BADM 260-360-460, Career Planning/ Internship, Spring 2009

Abstract

The Professor takes the view that the course is not only about acquiring information and skills useful in applying for and procuring employment, and successfully completing an internship or shadow experience. Equally important is the acquisition of skills that will enhance the likelihood of success “on the job”, while leading the student towards an understanding of the importance of becoming more professional and communicative in an employment capacity, and the equal importance of exuding excellence leading up to, and subsequent to procuring employment. A key element of that process includes the refinement of both verbal and written communication skills. As such, the course will endeavor to: 1. Assess personal interests and motivations that impact one’s search of, and potential fit into the workplace; 2. Corroborate one’s interests and motivations through a series of objective tests and self-assessment exercises, conducted and coordinated with Rhodes’ Office of Career Planning; 3. Develop skills to source employment availability and obtain familiarity with job posting internet sites; 4. Develop resume preparation techniques; 5. Refine practical writing skills as an element of increasing the likelihood of securing interviews and employment, and enhancing written communication once employed; 6. Develop solid interview strategies, communication, and response techniques through a series of real time interchanges and mock interviews; assess and refine interview thought processes and communication skills; 7. Obtain exposure to the requirements of various occupations through real time exchanges with guest lecturers and community professionals; 8. Discern how and why particular intern or shadow experiences are an individual fit or not, and what has been learned in the process; 9. Obtain case study experience into the important role that good business ethics plays in the workplace; 10. Obtain insight into the prominent roles that organizational “culture” and individual behaviors play in the workplace; and 11. Obtain overall preparedness for entry into, and success in the workplace.