Course Syllabus

GNST 1500 Career Decisions

Course Description

Students will gain skills and confidence in exploring potential careers in this course. They will also discover matching majors and a professional & career path that will correspond to their skills and abilities, and also values and personal preferences. Students may register for Career Decisions in face-to-face or online sections. Students will participate in a variety of lectures, discussions, group projects, activities. They will also do personality assessments which will show them some of their top strengths and articulate their strengths and skills for better results in job placement or continuing education outcomes.

Justification

The course allows students to gain skills to enhance work experience and to develop a plan for the future. As the Snow College Aspirational Statement reads, "Students who find Snow College will find themselves" and this course provides this basic foundation for those successes.Nearly 60 percent of the Snow College graduating class has a degree in "General Studies." The majority of students who successfully complete the course declare a major or add a certificate of proficiency to show competency in workplace skills and improve their plans for career attainment. This course is needed to help students gather important information they’ll need to make informed decisions about their desired career path and education major. It results in better career placement outcomes and also better planning outcomes to take the prerequisites courses necessary for an efficient transfer if they choose to continue at a 4-year institution.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will progress toward self-knowledge and values in relation to careers. Students will clarify and narrow their careers that they are seriously considering.
2. Students will be able to discuss ethics, values and bias and the role they play in selecting a career path.
3. Students will understand the interview process.
4. Students will be able to create a professional cover letter and resume.
5. Students will know online job search tools such as Focus2Careers, Utah Department of Workforce Services Labor Reports, and Department of Labor Occupational Outlook.

Course Content

The course has several modules that each address one or more of these career and personal development skills: Career & Self-Development – You identify and discuss your skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to your career goals. Communication – You clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts and perspectives to others. You practice writing and editing clearly and effectively. Critical Thinking – You identify and respond to needs based on situational context and logical analysis to make decisions and overcome problems. Leadership - You recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. You inspire, persuade, and motivate yourself and others. Professionalism/Work Ethic – You understand that work environments differ greatly and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community/workplace. You act with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization. Teamwork/Collaboration– You build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals while appreciating various viewpoints and shared responsibilities. You exercise the ability to compromise, manage conflict, and show respect. Technology – You adapt to new technologies and leverage them ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.Specific modules could include1. Introduction to Career Decisions and building a classroom community of learners (Palloff & Pratt, 2007)2. Creating Happiness and self-fulfillment3. Focus2Career Assessment of Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Values and Hobbies which match Careers and Majors4. CliftonStrengths Assessment and insights into Top 5 Strengths (Gallup, 2017)5. Ethics & Values. Self-assessment related to the 8 Career & Personal Development competencies listed above (National Association of Colleges & Employers, (2023)6. Resumes & Cover Letters7. LinkedIn Profiles and Networking8. Interview Skills