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C. K. Gunsalus

Many find themselves frustrated in their careers by lack of preparation for dealing with predictable dilemmas that regularly arise in the world of work. Two in five professionals fired in their jobs after college are terminated for lying, or misuse of technology. Easy to avoid! Or is it? What if you find you have to compromise your values to keep your job? What if they ask you to lie or cheat, even though you know if you are found out you will be fired? What if you find out the company is breaking the law?

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Many find themselves frustrated in their careers by lack of preparation for dealing with predictable dilemmas that regularly arise in the world of work. Two in five professionals fired in their jobs after college are terminated for lying, or misuse of technology. Easy to avoid! Or is it? What if you find you have to compromise your values to keep your job? What if they ask you to lie or cheat, even though you know if you are found out you will be fired? What if you find out the company is breaking the law?

Successful people know about and have the skills taught in this specialization. You should, too.

Those who wish to make a difference, build positive reputations, become leaders, and advance in their careers must cultivate professional success skills, along with their specific job skills. The central themes of this course – knowing yourself and your values, recognizing and meeting ethical challenges, using an analytical decision-making framework, identifying potential pitfalls, and developing tools to use in the moment – are essential soft skills for succeeding at work. In short, an ethical framework is necessary, and not just nice; smart ethics, as we define them, are integral to success.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Week 1: Introduction and Who Are You?
Find out how the course will run and how we’ll use 2-Minute Challenges and expert commentary to give you a 3-D understanding of the material in this course. Establish and clarify your values and learn how they underpin your career.
Week 2: Opening Up Problems through the Decision-Making Framework (DMF)
Learn a systematic approach to tackling any decision.
Week 3: Career TRAGEDIES: Recognizing and Avoiding Them
Find out about nine common sources of problems at work, and how to identify them and stop them from derailing your day, your job, or your career.
Week 4: Knowing What To Do Isn't Enough – How Do You Say It?
Develop personal scripts for difficult situations.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops deep expertise in the realm of career success strategies and ethical decision-making, which are highly relevant to workplace success
Instructed by C. K. Gunsalus, a recognized expert with a strong reputation in the field of ethical decision-making
Teaches an analytical decision-making framework for tackling workplace challenges methodically
Examines common pitfalls in workplace scenarios and provides strategies to avoid them
Provides guidance on how to develop personal scripts for challenging workplace situations
Taught by C. K. Gunsalus, who is recognized for their expertise in the field

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Reviews summary

Practical skills for new professionals

Learners say this course is well-received with thoughtfully designed materials and practical hints that can be applied at work for immediate results. Peer review assignments are a feature of the course, however, there are some technical difficulties associated with them and students have concerns about the quality of feedback from peers.
Helpful for on-the-job performance
"Excellent course, with many practical hints that I could apply at work to improve my performance and get recognition."
"It is an excellent course and a great start for this specialization that is truly useful."
"This course is not really famous but deserves to be."
Can be challenging due to grading quality and technical issues
"I don't like the peer review assignments. Students don't really have the experience to grade."
"Peer reviewed assignments make student depended on the whims of other students for the completion of a course."
"Often you submit your assignment only to find out weeks later that your peers cannot see it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Professional Identity with these activities:
Review the syllabus and course readings
Reviewing the course syllabus and required readings will help you familiarize yourself with the course content and expectations, and ensure that you have a solid foundation for the upcoming lessons.
Browse courses on Course Syllabus
Show steps
  • Download and print the course syllabus.
  • Read the syllabus carefully, noting the course schedule, grading policies, and instructor contact information.
  • Review the course readings assigned for the first week.
Read 'Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases' by Manuel G. Velasquez
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough exploration of ethical issues in business, with real-world case studies that will enhance your understanding of practical applications.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and case studies.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
Read external articles on ethics in the workplace
Expanding your understanding of ethics in the workplace can provide valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating ethical challenges in your own career.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources such as academic journals or industry blogs.
  • Search for articles related to specific ethical dilemmas or case studies.
  • Read and analyze the articles, highlighting key points and insights.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in online discussion forums
Engaging with fellow students in online forums can provide diverse perspectives, challenge your own views, and deepen your understanding of ethical issues.
Show steps
  • Participate actively in the course discussion forums.
  • Share your insights on assigned discussion topics and respond to other students' posts.
  • Respect other viewpoints and engage in constructive dialogue.
Complete online exercises on ethical decision-making
Engaging in practice exercises will strengthen your ability to apply ethical principles to real-world situations and make sound decisions in the workplace.
Browse courses on Ethical Decision-Making
Show steps
  • Find online platforms or courses that offer ethical decision-making exercises.
  • Select exercises that cover a range of ethical challenges.
  • Work through the exercises, carefully considering the ethical implications of each scenario.
Attend a workshop on workplace ethics and professionalism
Attending a workshop can provide you with practical tools, insights, and networking opportunities to enhance your ethical decision-making and professional conduct.
Browse courses on Workplace Ethics
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops in your area or online.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Develop a personal code of ethics for your career
Creating a personal code of ethics will provide you with a clear set of guiding principles to navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain integrity in your professional life.
Browse courses on Code of Ethics
Show steps
  • Reflect on your values and beliefs.
  • Research and consider ethical frameworks and codes of conduct.
  • Draft a written code of ethics that outlines your principles and how you will apply them in your career.
Gather resources on ethical decision-making
Compiling a collection of resources can serve as a valuable reference for future ethical challenges and provide ongoing support for your professional development.
Browse courses on Ethical Decision-Making
Show steps
  • Search for articles, books, websites, and other materials on ethical decision-making.
  • Organize and store the resources in a central location, such as a digital folder or note-taking app.
  • Review and update your compilation regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Professional Identity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for developing and managing products. They may also be responsible for conducting market research, defining product requirements, and working with engineers to develop and launch new products. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Product Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand their customers' needs, develop effective product strategies, and manage product development.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice to individuals and organizations on investment decisions. They may also develop and manage investment portfolios. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Financial Analysts as it can help them develop the skills they need to analyze financial data, make recommendations, and manage risk.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They may also be responsible for managing project teams, budgets, and timelines. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Project Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to manage projects effectively, resolve conflicts, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They may also be responsible for testing software, fixing bugs, and updating software. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Software Engineers as it can help them develop the skills they need to work effectively with others, understand the ethical implications of their work, and resolve conflicts.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They may also be responsible for testing websites, fixing bugs, and updating websites. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Web Developers as it can help them develop the skills they need to work effectively with others, understand the ethical implications of their work, and resolve conflicts.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing the human resources function of an organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, recruiting and hiring staff, and managing employee benefits. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Human Resources Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to manage staff, resolve conflicts, and ensure that the organization complies with labor laws.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice on business strategy, operations, and technology. They may also help organizations develop and implement new products and services. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Management Consultants as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand their clients' needs, analyze data, and make recommendations.
Business Consultant
Business Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice on business strategy, operations, and technology. They may also help organizations develop and implement new products and services. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Business Consultants as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand their clients' needs, analyze data, and make recommendations.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing operational plans, managing staff, and ensuring that the organization meets its goals. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Operations Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to manage staff, resolve conflicts, and ensure that the organization operates efficiently.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies, managing sales budgets, and motivating sales teams. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Sales Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to manage sales teams, resolve conflicts, and ensure that sales teams achieve their goals.
Bank Manager
Bank Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a bank branch. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies, managing staff, and ensuring that the branch meets its financial goals. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Bank Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to make ethical decisions, manage staff, and resolve conflicts.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for products and services. They may also be responsible for conducting market research, managing marketing budgets, and developing advertising campaigns. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Marketing Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand their customers' needs, develop effective marketing strategies, and manage marketing campaigns.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of an organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing public relations campaigns, working with the media, and responding to media inquiries. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Public Relations Managers as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand the media, develop effective public relations strategies, and manage relationships with the public.
Teacher
Teachers develop and implement lesson plans, teach students, and assess student learning. They may also be responsible for grading papers, providing feedback to students, and meeting with parents. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Teachers as it can help them develop the skills they need to manage classrooms, resolve conflicts, and create a positive learning environment.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They may also draft legal documents, negotiate contracts, and represent clients in court. The Foundations of Professional Identity course may be useful for Lawyers as it can help them develop the skills they need to understand the law, analyze legal issues, and communicate effectively.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of Professional Identity.
Provides practical tools and strategies for having difficult conversations, including how to prepare for and manage these conversations effectively.
Provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation, including how to avoid the innovator's dilemma.
Provides a framework for understanding and developing emotional intelligence, including how to use emotional intelligence to succeed in the workplace.
Provides a framework for understanding and managing risk, including how to deal with unexpected events.

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