The Career component develops critical career-related skills and undertakes systematic inquiry into and analysis of graduate programs or professions that students may pursue.
Guidance
Faculty may submit a Trek Credit Course Proposal Form for a new or existing course to receive Career credit.
All Career course proposals should include:
- A thorough course proposal signed by the mentoring faculty member.
- A draft syllabus with course objectives, requirements, assignments, and an explanation of Career exploration and preparation.
- A time audit outlining 80 hours towards career related experiences in one semester.
- A plan to require that students submit an updated résumé, completed Trek Career Assessment, and a written reflection about the experience.
Assessment
The Trek Career component is assessed indirectly through a review of required student reflections on and evaluations of their experiences, and it is assessed directly by the faculty member or career supervisor. The National Association of Career Educators (NACE) has identified seven career competencies to determine career readiness. This list has been modified to accommodate Centenary’s program goals and student population.
To determine if Trek Career courses effectively prepare students for post graduate opportunities, faculty or supervisors will assess student learning using the career assessment rubric.
Part 1 - Student Survey: Assessment Questions
Career/Post Graduate Management
Were you given opportunities to … (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Identify and articulate your skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the opportunity desired
- Identify areas for continual growth, to pursue and apply feedback
- Navigate and explore post graduate options
- Seek and embrace development opportunities
Oral Written Communication
Were you given opportunities to… (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written form (resume, cover letter, personal statement, CV)
- Effectively use public speaking and presentation skills in front of various-sized audiences
Professionalism/Work Ethic
Were you given opportunities to… (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Work productively with others
- Adapt to evolving needs and take initiative
- Manage time efficiently and effectively
Digital Technology
Were you given opportunities to … (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Leverage existing digital technologies to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals
- Recognize impact of personal/professional brand and engage responsibly across social platforms and technologies
Part 2 – Student Self-Reflection (Required)
Answer the following questions in narrative form and devote at least a minimum of 1 page for each section.
Career Management
- What are your career goals? What relevant skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences do you have?
- In pursuit of this opportunity, what challenges do you anticipate? How do you plan to overcome said obstacles?
- How are you leveraging your undergraduate experience to pursue your career goals?
Professionalism/Work Ethic
- How have you demonstrated personal accountability and effective work habits? In your response, specifically highlight punctuality, working productively with others, time management, and the impact of non-verbal communication in professional spaces.
- What mistakes have you made during your career journey? What have you learned?
Oral/Written Communications
- Discuss written bodies of work you’ve submitted and how each will prepare you for career success.
- In what ways have you used public speaking skills? Are these skills transferable to the workplace? Why/ why not?
Digital Technology
- What technologies have you used to help you solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals?
- How will you continue to use these platforms beyond the Career Strategies Course?