vcc.ca
CYBR 2403: Professional Development
Effective date
September 2024
Department
Cybersecurity PDD
School
Continuing Studies
Description
In this course, students will learn various strategies and techniques to prepare for the job application process, such as networking, résumé building, and interviews. Additionally, students will participate in several activities related to defining and building their personal brand.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
CYBR 1102, CYBR 1103.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Create an effectively written résumé that describes personal abilities and experiences
- Discuss strategies to review job postings to support résumé content development and use of keywords
- Use appropriate design and visual elements to enhance résumé and other personal branding materials
- Prepare cover letters that are persuasive and appropriately targeted towards job postings
- Demonstrate effective interviewing techniques and strategies, including use of the STAR (Situation Task Action Result) method
- Develop an action plan for networking in the local business community in a professional manner
- Discuss the impact of personal brand demonstrated to potential employers through online presence and other personal branding materials
- Create a structured development plan for selected cybersecurity path or role including identification of relevant certifications
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 22.5
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12.5
Total Hours: 35
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12.5
Total Hours: 35
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, classroom discussions, mock interviews and preparation, reflective journaling, and reading.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Reflect |
10-20 |
A number of reflection journals |
|
Other |
20 |
Mock interviews |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Development and certification study plan |
|
Assignments |
15-25 |
Presentations |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
One or more quizzes |
|
Portfolio |
25 |
Personal branding assets |
Course topics
- Résumé building
- Interview preparation
- Goal setting
- Career development strategies
- Résumé optimization strategies
- Career objective planning
- Preparing a summary statement
- Résumé design and visual elements
- Cover letters
- Online presence
- Personal branding
- STAR approach for interviews
- Networking
- Building rapport with employers
- Informational interviews
- Building leadership skills
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.