- Title of the program
- Purpose of the program
- Target audience
- Program outcomes
- Learning objectives
1. Title of the Program
Program proposal for Senior Workshop
2. Program Overview
This document is detailing a program proposal for the restructuring of the annual senior workshop conducted by the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Career Placement Office (CPO). The focus of this workshop traditionally has been to introduce students to the services of the CPO, review resume and letter writing skills, and discuss interview etiquette dos and don’ts. Employer evaluations of student interview techniques, state that students often come unprepared, lack the ability to ‘sell’ themselves, and have difficulty communicating in a face-to-face conversation. This proposal is suggesting a restructuring the current program to redirect the focus from informational services of the CPO and interview techniques to communication skills and engagement in the interview process.
3. Target Audience
Students. The students are the participants in the senior workshop. The senior-level students are part of the assessment process because the workshop is designed to meet their learning needs. Senior students can speak to their; individual learning objectives, perceptions of the workshop, and past and current experiences in the job search process. A successful program would provide students with the communication skills needed for favorable outcomes in the interview and job search process. Having student involvement in the program assessment process will also provide a sense of ownership for the success of the program (Laureate Education, Inc, 2010).
4. Program Outcomes
a- (A) Students will have the knowledge and skills to perform confidently in the interview process as evidenced through post interview evaluations submitted by employers.
b- (A, B) Students will be able to verbalize the value of both soft skills and technical skills for professional development.
c- (C) Students will be knowledgeable about the benefits of engaging in the services of the CPO as demonstrated by communicating with the career services staff via email, phone, or in person and participation in on-campus interviews.
5. Learning Objectives
a2 - (A, a, b) Students will articulate strengths and professional development goals during a conversation.
b2- (A, c) Students will describe the resources available in the CPO that aid in professional development and job search strategies.
2- (A, a) Students will state the fundamental constructs of self marketing.
d1- (A, a, b) Students will participate, evaluate and critique mock interview scenarios for communication skills and style, professionalism, body language, and overall presentation.
I think that it would be adventageous for each student to get as much face to face interaction with people that they do not know.....Perhaps, requiring students to set up 15 minute meetings with a industry professionals to talk about thier career aspirations. Thus, this exercise in student self promotion should be explained to be as easy as talking to a stranger while waiting in line at the grocery store, bus stop, or at a local restaurant. Students should be able to grasp and explain five key strengths about themselves/professional skills in 60 seconds or less(Elevator Speech). A introductory sales training class would probably be the most adventageous way for students to learn how to "READ" potential interviewers body language, voice inflection, and manuerisms....
ReplyDeleteIn addition to practicing skills, it appears that your proposal includes an opportunity for students to evaluate and critique their performance. This is reflective practice. You might want to view this brief clip on reflective practice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AfHPV-YBdI&feature=related). Might they benefit from evaluating and critiquing the performance of others? This approach might allow the student to be more objective by removing the temptation to allow emotions or other aspects to be a barrier to the critical thinking process.
ReplyDeleteKevin/Matt,
ReplyDeleteboth your comments are right on target as part of my original plan! This makes me feel more confident in my approach. You have offered suggestions that I will definitely consider incorporating as I proceed through this project. Thanks for the youtube video link (everthing is on the Internet :-)).
One part of this program includes mock interviewing with peer/self evaluation and critique. Another piece includes identifying, qualifying marketible skills. Participants will need to be able to answer the very tough question "Why should I hire your".
This feedback is fabulous! Thanks
Mary,
ReplyDeleteThis senior workshop proposal seems really good. You really have done your research. I wonder if hearing about the self marketing piece or communication skills piece directly from an employer perspective would be beneficial. An employer could tag team with CSO employees or simply speak on their own about how people have obtained positions through self-marketing and what has or has not worked in these regards.