Internship Preparation Seminar

Course Goals and Objectives

The Internship Preparation Seminar will enhance students’ professional and career development through:

• Learning key insights through self-assessment and goal setting
• Compiling and developing an effective professional résumé
• Writing an important but neglected document: the cover letter
• Interview preparation leading to poise and confidence
• Cultivating a network of career-related contacts using LinkedIn
• Effective organizational practices in the workplace
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Understanding the importance of written and oral communication: your #1 job skill
• Presentational and meeting skills
• Developing character attributes: integrity, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity

To get the most out of this seminar:

• Stay involved: do assignments well ahead of time; interact! Frequent class interaction / participation counts toward your final grade.
• Ask questions often: it’s how we learn best
• Be open to new ideas: both from your peers and from the instructor
• Show up: besides class, attending campus events (online and in person) will deepen learning through practical application of the material.

Since this is a blended course (i.e., some of the sessions may or will be offered online), there should be no reason not to complete all sessions and required assignments.

Course Requirements

Specifically, during this course you will:

1. complete reading of assigned materials, as well as completion of assigned activities which are all designed for self-assessment and evaluation and career planning. Handouts may be utilized but the material will be available through Moodle and you will be expected to read it in a timely fashion.
2. participate in class discussions and some group activities. You will be expected to show that you understand the various concepts presented and have developed critical thinking skills.
3. create, edit and submit on time all assignments to your Moodle account. You will be expected to know how to use MS Word and PowerPoint.
4. understand the importance of developing a work ethic based on quality, professionalism and integrity. This will be reflected in your class attendance (your on-time ‘performance’ will count!) as well as assignments submitted in a timely manner.
5. understand the implications of proper ethics and social etiquette in a culturally diverse setting and the environment.

Course Grading

Your performance appraisal will include the quality of responses to questions raised in class, class preparation and participation. Attendance will be taken and will be reflected in your class participation grade. Cooperation, collaboration, contribution, mutual support, encouragement and creativity are important illustrations of your success. All assigned work must be completed. Extra-credit assignment(s) will be available to the entire class.