vcc.ca
ITOP 2201: Professional Development
Effective date
September 2021
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course will introduce students to the skills and competences that will give them the foundation necessary to be successful in their career. Utilizing a variety of resources, students will develop self-awareness and learn about essential job-search and interview skills.
Students will also learn about their presentation and communication style and identify their unique strengths, values, and skills. Students will have an opportunity to create a job-application for a role they are likely to apply for. A focus will be placed on strategies that can be used to highlight the student's unique fit and value within a role, industry, or organization. Students will be prepared to demonstrate their unique fit through their resume, cover letter, online presence or, in person, in a formal interview, industry presentation, or chance encounter.
Credits
1.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and develop the key employability skills that are necessary for success.
- Identify their unique personality traits and strengths and demonstrate its utility for success in their career.
- Set clear long and short-term goals and create a plan for achieving these goals.
- Identify stress management techniques.
- Demonstrate professional verbal and written communication skills tailored to a role in the industry.
- Tailor their verbal communication to the needs and expectations of an employer.
- Communicate their unique strengths, values, and goals to others in the industry.
- Receive feedback by welcoming and responding to critique.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 27
Total Hours: 27
Total Hours: 27
Instructional Strategies
Students will engage with the material through a combination of interactive learning methods, such as hands-on activities, technical interviews, case studies, simulations, group work/discussions, demonstration and troubleshooting of problem-based tasks, assignments, and exams.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
|
Assignments |
70 to 80 |
Multiple assignments on job-search skills and strategies, such as creating a resume, cover letter, reflection paper, and journal. |
|
Other |
15 to 20 |
Presentation; may include mock-interview. |
Course topics
- Self-assessment Job searching Résumé Cover letters Interview skills and strategies Organizing information through diagrams such as mind maps Effective presentation skills Receiving direction/feedback Career networking using tools such as business cards and online profiles
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.