GOAL OF THE COURSE:
To provide a framework to
assist students with examining major and career options. The emphasis is not on making a decision in seven
weeks, but rather on learning about oneself, gathering information about major
and career options and learning sound decision-making and goal setting
strategies so that an informed decision can be made.
MEASUREMENT OF COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course
students will be able to:
1. Assess their career interests, skills, values, and
personality style;
2. Identify major and career options;
3. Explore majors and careers using printed materials,
on-line information, career events and interviews with career professionals;
4. Set short-term and long-term career goals;
5. Relate a liberal arts education to the world of work;
6. Write an effective, professional resume and cover
letter for use in obtaining career-related summer jobs and internships;
7. Gain career related experience in career fields of
interest.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Assessments - Interests, abilities and
values will be assessed using DISCOVER an Internet career guidance program.
Personality will be assessed using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, which will be completed
in class.
Required Text - The Career Fitness Program, Sixth
Edition; Sukiennik, Bendat & Raufman.
CLASS SESSIONS: The course meets twice
per week for the first 7 weeks of the semester.
Week 1. Learning about the course, self-assessment and use of DISCOVER to develop your
major/career portfolio.
Week 2. Exploring your interests and your abilities as they
relate to majors and careers.
Week 3. Exploring majors and careers through an assessment
of your personality preferences and your work values.
Week 4. Integrating your self-assessment through an individual career conference with your
instructor. Selecting majors and
careers to explore further.
Week 5. Further exploring
specific majors and careers.
Week 6. Learning to reality-test
major and career choices.
Week 7. Setting goals for the future.
Mid-term and final exam information will be announced
in class.