Objectives and competences
The main objective of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge and competences needed to find, plan, and manage their own career. In the course, students will develop the competences necessary for successful career development:
- Understand different career paths and strategic career planning.
- The student will be able to identify personal strengths, weaknesses and work preferences and match them with career choices.
- Be able to prepare an effective CV, cover letter and improve interview skills.
- Understand effective communication and teamwork skills in a professional context.
- Develop an understanding of the concept of sustainable careers and work-life balance.
- Understand the dynamics of job transitions and effective negotiation in a work context.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course is structured around a number of topics that relate to the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful future career. Topics include career planning, personal strengths and weaknesses analysis, job search strategies, CV preparation, interview skills, communication in the workplace, teamwork and sustainable careers and work-life balance.
1. Introduction to career development
- Overview of different career paths
- The importance of strategic career planning
2. Personal strengths, weaknesses and work preferences
- The importance of self-assessment in career planning
- Identifying personal strengths and weaknesses
- Understanding one's own work preferences
3. Job search strategies
- Overview of different job search methods
- Networking and using your social network
- Using online job portals and social media
4. Writing a CV and cover letter
- Components of an effective CV
- Writing persuasive cover letters
5. Interviewing skills
- Understanding the different types of interviews
- Preparing for a job interview
6. Communication in the workplace and teamwork
- Understanding the basics of communication in the workplace
- Developing effective teamwork skills
7. Sustainable careers and work-life balance
- Defining a sustainable career
- The importance of work-life balance
- Strategies for achieving work-life balance
8. Changing jobs, organizations and negotiations
- Understanding when and how to move to another job or organization
- The basics of negotiating job, compensation, obligations, and benefits
Learning and teaching methods
- Interactive lectures
- Individual activities
- Group work
- Role-play
- Case studies
Teaching and learning are carried out through the didactic use of information and communication technology.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding:
Upon completion of the course, the student will:
- Understand different career paths and strategic career planning.
- The student will be able to identify personal strengths, weaknesses and work preferences and align them with career choices.
- The student will be able to prepare an effective CV, cover letter and improve interview skills.
- Understand effective communication and teamwork skills in a professional context.
- Develop an understanding of the concept of sustainable careers and work-life balance.
- Understand the dynamics of job transitions and effective negotiation in a work context.
Transferable/key competences and other abilities:
Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired the following transferable skills:
- Understanding the importance of strategic career development
- Insight into one's own areas of strength and weakness
- Effective job search, CV preparation and interview preparation
- Interpersonal and teamworking skills
- Awareness of the importance of a sustainable career and work-life balance
- Adapting one's career and negotiation skills
Readings
Arnold, J., Robertson, I. T., & Cooper, C. L. (2010). Work psychology. Pearson Education Canada.
McDonald, K. S., & Hite, L. M. (2023). Career development: A human resource development perspective. Taylor & Francis.
Reardon, R. C., Lenz, J. G., Sampson, J. P., & Peterson, G. W. (2000). Career development and planning: A comprehensive approach. Thomson Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Portfolio: 100%
- Active participation
- Self-reflection (written product)
- Job search plan (written product)
- CV and cover letter (written product)
- Presentation of own career development plan
