Course Overview: What we will accomplish together

MEDJ 497-99  

In this course, you will incorporate your textbook learning with real world applications to create a pathway forward. During our time together, you will explore potential career opportunities and emerge from the class with a working resume. You will cover letter and find job prospects to assist you with your impending job search or post-university graduate school experience.

Student Learning Objectives

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Apply key techniques for job search, interview skills, and applying your skills in the job market.  

Create a personal job search plan by integrating key understandings of your own strengths and weaknesses.  

Relate with others to integrate key learnings from various media fields prior to graduation.  

Analyze specific opportunities for post-graduate life by assessing job opportunities or post-undergraduate education opportunities.  

Investigate and plan a career “life plan” through applied knowledge, understanding of personal strengths and various career options. 

Demonstrate oral, written and digital communication skills. 

Resources / Course Textbooks

Byrum, K. (2019). So You Want to Find a Job: Career Search Steps. San Diego, CA: Cognella Publishing.  

Roth, T. (2007) Strengthsfinder. (ISBN# 978-1595620156) 

Syllabus

Week 1: Course Overview and Expectations 8/25-8/29 

Week 2: Identifying Targets & Strengthsfinder Report 9/2-9/5 

Week 3: Cover Letter and Resume Review, 9/8-9/112 

·        Review Instructor Video 

·        Review textbook videos for Readings 2.2 

·        Review resources for resume creation  

Assignments: Review your own resume and begin making changes, write cover letter (due week 6)  

 Identify five job prospect targets and prepare database (due next week) 

Week 4: Integrating Self-Assessment 9/15-9/19 

·        Review Instructor Video  

·        Review textbook videos for 3.1 and 3.2 

Readings:    

3.1 Culture of Success: Communication is Key  

3.2 Your Job Challenges Versus Skills, Effort, and Support   

Assignment: Turn in your database of job search targets by September 20.   

Week 5: Interview Techniques and Ethics 9/22-9/26 

·        Review Instructor Video  

·        Review textbook video for 3.3 and 3.4  

Readings:  

3.3 Living and Working in the Global Village  

3.4 Alignment with Your Organization 

Successful interviewing pdf 

Assignment: Finalize your resume and cover letter (due next week)   

Week 6:, Creating a Portfolio of Work, 9/29-10/03 

·        Review Instructor Video  

·        Review textbook video for 4.1 

Readings:  

4.1 Transforming Generic Resumes and Cover Letters to Laser-Focused Career Communications 

Review portfolio rubric 

Download portfolio worksheet and begin entering data   

Assignment Due: Resume and Cover Letter (due Friday 10/03) 

Week 7: Integrating creativity into your work, 10/06-10/10 

·        Review Instructor Video 

·        Review transferable skills video  

·        Review interview with Ed Catmull  

Readings: Optional reading, Creativity Inc. (Chapters 1-4) 

Creativity Inc. article 

Assignment: Begin assembling your work samples for portfolio  

Week 8: Media Enterprises, 10/13-10/17 

·        Review Instructor Video 

·        Review Job interviews in media video 

·        Review social media at work video   

Readings: Identify your book for the book review assignment 

Media management pdf  

Assignment: Begin reading book for review and review assignment.   

Week 9: Interview Techniques, 10/20-10/24   

·        Review Instructor Video  

Readings: Textbook reading: 4.2 Business Ethics and the Challenge of Ethical Behavior in Contemporary Organizations 

Assignment: Book report due by Friday, October 25. 

Week 10:, Interview Techniques, 10/27-10/31  

·        Review Instructor Video 

·        Review Forbes video  

Readings: Textbook reading: 4.3 Communication in the Business and Professional Setting: Principles and Perspectives 

Optional Assignment: Set up appointment with Dr. Byrum to discuss course and job search plans.  

Week 11: Individualized Instruction, 11/3-11/7  

·        Review Instructor Video  

Readings: See supplemental reading on Brightspace.  

Assignment: Work on your final portfolio.  

Week 12: Longer Term Planning, 11/10-11/14  

·        Review Instructor Video  

Readings: See supplemental readings. Review top employers in Columbia, Dauphin and Philadelphia.  

Assignment: Work on your final portfolio and contemplate longer term career goals. Review top 10 interview questions.   

Week 13: Supplemental Workshop, 11/17-11/21 

·        Review Instructor Video 

Readings: See supplemental reading on Brightspace.  

Textbook reading: 4.4 Networking Skills: Keys to Pipeline Success.  

Read five types of business networking   

Assignment: Work on your final portfolio. 

Week 14 & 15: Finalizing Targets, Success Stories, 11/24-11/28 & 12/1-12/05  

·        Review Instructor Video  

Readings: See supplemental readings.   Assignment: Turn in your final portfolio by 12/5