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Career Planning

A Pathway to Employment

Dan Stotz, Ana T. Baida, Ed.D., and Wes Rhea, J.D.

This course is designed to foster creative approaches to launching a new career. You will articulate best ways to make a first impression and analyze your strengths by creating a personal statement. You will identify appropriate elements to make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will also identify the most effective ways a cover letter can answer a job description, and how to best leverage social media in your job search. In short, this course will help you to prepare for a new job. You will learn how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow-up, and evaluate options through research and with the help of experienced faculty and talented professional.

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This course is designed to foster creative approaches to launching a new career. You will articulate best ways to make a first impression and analyze your strengths by creating a personal statement. You will identify appropriate elements to make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will also identify the most effective ways a cover letter can answer a job description, and how to best leverage social media in your job search. In short, this course will help you to prepare for a new job. You will learn how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow-up, and evaluate options through research and with the help of experienced faculty and talented professional.

Launching Your Career provides insight from industry leaders on job search, networking and interviewing. You will receive guidance and best practice tips on how to master the interview and professionally close the loop. You will also compose a thank you note and clearly relate your ideal career to existing job titles and offers.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Creative: First Impressions
Welcome! You are beginning a very important journey on your path to a meaningful and successful career. This course is designed to help you launch a new career or jump start an existing career. This course, and your team of instructors, will guide you from making that first impression, to networking your way to an interview, through the stages of interview preparation, mastering the interview, and following up with the perfect Thank You note. We will work with you on generating a social media strategy and guide you through evaluating job offers when they are received. We will ask you to work with us as you move through the course, job searching and preparing as you go. We'll ask you to share your experiences and your success stories, as we offer you our best guidance in launching your career. Let's begin with making a first impression! By the end of this module, you will be able to: (1) Identify ways to make a great first impression, (2) Distinguish between best and worst practice when first meeting a new professional contact, (3) Differentiate between promoting yourself and promoting what you believe in, (4) Practice tasteful self-promotion, & (5) Create self promotional opportunities through an Elevator Pitch
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Writing My Resume
By the end of this module, you will be able to identify appropriate elements of and formatting choices in a resume document. You will also be able to articulate the importance of audience, and translating experiences into new industry-specific languages.
My Cover Letter
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe the components of a successful cover letter. You will also be able to compare your resume with a given job description, and identify points of connection
My Social Media Strategy
By the end of this module, you will understand the best practices for conducting a social media audit, and developing a social media strategy, that is designed to help you, not hurt you, during every phase of your career. You will better understand why and how employers use social media before making hiring decisions, and what employers are looking for when they review your social media presence. The reading titled "Practical LinkedIn 4.0" written by Randy Hain, CEO of Serviam Partners, will help you understand the best practices for developing your LinkedIn profile, and how to use LinkedIn to develop professional business relationships. You will also learn about methods for using social media to become a thought leader in your industry or specialty area.
Mastering the Interview
Welcome to the 5th module of this course! In Mastering the Interview, our teaching team has accumulated some fantastic resources for you. We've reached out to colleagues, dusted off the books from our shelves, and argued over which were the best of the best resources we could share. We think we found many of them and hope they are helpful to you, as you begin to think about the interview process!
Writing Thank You Notes
By the end of this module, you will be able to compose an effective thank you note. You will also be able to articulate commonly accepted timelines and methods for thanking interviewers.
Evaluating Job Offers
By the end of this module, you will understand the components of doing good research relative to job titles and industries. You will be able to make informed decisions about job offers, and describe commonly accepted timelines and negotiation points.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides industry insights from leaders on job search, networking, and interviewing
Guides learners through the entire process of career launching, from networking to follow-up
Teaches social media strategy for career advancement
Offers best practices for resume and cover letter writing
Develops self-promotion skills through elevator pitch practice
Requires additional resources like books and articles

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive career planning guide

Learners say this course is a comprehensive guide to career planning. Students react very positively to the relevant information and experiences of the trainers. According to students, the course does not miss any key aspects of planning for a career.
The course's instructors are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights.
"relevant information & experiences trainers"
Learners found the content of the course to be well rounded and thorough.
"A complete course with relevant information"
"It certainly does not misses out on any part"

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 Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment with these activities:
Review course materials and assignments
Helps you stay organized and up-to-date on course content.
Browse courses on Assignments
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Organize materials in a way that makes sense to you.
  • Review materials regularly to stay up-to-date.
Attend industry events and meetups
Provides opportunities to meet potential employers and learn about new job opportunities.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research industry events and meetups in your area.
  • Attend events and introduce yourself to people.
  • Follow up with people you meet and stay in touch.
Join a study group or online forum
Allows you to connect with other students and learn from each other.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or online forum related to your field.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Collaborate with other members on projects and assignments.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a career development workshop
Provides opportunities to learn new skills and get advice from experts.
Browse courses on Career Development
Show steps
  • Research and find career development workshops in your area.
  • Attend workshops and take notes on the information presented.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to get additional information.
Read 'Launch Your Career' by Jay Block
Provides a comprehensive guide to launching a career in the arts, covering topics such as creating a strong portfolio, networking, and finding funding.
Show steps
  • Read through the book, taking notes on key points.
  • Complete the exercises and activities in the book.
  • Create a plan for launching your own career, based on the advice in the book.
Create a professional portfolio
Provides a way to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.
Browse courses on Portfolio Development
Show steps
  • Gather your best work samples.
  • Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
  • Get feedback on your portfolio from peers and mentors.
Develop a career plan
Provides a roadmap for your career goals and helps you track your progress.
Browse courses on Career Planning
Show steps
  • Research different career paths and identify your interests.
  • Set short-term and long-term career goals.
  • Develop a plan to achieve your goals.
Practice mock interviews
Helps you practice answering common interview questions and improve your overall interviewing skills.
Browse courses on Interview Skills
Show steps
  • Find a partner to practice with.
  • Choose a list of common interview questions.
  • Take turns asking each other questions and providing feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Career Counselor
As a Career Counselor, you will help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities make educational and career decisions. You might help someone develop a resume, pick a field of study for college, or deal with the challenges of a career change. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: applying, networking, leveraging social media, interviewing, following up, and evaluating options. Overall, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the career planning process, which will be essential for your success as a Career Counselor.
Recruiter
Recruiters are responsible for finding and attracting top talent to fill open positions within an organization. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Recruiter, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for attracting top talent.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. This course will be immensely valuable in developing the skills you need to excel as a Human Resources Manager, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for attracting top talent.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities find and keep jobs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for helping clients make a great first impression on potential employers.
Outplacement Counselor
Outplacement Counselors help individuals who have been laid off or terminated from their jobs find new employment. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Outplacement Counselor, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for helping clients make a great first impression on potential employers.
Career Development Specialist
Career Development Specialists help individuals explore their career options, develop their skills, and find jobs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Career Development Specialist, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for helping clients make a great first impression on potential employers.
Human Resources Assistant
Human Resources Assistants perform a variety of tasks to support the Human Resources department, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Human Resources Assistant, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for making a great first impression on potential employers.
Employment Counselor
Employment Counselors help people who are unemployed or underemployed find jobs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Employment Counselor, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for helping clients make a great first impression on potential employers.
Job Developer
Job Developers work with employers to create jobs for people with disabilities. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Job Developer, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for making a great first impression on potential employers.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and Development Specialists design and deliver training programs to employees. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Training and Development Specialist, such as how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow up, and evaluate options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for making a great first impression on potential employers.
Resume Writer
Resume Writers help people create resumes and cover letters that will make them stand out from the competition. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: writing resumes, writing cover letters, and networking. You will also learn about the components of a successful resume and cover letter, which are essential for helping clients make a great first impression on potential employers.
Career Coach
Career Coaches help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities make educational and career decisions. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: applying, networking, leveraging social media, interviewing, following up, and evaluating options. Overall, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the career planning process, which will be essential for your success as a Career Coach.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Talent Acquisition Specialists are responsible for finding and attracting top talent to fill open positions within an organization. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: applying, networking, leveraging social media, interviewing, following up, and evaluating options. You will also learn about the components of a successful cover letter and resume, which are essential for attracting top talent.
Interview Coach
Interview Coaches help people prepare for job interviews. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: interviewing, networking, and following up. You will also learn about the different types of job interviews and how to answer common interview questions, which are essential for helping clients make a great impression on potential employers.
Job Search Consultant
Job Search Consultants help people find jobs. This course may be useful for developing the following skills: applying, networking, leveraging social media, interviewing, following up, and evaluating options. You will also learn about the different types of job search strategies and how to use them effectively, which are essential for helping clients find the right job for them.

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment.
Provides a comprehensive guide to networking for career success. It covers topics such as building relationships, leveraging social media, and attending industry events.
Contains information on creating a career strategy, resume writing, interviewing, negotiating offers, and networking.
Provides an excellent resource for self-assessment, career exploration, resume writing, and interviewing. It is written in an engaging and accessible style, and provides practical advice for college students and graduates who are just starting out in their careers.
Comprehensive guide to career planning. It provides a step-by-step process for choosing or changing careers, and includes exercises and worksheets to help readers assess their skills and interests, identify their career goals, and develop a plan to achieve them.
Provides valuable insights into your natural talents and strengths. It helps you to identify your top five strengths and provides strategies for using them to achieve success in your career.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the career planning process, from self-assessment to job search strategies. It valuable resource for anyone who is considering a career change or who wants to improve their job prospects.
Provides a practical guide to career planning. It includes tips on setting goals, developing a resume, and interviewing for jobs.
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Provides insights into the role of grit in success. It teaches readers how to develop grit, which is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals.
Comprehensive guide to the job search process. It covers everything from resume writing and interviewing to negotiating salaries and benefits.
Can help you identify your personality type and relate it to career interests and job satisfaction. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, you can learn about your strengths, weaknesses, and ideal work environments.
Provides a framework for negotiating agreements that are fair to all parties involved. It teaches readers how to prepare for and conduct negotiations, build strong relationships, and achieve win-win outcomes.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using technology to find a job. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to use technology to their advantage in their job search.
Classic guide to job hunting and career planning. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to improve their job search skills.
Provides a comprehensive guide to career planning and development. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to improve their career skills.
Classic career guide that has helped millions of people find fulfilling work. It helps readers identify their interests, skills, and values, and then develop a career plan that is aligned with their goals.
Provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. It teaches readers how to develop habits that will help them to achieve their goals, build strong relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
Provides a practical guide to having difficult conversations. It teaches readers how to prepare for and conduct difficult conversations, manage their emotions, and achieve positive outcomes.
Provides a framework for understanding the role of mindset in success. It teaches readers how to develop a growth mindset, which is essential for learning and achieving goals.
Provides a practical guide to finding happiness. It teaches readers how to identify and pursue their values, build strong relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
Challenges the traditional view of introversion and extroversion. It provides insights into the strengths and challenges of introverts, and offers advice on how to thrive in a world that is often dominated by extroverts.
Provides a framework for building and launching successful businesses. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in business.
Provides insights into the world of startups and innovation. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in technology.
Provides insights into the nature of risk and uncertainty. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in risk management.
Save
Provides insights into the two systems of thinking: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and rational. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in cognitive science.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in history and anthropology.
Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It valuable resource for business leaders and anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in innovation.
Provides a framework for choosing or changing careers. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to make a career change.
Provides a sobering look at the current state of the planet and the threats that face humanity. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends in environmental science.
Provides a controversial but popular guide to escaping the traditional 9-to-5 job and living a more fulfilling life. It teaches readers how to automate their income, outsource their work, and travel the world.
Provides a guide to using social media to find a job. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to use social media to their advantage in their job search.
Provides advice for young people who are in their twenties and who are trying to figure out their lives. It covers topics such as career planning, relationships, and financial planning.
Provides a guide to writing effective cover letters. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to improve their cover letter writing skills.
Provides a framework for building a successful startup company. It emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and then iterating based on the results.
Provides advice on how to build and manage a successful startup company. It covers topics such as hiring, firing, fundraising, and product development.
Explains why successful companies often fail to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and offers strategies for overcoming them.
Provides a framework for understanding and managing money. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their financial literacy and to achieve financial independence.
Provides a framework for investing wisely. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to build a diversified portfolio and to achieve financial independence.
Provides a framework for analyzing stocks and bonds. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to invest wisely and to achieve financial independence.
Provides a concise overview of the key concepts of business. It covers topics such as marketing, finance, accounting, and operations.
Provides a framework for understanding the principles that govern success in life and work. It covers topics such as goal setting, decision making, and risk management.
Provides a motivational message about the power of positive thinking. It offers strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and developing a more positive outlook on life.

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