednesdays and the response post is due by 11:59pm on Sundays. A response can be to someone on your initial post or to another student’s initial post. Journals are due by 11:59pm on Sundays. What should I write about? The bulk of your online discussion/journal should be about your reflections related to the videos you will watch, assignments, activities, and readings. Your professor will post a discussion/journal question that pertains to these areas. Replies to peers should be respectful, substantive, insightful, and add value to your peers’ reflections. Will I get feedback? The instructor will provide feedback on your posts by possibly asking follow-up questions, responding to your questions and comments, or giving you additional things to think about. How will my online discussion/journal be graded? The grades for your online discussions/journals will be based on:

● All parts submitted on time and preparation is evident and/or referenced (i.e. videos, reading). ● Demonstration of relevant NACE competencies. ● Entries and replies should be at least 200 words each unless noted otherwise. ● Quality of insights/feedback related to the prompts and your classmates’ posts.

UNIV 320 Spring 2020 4

ASSIGNMENTS Personal Pitch - 10 points, Due: February 2 A personal pitch is a 30 second verbal summary of your background, work history, skills, education and work objective as it relates to the person to which you’re speaking. This summary is something you will use in many professional settings and often includes a follow up question to keep the conversation moving. Self Assessments- 12 points, Due: February 2 Complete the three self-assessments. An emailed invitation to take the SkillScan and the Strong Interest Inventory will come the week the assessments are due. The CliftonStrengths can be accessed anytime at https://wbu.gmu.edu/. Resume -10 points, Due: February 16 A compelling resume is a key step to getting noticed and landing an interview. It is strongly suggested that you attend a walk-in appointment to get your resume critiqued by Career Services (SUB 1, 3400, see careers.gmu.edu for walk-in hours). Submit your critiqued (marked-up) resume along with your revised version to earn extra credit. Cover Letter (Application or Prospecting Letter) - 10 points, Due: February 16 Find a job announcement of interest and create a letter that is tailored to that industry and position. If you cannot find a position that is of interest to you, you may create a prospecting letter to a specific company of your choice. LinkedIn & Handshake Profiles - 25 points, Due: February 23 We will be discussing the importance of professional networking during the semester. LinkedIn is today’s standard electronic platform that will allow you to connect with other professionals. Handshake is Mason's source for on-campus jobs, internships, employment advice, and career event details. The more complete your profile, the more appealing it is to recruiters. Counselor/Industry Advisor Meeting/Event Attendance, 20 points, Due: March 1 The purpose of this assignment is to gain more information about your industry by attending an event or develop a customized search strategy by meeting with an industry advisor/career counselor in Career Services. Submit a paragraph summary on Bb. Informational Interview – 25 points, Due: March 8 An informational interview is the best way for you to learn about careers and companies in a comfortable environment for you and the interviewee. This kind of interview allows you to ask questions about the person you are meeting with, understand how they came to work in their company/industry, and get advice and information about what you need to do to prepare for a similar career. You will conduct one informational interview with someone in a field of interest (professional in the field, or faculty and/or professor still working in the field). Before the interview, you are required to conduct research on the interviewee’s field and organization. NOTE: You may NOT interview a family member for this assignment. Further instructions and rubric found on Blackboard. Grading Scale: Your points ___ divided by 2 = your % Grade

A+ 100 B+ 87-89 C 70-79 A 95-99 B 83-86 D 60-69 A- 90-94 B- 80-82 F 0 - 59

Extra-credit opportunities: Throughout the semester there are opportunities for up to 16 extra credit points (in addition to the required assignments; not to replace them): *See calendar of events: http://careers.gmu.edu/events/

● Attend a Career Services Event/Panel* (submit UCS staff signature and reflection to Blackboard to receive credit) (5 points) ● Practice Interview with Career Services staff (5 points) ● Submit your own idea with an explanation of how it will be beneficial to your career development (this must be approved

by instructor to receive extra credit)

UNIV 320 Spring 2020 5

COURSE SCHEDULE For more detailed information, view the corresponding Weekly Module in Blackboard

Week/ Date

Topic Video/Reading Assignments Due This Week (on Sundays by 11:59pm)

1. 1/21-1/26

Course Introduction & Personal Pitch

• Read through the syllabus • Watch instructor intro video • Read Guide: Personal Pitch section

(pg.45-46) • Watch videos on Personal Pitch

*Discussion #1: Self Introduction; don’t forget to comment on a peer’s post by Wed.! *Quiz 1: Personal Pitch

2. 1/27-2/2

Skills & Values

• Read SkillScan results, PPT & User Guide found within PPT

• Read/complete values worksheet • Watch values videos

*Submit Personal Pitch video on InterviewStream *Journal #1: Values & SkillScan reflection *Complete Self Assessments: Strong Interest Inventory, CliftonStrengths, and SkillScan Drive

3. 2/3-2/9

Research & Documents

• Read Guide: Resume & Cover Letters (pg. 7-38)

• Watch videos on Resumes • Watch videos on Cover Letters • Read Guide: Career Research section

(pg.42-44) • Watch videos on researching

employers and the job search

*Discussion #2: Resumes *Quiz 2: Resumes *Make updates to resume and cover letter after reviewing peers’ suggestions, submit next week

4. 2/10-2/16

Networking

• Watch LinkedIn videos • Read Guide: Networking section (pg.

45-49) • Watch videos on networking &

informational interviews

*Submit resume & cover letter incorporating learning from videos, readings and discussion board *Discussion #3: Networking *Quiz 3: Networking * Start working on LinkedIn & Handshake profiles * Send informational interview requests

5. 2/17-2/23

Strengths, Interests & YOUR Internship Exploration

• Read through emailed iStartStrong assessment results & iStartStrong PPT

• Read through CliftonStrengths results and watch related videos

• Read/watch internship info

*Journal Entry #2 Reaction to iStartStrong *Journal Entry #3 Reaction to CliftonStrengths *Submit LinkedIn & Handshake profiles

6. 2/24-3/1

Job Interviewing • Read Guide: Interviewing section (pg. 57-62)

• Watch videos on interviewing

* Submit summary of meeting/event *Discussion #4: Interviewing *Quiz 4: Interviewing *Informational interview paper due next week!

7. 3/2-3/8

Wrap-up & Next Steps

• Read Managing Up article • Watch Internship & goal setting

videos

*Journal Entry #4: Internship Action Plan *Submit informational interview paper *Complete:

o Post-Course Survey o University Course Evaluation

INTERNSHIP/CAREER READINESS

UNIVERSITY 320

Spring 2020 – 1 credit

Mondays 5:00-6:15pm, Hanover Hall L003

Instructor Contact Information

UCS Website: http://careers.gmu.edu UCS/Office Hours UCS Walk-in Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00am-1:00pm in SUB1, Suite 3400. I am usually

available in SUB1, 3439 before class; email me if you wish to meet at another time. Purpose of the Course Learning Objectives

The academic emphasis is on the development of tangible self-marketing documents, and strategies to identify meaningful internships which will pair students’ personal interests, values and skills with their prospective career paths. 1. Discover your personality preferences, interests, values, skills, and career

options that best fit your individual characteristics. 2. Identify and effectively articulate your skills, experiences and strengths related to

your internship target. 3. Become proficient in articulating your experience, education, and skills through

resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and networking. 4. Increase your marketability to employers through a competitive LinkedIn profile.

Course Credit

This course may be taken for either 1 or 0 credits; be sure to verify your selection.

Course Format Class sessions will generally be interactive and discussion-oriented. Some sessions will have a more defined structure, and others will be more loosely constructed. It is critical that you attend each class and come prepared to discuss your assignments along with new ideas, questions, and opinions. You will truly get out of this course what you put into this course!

Course Materials 1. Career Readiness Guide, by University Career Services, available on-line:

https://careers.gmu.edu/sites/career_svcs/files/careerReadinessGuide.pdf The Guide will also be provided by UCS in hard copy. Please bring the Guide with you to class each week, as we will use it in classroom activities.

2. Online Assessments: (all are included in tuition / fees – do not pay extra for these assessments) – see detailed instructions on Blackboard.

• SkillScan (be sure to use “Drive”): Reports are automatically generated and emailed to students (print/view on personal electronic device)

• Strong Interest Inventory (using the Holland Model) –hard copy report printed by UCS (distributed in class)

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step 1 (MBTI-M) –hard copy report printed by UCS (distributed in class)

3. Readings/handouts/electronic exercises provided by instructor

Career Readiness

This UNIV course will help you refine your three-part path to career readiness, as depicted below in the Career Readiness Equation. In UNIV 320, you will discover career options, learn more about ways to use your degree, explore ways to gain the hands-on experience employers expect, and effectively communicate what you have learned and the skills you bring to the workplace.

As you work to develop your competencies, consider the following opportunities to obtain more experience:

• On-campus: Activities and clubs, leadership positions, research opportunities

• Experiential Learning: Community Service, internships/practica, work-integrated learning, volunteering

• Employment: Full-time, part-time, temporary

Relating coursework to the NACE competencies

In this UNIV course, you will learn the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) definition of Career Readiness and the eight (8) competencies you need to develop to transition successfully into the workplace. You will also refine and demonstrate those competencies, practice articulating them, and gain confidence that you are becoming career-ready.

Career readiness is enhanced by the attainment and demonstration of career competencies. Read more about the NACE career competencies at this website: https://tinyurl.com/ybqkgb92. Further information will be provided in the newly updated Mason Career Readiness Guide.

NACE Career Readiness Competencies:

• Apply Critical Thinking/Problem Solving skills by researching careers and industries of interest, using career assessments to evaluate possible career paths, and developing career/academic action plans based on your learning

• Practice Oral/Written Communications through articulation of your career concerns and learning through course assignments (e.g. career conversations with professionals) and presentations

• Use Teamwork/Collaboration by taking an active role in your career development through participation in class discussions, and through ongoing conversations with your instructor about your career concerns/plans

• Employ Digital Technology skills through participation in class activities via Blackboard, Handshake, Lynda.com (soon to become LinkedIn Learning), etc.

• Show Leadership by working cooperatively with classmates and instructor to empower peers to achieve their career development goals, while enabling them to help you achieve your own

• Demonstrate Professionalism/Work Ethic by developing appropriate classroom behaviors (e.g. fully engaging with course material by completing assignments on-time and to your best ability and participating fully while in the classroom), and networking strategies (e.g. connecting with a professional to request and conduct a career conversation)

• Practice Career Management through identification and articulation of values, interests, personality and skills, career goals, and areas necessary for professional growth

• Express Global/Intercultural Fluency by actively working to create an inclusive learning community through respectful and thoughtful interaction with peers and your instructor, virtually and in person

Course Policies Attendance/ Participation

Active participation includes the following: o Contributing experiences, reflections, and thoughts in the classroom o Working collaboratively with classmates o Arriving on-time and participating throughout the entire class o Being respectful of your peers and your instructor. This includes paying

attention and not engaging in activities unrelated to class (i.e.: using electronic devices, indiscreet eating/drinking). Such disruptions show a lack of respect and professionalism, and will affect your participation grade.

Because this class is designed as a seminar, you are expected to attend and participate in all class activities and discussions. Absences and late arrivals will reduce your participation grade. It is expected that you notify the instructor if you will be absent or late, prior to the start of class. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending class, follow-up communication with the instructor in a timely manner will be taken into account in calculating the participation grade.

You may bring drinks and small snacks to class, however meals will not be permitted. Please be courteous and avoid extraneous noises or smells associated with what you bring to class. The instructor retains the right to rescind the drinks and snacks policy if it is violated or becomes problematic.

Graded Work Responsibility

All assignments should be submitted through Blackboard at least 2 hours before the start of class on the day they are due. Late submissions will not be accepted without penalty unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

University Policies Honor Code

Consistent with the University’s Honor Code, any work considered being in violation of the Code due to plagiarism or other integrity issues will be reported to the University Honor Committee. A failing grade on any assignment resulting from an Honor Committee process will result in a failing grade for the course. Additional information about the Honor code and Academic Integrity can be found at http://oai.gmu.edu/.

Diversity George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an

educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or age. George Mason University adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations. Please see the Office of Equity and Diversity Services for more information: http://equity.gmu.edu/.

Learning Accommodations

If you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect your academic performance in this course you should:

(1) Make sure this documentation is on file with Disability Services (SUB I, 2500, 703-993-2474; http://ds.gmu.edu/) to determine the accommodations you need. (2) Meet with your instructor to discuss your accommodation needs.

Important Resources Mason’s University Library: Home Page Blackboard (BB): http://courses.gmu.edu/ - Username and passwords are the same as your Mason email account Home page for Mason IT services: See at https://itservices.gmu.edu/ Career Resource Page (careers.gmu.edu/career-resources), see the following:

• InterviewStream: Online help and practice with interviewing skills • Passport Career: Identify international job opportunities • CareerShift: Allows you to search every job board in one place! • LinkedIn Learning: (previously Lynda.com) A video with more about LinkedIn Learning:

https://learning.linkedin.com/cx/upgrading-from-lynda-to-linkedin-learning • LinkedIn: Access the online networking and job search site • Book of Lists: Use this site to identify target companies in your industry of interest

Handshake: Mason’s source for on-campus jobs, internships, employment advice, and career fair details! See at careers.gmu.edu/handshake UCS Events Calendar: Career Fairs, Resume Clinics, Networking and more! See Events Registrar: important dates (e.g. drop, withdrawl): See https://registrar.gmu.edu/calendar/ Mason Care Network and Mason Student Services Center: Recent changes:

• There is a new Mason Student Services Center in the previous Enrollment Central space on the ground floor in SUB 1. The Mason Student Services Center is the first stop and central resource to refer students (and families) to with any questions related to:

i. Registration and Academic Records ii. Enrollment iii. Financial Aid iv. Billing and Student Accounts

• Mason Care Network has replaced CAART as the resource for students in need of academic advising and who do not have a declared major, or are considering a change of major. The professional staff of the Mason Care Network support current George Mason undergraduate students in the following categories:

i. Those with majors listed as Exploratory (students admitted before Fall 2019 will be listed as Undeclared-no preference)

ii. Those who are considering changing their major iii. Undergraduate non-degree seeking students

Students who have a declared major are advised in their department. If your student is in need of academic advising, but does not know their advisor, please refer them to the Advisor Locator.

• Mason’s “Chosen Name” Policy: Awareness and How to Update if Desired LINK

Technology Considerations and Resources At times, you will be encouraged or required to bring a laptop or smart device to class; otherwise, devices should be put away and turned off unless agreed by the instructor. Use of electronic devices affects your attention to class activities and your ability to participate, and also affects the attention and class performance of fellow students. If you have a specific need to have your device powered on in class,

please discuss with your instructor. Inappropriate use of electronic devices will result in a loss of participation points. Cell phones and earphones of any kind are not to be used in class. If you receive a call, silence your phone and/or leave the classroom to take the call if needed. Texting is not allowed in class. Students must take an active role in understanding technology, and when necessary, seeking assistance or troubleshooting technology aspects of UNIV career courses. See Blackboard for your course to find information and links that will help you resolve any problems; for example, issues with completing on-line assignments including career-related assessments. Also see links to IT services included in this syllabus. If you find that your technology is not functioning properly, it is your responsibility to troubleshoot any issues you are experiencing, and communicate with your instructor what steps you have taken before asking for exceptions or extensions for completing required assignments. Note: Students should not call or visit the UCS front desk for assistance, troubleshooting, or accessing their assessment reports – front desk staff will not be available to assist. Instead, students should follow any troubleshooting guidance provided in the assessment instructions, and then reach out to Mason IT staff, and finally, reach out to their instructors if necessary. Also, UCS is no longer offering students a place to take assessments.

Grading Method:

Assessments Points Due SkillScan (Use “Drive”) (start no sooner than 2/12) 10 2/28 Strong Interest Inventory (start no sooner than 2/12) 10 3/23 Meyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) (start no sooner than 2/12)

10 3/23

Resume Create a one page resume that is tailored to the industry and position/company that is of interest to you. You must turn in your resume in hard copy.

20

2/17

Personal Pitch (to recruiters); Draft/Outline 2/3, “Final” 2/17

10 2/3

LinkedIn and Handshake Profiles (both are required to receive any credit)

20 2/10

Industry Analysis Paper 20 4/6

Cover Letter (Application or Prospecting Letter) Create a letter that is tailored to the industry and position/company that is of interest to you. If you cannot find a position that is of interest to you, you may create a prospecting letter to a company of your choice.

10 4/20

Informational Interview Write-Up You will do a write up on what you discussed and learned in this interview. Format and further instructions to be provided on Blackboard. Post to Blackboard no later than 4/27.

20 4/27

Active Participation – just showing up for class doesn’t ensure full credit o Be on time, take initiative to contribute experiences, reflections, and

questions in the classroom = active participation o Working collaboratively with classmates o Paying attention to the instructor and classmates during class discussions

(i.e. NO cell phone, NO headphones in use during class time) o Appropriate use of technology

70 (up to 5 pts each

for 14 classes)

You can also earn +5 bonus points for perfect

attendance

Extra Credit Opportunities (at instructor’s discretion): * All extra credit must be completed by the last day of classes. Completion of the Patriot Experience Career Readiness Pathway Level 1 as extra credit: http://patriotexperience.gmu.edu/career-readiness/

16 points max

up to 4 pts

Post to BB no later

than 4/27

Attendance at career-related events (3 pts/event, up to 9 points total) up to 9 pts Complete and post results of StrengthsFinder Assessment (free to students) up to 4 pts Practice Interview with Career Services Staff up to 4 pts Post, summarize, react to a career related article up to 4 pts Appointment with Career Services Staff (Career Counselor or Industry Advisor) up to 4 pts Your points (up to) _200_ divided by 2 = your % Grade; letter grade is determined as follows:

A+ 100 B+ 87-89 C 70-79 A 95-99 B 83-86 D 60-69 A- 90-94 B- 80-82 F 0 - 59

*extra credit cannot be used to make up for poor attendance/participation, or missing/late assignments

Class Schedule and Requirements Class Date Topics In-Class Activities Work You’ll Do Before Class

1. 1/27

Introductions, 30 second pitch, career and values

• Intros / Getting Started / Syllabus • BlackBoard and resume resources • How to develop a “30 sec pitch” • Values Exercise

Start work on your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles

2. 2/3

Resume Writing Best Practices Handshake and LinkedIn Profiles 30 Sec. Pitch

Introducing the UCS “industry model” for career support and the 4 Step Job Search Model (p.6) Best Practices on Resume Writing Handshake & LinkedIn Profiles Practice 30-sec pitch (time permitting)

Read Career Guide and review PPT (on BB) – subject of both is resumes Begin Drafting Resume, due 2/17 Post your draft 30 second pitch (& start practicing the pitch) Due today! Start thinking about a target list of employers you’d like to consider

3. 2/10 Resumes Handshake and LinkedIn Profiles

Revisit effective resume formatting and key content Peer review of draft resumes; bring 2 hard copies of resume to class Handshake and LinkedIn profiles Brief SkillScan Assessment intro Review outline of Industry Paper

Finish Handshake and LinkedIn profiles – post your profiles (screenshots) to BB by today Continue to edit resume, submit final on Blackboard due by 2/17 Start assessments after 2/12 Student list of target employers for the Career Fair next week.

4. 2/17 (Career Fair is 2/19-20)

Prepare for the Career Fair

Career Fair Week

What to do before, during, after the Career Fair; resume issues? Practice your Career Pitch! How to make the most of LinkedIn and Handshake (time permitting) MBTI and Strong Assessment intro

“Final” resume and 30 sec pitch are both due today, submit on Blackboard

Finish SkillScan assessment by 2/28, and post screenshot to BB

Fair preparation steps are on the UCS website: https://careers.gmu.edu/events/students-attend/prepare-events

5. 2/24 (Career Fair was 2/19-20)

Career Fair Follow Up; Debrief use of 30 sec. pitch at the Job Fair Career Research and Industry Analysis Paper Introduction

Career Fair Debrief/Follow-Up. How did your “pitch” work? Follow up w/employers you met (or hoped to meet) at the Career Fair Outline of Industry Analysis paper, and discuss key online resources Research Areas for your Industry:

Industry Basics/Lingo/Trends Companies/Organizations How do you start networking? Discuss list of possible questions that you might use for info interviewing; start with questions in the UCS Career Readiness Guide (pp. 58-61).

Start researching and outlining Industry Analysis paper, due 4/6 Consider: who might be possible targets for your informational interview? Work on this now! Start identifying professionals you’d like to contact to learn more about occupations and industries…the start of networking. Networking: watch segment at LinkedIn Learning (30 mins), (https://goo.gl/UPqMni) and complete exercise files Update target list of employers you’d like to consider; discuss in class

Class Date Topics In-Class Activities Work You’ll Do Before Class

6. 3/2 Career Research II Preparing for Career Chats (Informational Interviews)

More on key information sources: • Gov’t and Jobs Databases • Industry & Company Web Sites • Reading job descriptions Preparing for Info Interviews YOUR list of target companies Discuss YOUR list of info interview questions (see Career Guide)

Starting with Industry Analysis paper, further refine your target list of organizations and/or individuals to whom you wish to connect Take MBTI & Strong assessments no later than 3/23, and post to BB Post your planned info interview questions to Blackboard; this is part of your participation grade

** Spring Break Week **

7. 3/16

SkillScan Assessment Interpretation/ Discussion

• Review SkillScan reports, and bring these reports to class.

-How can I use this assessment of skills in my career development? - How might this information be useful in improving my resume?

Review SkillScan results; questions? Join groups in LinkedIn based on interests, add your experience, skills, & follow orgs of interest from Job Fair What is your progress on Info Interview Preparation?

8. 3/23 How do you compare right now to key job requirements: Compare Job Descriptions vs. Your Resume (“T Chart”)

See “T Chart” (p. 30) in UCS Career Readiness Guide. Be ready to discuss gaps in resume vs. job descriptions. This will provide insight for improving your resume and later, for writing a good Cover Letter. Discuss progress on industry analysis papers; they should give you ideas for info interview questions!

Check your industries/companies and databases, select three positions of interest, bring job descriptions and resumes to class, For one job, how does job compare to your resume (using T Chart)? Look at OOH and O-Net jobs. Any qualification (or other) gaps? Complete “T Chart” in Readiness Guide p. 30 – Insights? Finish your MBTI and Strong assessments no later than today

9. 3/30 Career Assessments: Exploration of Preferences & Interests

Review MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory results in class: - Do you agree with your results? - How do my preferences and

interests relate to my career?

On your own, review your SkillsScan results and remember to bring these documents to class.

- Are results compatible with the MBTI and Strong assessments?

10. 4/6 Career

Assessments Part II – practical uses for this info (brief) Industry Analysis Papers and Resource Guide Info on Cover Letters

• Revisit MBTI and Strong results • Implications of assessment results

for your career plans and job hunting strategy

• Any implications for introverts? Discuss implications for your resume

and cover letter – there is much info in these assessments that can help you further improve these documents. See cover letters info in Career Guide.

Discuss Industry Analysis papers (if time permits)

Bring your MBTI and Strong assessment results to class! Industry Analysis Paper is due today on Blackboard; be prepared to discuss these in class today Review Cover Letter resources in the Career Readiness Guide (see pp. 31-38).

Class Date Topics In-Class Activities Work You’ll Do Before Class

11. 4/13 Cover Letters Discuss Interviewing Skills and Questions

• Drafting cover letters to apply to positions; peer review of draft cover letters

• Review UCS Interview Skills PPT, and Interviewing Section in UCS Career Readiness Guide

Does your “T Chart” give you any insights for your cover letter? Practice asking and answering interview questions (in small groups) – bring questions you have developed with you to class.

Draft your cover letter and bring it to class in hard copy; post final version on Blackboard by 4/20 Read and review interview skills PPT on Blackboard and read section in Career Readiness Guide on Interview Skills (pp. 57-60).

12. 4/20 Behavioral Interviewing Skills, and Interviewing Strategies Finish Up Cover Letters More about LinkedIn (time permitting)

What is different about behavioral interviewing, and why should these types of interviews be considered an opportunity? These will become key skills for your success. Interviewing for introverts Best (& Likely) Job Interview Q’s, and the most “dreaded” questions. Revisit final cover letters as needed

How to further improve and complete your LinkedIn profile (bring to class)

Finish your Info Interviews! Post final cover letter no later than today on Blackboard Try InterviewStream (optional)

13. 4/27 Behavioral Interviewing Practice Brief discussion of strategies often used by international students

Structured practice in successful behavioral interviewing Discuss info interview write-ups Discuss job hunting strategies for International students

Upload Info Interview write-up to Blackboard by today. Be prepared to briefly discuss in class what you learned during your Info Interview, and if/how it has influenced your career strategy. Upload all extra credit items to Blackboard.

14. 5/4 (last)

Review of Class Learning Objectives

• Wrap up • Goal setting and your next steps

Complete Post-Course Survey as needed