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.)