CAREER PLANNING COURSES

As an essential part of the developmental aspect of career planning, four one-credit courses have been designed to assist students in the career choice, job-search processes, graduate/professional school planning and personal wealth management skill development.  These courses are conducted in a workshop style format in order to promote maximum involvement and interaction with students.

CARP 211 – Career Planning I (1 credit)

This course provides an introduction to the elements of the decision making process as it applies to career decisions throughout one’s lifespan.  This course is targeted for students in their freshman and sophomore years and students use career journals to reflect on their activities throughout the course.  Topics include:  self-awareness through the identification of needs, values, and interests as they relate to career choices; the role of liberal arts and career planning; the use of the latest technology in acquiring career information; and choosing a major and a potential minor.  Standardized testing to identify interests, values, and abilities by the student and counselors form an important part of the course. Computer-assisted career software, methods of career research and information interviews also form an integral part of this course.  Students prepare resumes so they can explore opportunities in their fields and begin the resume building process.  Pass/Fail grades.  Freshman and sophomores only.

Resources:

SIGI3- Online Career Guidance System

http://www.sigi3.org/login.asp?SQ=3054&SK=9362273403

CARP 411 – Wealth Management/Life Skill for the New Graduate (1 credit)

The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed financial life skills decisions upon graduation.  Once students graduate, they are presented with new challenges involving critical personal decision making (new job, student loan repayment, renting or buying a home/apartment, understanding lease agreements, personal banking and credit, insurance policies, etc.).  The process presented will encourage students to become educated in a variety of areas centered on wealth management and gaining practical financial life skills.  Pass/Fail grades.  Senior level students only.

CARP 412 – Career Planning II (1 credit)

This course is designed to assist students in developing effective job search skills.  Students in the sophomore, junior, and senior years who are interested in acquiring internships and conducting effective job searches are encouraged to enroll in this course.  The workshop-type sessions include components on career awareness, interest and personality testing, resume and cover letter development, interview and executive etiquette including dining etiquette skills, the identification of the hidden job market, effective use of on-line job notifications, preparation for employment fairs and graduate school exploration.  The course includes a field experience for students designed to permit them to apply developed skills in securing self-generated appointments for interviews with potential employers.  Students are encouraged to use the latest technological resources throughout the course, including computer assisted guidance programs.  Pass/Fail grades.  Typically junior and senior students only.