For students who would like to invest more time in their career planning, the University of Kansas offers several courses. Freshman and sophomore students who are in the process of choosing a major can enroll in Career and Life Planning: Decision-Making for College Students (PRE 210), taught by Dr. Richard Nelson (Associate Director of The University Career Center). This course is an excellent way to learn more about career planning. It is structured to help students apply career and major information to their unique situation through activities and discussion.
The assignments in PRE 210 are designed to help students uncover their own interests and gain current career information. Some of the assignments include using the Focus computer-assisted career program, creating a resume, and completing an informational interview with a professional in a career field that interests you. During half the class time, students work with a career counselor in small discussion groups of approximately ten. Students will also have the opportunity to take the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Once completed, the two career inventories are interpreted in a lecture session and in a small-group format to help assist the student in the career decision process. The discussion group component of the course provides the opportunity for in-depth conversations concerning individual student’s values, interests, and hopes and allows ample time for questions. There is a $25 fee associated with this course to cover the cost of career assessments.
To enroll, simply talk with your advisor about adding the course. There are no prerequisites for taking the course but the course is limited to students with fewer than 60 semester hours. If you have more than 60 semester hours, please call the University Career Center and make an appointment with a career counselor. While the class may not be available to you, working one on one with a career counselor will yield simlar results.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of planning and organizing job search strategies. Emphasis is placed on identification of individual goals, assessment of talents, exploration of career options, analysis of the job market, effective use of employment search tools (e.g., resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking), and management of career pathways. Stresses the value of the arts and sciences degree in the labor market and develops job search skills that will be useful throughout life.
COURSE CREDIT: 1 credit hour course, primarily for junior or senior students.
INSTRUCTORS:
Ann Hartley - Associate Director, 864-7674, ahartley@ku.edu
Greg Decker, Graduate Assistant, 864-3624, gdecker@ku.edu
Office: University Career Center
110 Burge Union
864-3624
TEXTBOOK and REQUIRED MATERIALS:
National Association of Colleges and Employers (2006). Job Choices 2007. Bethlehem, PA: Author. (Given to you by Instructors)
KU Career Connections Registration. A registration form is provided to you on the first day or class, or send in THIS form to register. After registering, you will be issued a password that allows you to upload your resume on to the web-based system, access job vacancies, and sign up for on-campus interviewing. KU Career Connections is a free service.
Bolles, R. N. (current). What Color is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. (OPTIONAL)
COURSE PURPOSE:
The purpose of this course is to assist Liberal Arts and Sciences students in assessing the value of their education/skills and managing their own career and employment search. The course will facilitate the development of lifelong skills used in career development: self-assessment, career/employment researching and networking, job search skills, career management and adaptability to the changing world of work. Job Search Strategies for Liberal Arts and Sciences Students provides the opportunity to learn and practice career planning and job searching strategies that will be useful throughout life.
COURSE SYLLABUS AND OUTLINE:
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