Time Schedule:
Victor L. Snyder
GEN ST 350
Seattle Campus
Independent fieldwork in community agencies, apprenticeships, internships, as approved for College of Arts and Sciences credit. Faculty sponsor and internship supervisor are required. Credit/no credit only. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
The Navigating Career Options course assists students with self-exploration and provides a model to integrate academic and experiential skills into the process of career planning.
Elements include: exploring academic and other Good Experiences to identify Dependable Strengths; individual self-assessment; group interaction/discussion; and experiential learning. Emphasis is placed on early planning and acquiring decision-making skills, so that students can make informed choices related to courses of study, internships, volunteer activities, community service and career direction while acquiring marketable skills.
Students will be given the tools to conduct an effective career search in the context of the changing nature of work.
Student learning goals
Students will learn the steps to take in the career planning process.
Students will explore the vital link between university learning and the world of work through self-assessment of interests and personality and the identification of Dependable Strengths, skills and values.
Students will formulate a planned approach to academic and career management while making informed choices and setting realistic goals.
Students will develop a career action plan for the remainder of their university experience which may include: conducting career research; evaluating college major options; participating in internships and career-related work experiences; participating in clubs and associations; and networking with professionals.
Students will develop a personal Interview Portfolio including a descriptive summary, resume, letters of reference, work samples, certificates/awards, and other examples of accomplishments.
Studenst will learn methods to conduct an effective job search in today's workplace while understanding ethical considerations.
General method of instruction
Lecture and classroom demonstrations and interactive exercises. In addition to the Career Center Staff, guest lecturers will include representatives from the Counseling Center and other offices on campus and in the community.
Recommended preparation
Willingness to explore career and job search opportunities and strategies and complete assignments on time as the coursework builds upon itself.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments and projects to be completed:
1. Assigned exercises. These will be integrated into class discussions and students are expected to participate. 2. Career Assessments. All students will complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII). There is a nominal fee of $40 ($20 per test) to cover the cost of these assessments. 3. Career Fairs and Events (optional). Students will be encouraged to attend career fairs and events during the quarter. 4. Informational Interview. A written summary and in-class report of this in-person conversation with a contact in one's field of interest is required. 5. (Optional) Career Portfolio Collection. An online portfolio tool will be used to create a career portfolio collection based on class assignments that may include a personal description paragraph, samples of accomplishments, a resume and any other materials that demonstrate your experiences, effectiveness and potential. 6. Interview Portfolio. An Interview Portfolio will be created to be used in the final project mock interview in application for an internship, a major, a scholarship, grad school, or career position. 7. (Optional) Appointment with a career counselor. Time will be scheduled to meet with a career counselor to discuss short-term and long-term goals, begin an action plan, and provide guidance for completing the mock interview final project. 8. Mock Interview Final Project: The objective of the final project is to integrate and summarize all that you have learned about yourself and how it relates to your next career steps within the university environment and beyond. In the mock interview you will be expected to know yourself well and to articulate how well you might match with a position of interest to you utilizing your cover letter, resume and Interview Portfolio. The mock interview may be for an internship, entry into a major, scholarship or grad school application, or career position of your choice using your Interview Portfolio. It will be a 30 minute interview conducted by a career counselor.
Credit will be awarded based upon class attendance and participation, and completion of assignments and the final project. Involvement in class activities and assignments will provide you with a greater understanding of the application of the principles discussed in class and will enhance your career planning efforts. This class is designed to be an invaluable investment in you!
