Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is designed to be taken early in the student’s business degree program. Career management and planning involves more than just helping persons choose or enter an occupation. It also includes self-assessment of interests, values, and skills, understanding the steps in career decision making, and learning the necessary employability skills to obtain and keep a job once a choice has been made. The mission of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about and develop the necessary skills to assist in career planning. It is recommended to help students secure beneficial internships and better prepare for work in their desired field once they graduate. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Apply tools to research, evaluate, and select employment opportunities in the business field to further career success.  
2. Develop employment documents and networking skills to present favorably to potential employers and improve career opportunities.

• Instructor lecture or mini lecture

• Individual reading assignments

• Small and large group or online discussions

• Collaborative groups

• Online peer evaluation

• Student Presentations

• Panel discussions

• Videos

• Role Playing

• Practice interviews

• Practice networking

• Coaching

• Case studies

• Presentation of exemplar works

The objectives of assessment should include demonstrated awareness of career planning processes, tools, and resources.  In addition, 

Assessment methods may include the following:  

• Objective examinations such as multiple choices, short answer, etc.  

• Written assignments.

• Attendance and participation in class activities.

• Any combination of other methods, including quizzes, group activities, presentations, case studies, research assignments, and mock interviews.

• Understand how personal characteristics, e.g., interests, values, and skills, influence career development

• Identify appropriate academic major and/or occupational alternatives in relation to personal characteristics and business degree options; 

• See individuals as purposefully responsible and active in the life/career planning process and to develop skills for increasing such. 

• Understand Strength Finders, Emotional Intelligence and Social Capital and their use in career planning and career success.  

• Use a variety of information resources to explore academic major or occupational options especially services offered through PCC (Career Planning Office, Internship coordinators, etc.)

• Prepare Employment Documents 

  • Resumes

  • Cover letters

• Understand differences between letters of recommendation and references

• Understand the Importance of Networking

  • Job finding skills

  • LinkedIn

  • Informational interviewing

  • Elevator and latte pitches

  • Voicemail and phone skills

  • Professional Attire

• Research and Prepare for Internships

  • Orientation to Internship programs at PCC

  • Explore internship opportunities

• Job Interview Preparedness

  • Types of Interviews

  • Video and Phone Interviews

  • Interview Practice