Career Exploration Certificate Program 2015-2016 Welcome to the Career Exploration Certificate Program! Please print this document and track your progress through the certificate program. You have through your second semester of your sophomore year or until you have completed 60 credits to complete the eight requirements. Below you will find the offerings for the current semester. You can attend the info sessions in any order that is convenient for you. Please be certain to sign in at all sessions to ensure you receive credit for attendance. While you will schedule, attend, and complete the requirements on your own at your convenience, you will receive periodic emails, reminders, and encouragement from the Career Development Center as you proceed. Questions? Contact the Career Development Center at 610-683-4067 or careerhelp@kutztown.edu. 1 – GETTING STARTED (Choose and attend one info session) ____________________________________________ _____ Introduction to Career Development- Learn how to gather information about career options, develop an understanding of how to access the latest career resources, and discover the value of career exploration in making informed career decisions during your years at KU and beyond. Thu Jan 28 11-11:50 Stratton 116, Thu Feb 25 11-11:50 Stratton 116, and Tue Mar 15 11-11:50 MSU 223 OR _____ Choosing a Major-Unsure about your choice of major? Wondering how your major will influence your career opportunities? Explore the facts and myths about college majors and careers. Learn how you can narrow down your options and make the best decision for your future! Thu Feb 11 11-11:50 Stratton 116, Wed Mar 16 1-1:50 Stratton 116, and Thu Apr 21 11-11:50 Stratton 116 2 – LEARNING ABOUT YOU (Complete the Journey career assessment) _____________________________________ _____ Go to www.kutztown.edu/careertests and click on the link for Journey. Select “new user.” Then, select student and enter class status. Click “Continue” to create account and your own username and password. Your activation code is J382574ANJ. Click on the Assessment Tab and complete all three assessments. To print, click on My Portfolio Tab then “Assessment Results.” Click on the icon under the Actions column, then “Print Report” at the top of the page. You may visit this site and utilize the resources as much and as often as you would like. However, for this certificate program you need to complete just the three assessments (career interests, skills confidence, and work values) 3 – MAKING THE MOST of YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE (Attend info session) ________________ _____ Creating Your Personal Brand- Your personal brand, much like a corporate brand (i.e. NIKE, Starbucks), can illicit powerful responses from others. Attend this session to learn how to create a personal brand during your college years that will not only appeal to others (i.e. potential employers, faculty members, and future colleagues) but also showcase your uniqueness and value! Wed Feb 10 1-1:50 Stratton 116, Thu Mar 3 11-11:50 Stratton 116, and Thu Apr 7 11-11:50 Stratton 116 4 – BUILDING SKILLS and EXPLORING INTERESTS (Choose and complete one activity)_________________________ _____ Join at least one KU club/organization. Visit KUnited at kunited.kutztown.edu to explore campus clubs and organizations. Your membership must be documented in KUnited in order to meet this requirement. OR _____ Participate in at least one volunteer opportunity. Visit the Community Outreach Center at KUnited.kutztown.edu or MSU 281 to explore volunteer opportunities. Your volunteer hours must be documented on KUnited to meet this requirement. 5 – EXPLORING CAREERS (Attend info session) _____________________________________________________ _____ Exploring Careers through Job Shadowing (Externships)-Informational interviewing and job shadowing (also known as an externship) is a great way to explore and confirm your choice of major and career field. Learn how to arrange your own interviews and externships, network with professionals in the field and gain the most from the experience. Tue Feb 23 11-11:50 Stratton 116, Thu Mar 17 11-11:50 Stratton 116, and Tue Apr 5 11-11:50 Stratton 116 6 – DOCUMENTING your EXPERIENCE (Complete both) _____________________________________________ _____ Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter- What is the best way to arrange your resume and cover letter? Which topics should appear and which ones should not appear? Find out the key parts of a well-written cover letter, including the “grab-theirattention” middle paragraph. These presentations discuss length, kinds of paper, general do’s and don’ts, and the different types and styles. Learn when and how to send these key marketing materials to obtain that interview! Wed Feb 3 1-1:50 Stratton 116, Tue Mar 1 11-11:50 MSU 250, Wed Mar 23 1-1:50 Stratton 116, and Tue Apr 19 11-11:50 MSU 250 AND _____ Create your resume in MS Word and submit for review. Review basic resume content and format recommendation and resources at www.kutztown.edu/resumes. Carefully read through your resume draft ensuring that it is clear (raises no questions), concise (to the point), and consistent (font, spacing, format). The CDC will review your resume and provide recommendations for improvement. Either stop by Quick Question/Walk-in Hours (Mon-Fri 2-4pm) to have it reviewed in person , or drop off or email your resume for feedback (careerhelp@kutztown.edu)- this process may take up to 7-10 business days. 7 – CREATING a PLAN for SUCCESS (Complete activity) ______________________________________________ _____ Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach/Counselor to review your career assessments, career and educational goals, and create a plan for your career success. Call the CDC at 610-683-4067 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday-Friday to request an appointment to discuss a plan for success. Make note of the time and day of your appointment below. All appointments are held in 113 Stratton. ____________________________ at __________ Day Date Time Overview Attend 4 Info Sessions Complete 4 Activities 1. Choose ONE: Introduction to Career Development OR Choosing a Major 1. Complete the JOURNEY Career Assessment (taken on your personal computer; requires approximately 30-45 minutes) 2. Creating Your Personal Brand 3. Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter 2. CHOOSE ONE: Join at least one KU club or organization OR Participate in at least one volunteer opportunity through the Community Outreach Center 4. Exploring Careers through Informational Interviewing and Job Shadowing (Externships) 3. Create your resume in MS Word and submit to the CDC for review 4. Schedule an appointment to meet with a Career Coach/Counselor in the CDC to review your career assessments, career and education goals and create a plan for career success. (Please note: The Career Development Certificate program is not reflected on your official KU transcript. This certificate is created by the Career Development Center and is not part of any academic program nor guarantees your success in finding an internship, job or admission into a graduate school program.)