Proseminar # 46707
SOC 372
Fall 2015
Instructors
Lora Bristow
Lecturer
Department of Sociology
Office, Phone & Email
Office Hours: MTW 12-1:30
Other meetings by appointment
BSS 518D
Phone Number 826-5421
Lora.Bristow@humboldt.edu
Meeting Time, Dates and Location
9 to 10:50 a.m. on Fridays, August 28 through October 2, generally in BSS 408, and final class on December 11,
3:30-5:00 pm in BSS 166
Course Description
We all “code switch” regularly depending on the context of our interactions. In this workshop we will explore the
codes most often associated with successful career building and professionalism. Remaining true to your values
and overall sense of self, you will be challenged to build your “professional identity.” You will also be asked to
initiate connections with professionals in organizations and careers that interest you. Building this network is key
to launching a successful career.
The Harvard Business School notes that “Given that 65 to 85 percent of jobs are found through networking, it
should be the focus of about 80 percent of your allotted search time” (Harvard 2012).
In addition, American Sociological Association research suggests that your network building should be in
directions related to your academic preparation. In a national study of students graduating in 2005 with a BA in
Sociology, the ASA found “About two-thirds of those who said their jobs were closely related to what they learned
as sociology majors were very satisfied with their jobs” (Spalter-Roth & Vooren 2008: 2).
2012. Harvard Business School. “Career Development – Networking” Last Accessed January 9, 2012
http://www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/networking.html
2008. Spalter-Roth, Roberta & Nicole Van Vooren. “What are they Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology?” Research Brief.
American Sociological Association. Last Access January 9, 2012
http://www.humboldt.edu/sociology/downloads/ASA_BA_Brief.pdf.
Official Catalog Description
SOC 372 Proseminar (1). Structures career planning and professional development through resume building, job
search, networking and interview training. Develop proposal for capstone internship experience or career plan.
Sophomores and Juniors.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Develop/maintain professional job search materials: resume/cv, business letters.
2. Plan and participate professionally in job interviews.
3. Develop and carry out network planning and job search strategies.
Department Learning Outcomes
1. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
University Learning Outcomes
1. Effective communication through written and oral modes.
2. Succeed in (your) chosen careers.
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3. Take responsibility for identifying personal goals and practicing lifelong learning.
Course Readings and Resources: See the Moodle Site
Grade Considerations
This class is scheduled as “credit/no credit.” You must earn at least 73% of the points for this class to receive a
passing grade. Depending on where you are in your career building process, you might spend anywhere from 2 –
10 hours per week on this class during the second part of the term. We encourage you to use this workshop as a
mechanism to structure your professional development and career building.
Participation (40%)
Each class period is worth 5.7% of your grade. Be in class. Participate. Facilitate. We all share responsibility for
inclusive and interesting meetings. As we only have 7 workshop meetings, it will be important that you be there
for each one. Do communicate about absences, but you will not get points. Only miss if you are very sick or
have a medical emergency. Understand that you might need to make up those missed points by completing more
of the optional choices below.
Assignments REQUIRED:
Resume or CV Draft (5%) [post on Moodle; bring hard copy to first class]
Cover Letter Draft/Email Requesting Informational Interview (5%) [post on Moodle, bring hard copy to third
class]
Mock Interview (10%)
During workshop sessions 4, 5 & 6 we will schedule mock interviews. Students have told us that these
experiences have been really helpful in getting them to think carefully both about their goals and about how to
“package” their skills and abilities for the interview process. You will not be graded on the quality of your
interview. This is a learning experience and you will receive full credit if you take it seriously.
Additional Assignments--Choose Two or More:
Final Resume or CV (10%) Be sure to take it through 2-3 drafts -- visit career center to review. [post on Moodle]
Informational Interview (10%) REQUIRED IF you are hoping to intern next term [post on Moodle]
Internship Proposal (10%) – REQUIRED IF you are hoping to intern next term [post on Moodle]
Individual Career Work with Career Center (10%)
Write a brief description of the specific work you did with the Career Center, including when you went, who you
worked with, topics and outcomes. [Post on Moodle]
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Students with Disabilities: Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact the
Student Disability Resource Center in the Learning Commons, Lower Library, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392
(TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. http://www.humboldt.edu/disability/
Add/Drop policy: Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for
dropping or adding classes. http://pine.humboldt.edu/registrar/students/regulations/schedadjust.html
Emergency evacuation: Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom (posted on the orange signs), and
review http://www.humboldt.edu/emergencymgmtprogram/evacuation_procedures.php for information on campus
Emergency Procedures. During an emergency, information can be found campus conditions at: 826-INFO or
www.humboldt.edu/emergency
Academic honesty: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty:
http://www.humboldt.edu/studentrights/academic_honesty.php or http://pine.humboldt.edu/registrar/catalog/
Attendance and disruptive behavior: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and
disruptive behavior: http://www.humboldt.edu/studentrights/attendance_behavior.php
Course Schedule
Week
Fridays
1
August 28
BSS 408
2
3
September 4
BSS 317
w/Loren Collins
and Rob Keever
from the Career
Center
September 11
BSS 408
4
September 18
BSS 408
5
September 25
BSS 408
6
October 2
BSS 408
7
December 11
3:30-5:00 pm
BSS 166
Class Focus & Readings to be Discussed
Assignments Due
Introductions & student goals; workshop organization
discussion & student-generated changes
Resume or CV
DRAFT
Resume (CV) – Peer Review
Upload to Moodle
and Bring Hard
Copy to Class
Bring Laptops if
you have them?
Computer Lab Day: Develop job/internship search
and/or network organizing system; populate systems
based on online research including job/internship search
engines. Linked-In
Making contact: cold calls; 30 second introductions
Business Correspondence Styles: cover letter, email,
thank you notes; responding to advertised positions;
Preparing for the Interview
Sign Up for Mock Interview
How to work a room
Mock interviews
Scholarships & Fellowships, Internships & Thesis
Mock interviews
Once You Get the Job – Standing Out
Mock interviews
EMPLOYER & ALUMNI PANEL and RECEPTION
Cover letters/email
DRAFT
Upload to Moodle
and Bring Hard
Copy to Class
Dress
Professionally
Dress
Professionally
Dress
Professionally
Dress
Professionally
All assignments must be turned in Friday, October 16 to be counted for credit for this
class!
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