COMM_V 202 - Career Fundamentals

Course Description

COMM 202 helps students explore, pursue, and prepare for meaningful work using the four pillars of the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre's career development model: Know Yourself, Tell Your Story, Explore Career Opportunities, and Learn Through Experience. Topics include career design and self-assessment, the future of work, emotional intelligence, career exploration, job-search strategies, networking and relationship-building, resumes and cover letters, interviews, and navigating employment offers. Content is delivered through lectures, interactive tutorials, workshops, reflective exercises, networking activities, and practice with peers and industry professionals. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, career adaptability, professional communication, relationship-building, and the ability to communicate one's value authentically and persuasively. Assessment methods may include career-design reflections, an emotional-intelligence assessment and development plan, a tailored resume and cover letter, a relationships-building assignment, participation, and an employment interview.

Responsible Business Content

The course addresses responsible business and sustainable development by examining how personal values, inclusion, emotional intelligence, and well-being contribute to meaningful, equitable, and sustainable careers and workplaces. Students practise truthful self-representation, respectful and inclusive relationship-building, responsible use of AI-supported career tools, and ethical decision-making throughout recruitment and employment processes.

Learning Objectives

• Summarize and rank their priorities and values, craft career aspirations through personal reflection, and formulate meaningful goals for their professional development.
• Evaluate various career paths, companies, and industries, and identify the necessary steps to pursue their next job experience.
• Recognize the importance of establishing and cultivating professional relationships, and apply relationship-building skills to expand their network and gain valuable insights and support their career journeys.
• Explore the importance of Emotional Intelligence in career advancement, which is critical for job acquisition, reflect on personal EQ strengths and areas for improvement and develop strategies and practices for cultivating and enhancing EQ skill sets for career success.
• Identify, locate, and effectively utilize various services and resources provided by the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre (BCC), to support their career development, enhance job search strategies, and increase their chances of securing job opportunities. Examples: Career Coaching & Advising, Career Options Online (COOL), Career Toolkits and Industry Guides.

Students Will Gain Confidence In

• Create persuasive narratives emphasizing their relevant skills and job alignment, and effectively communicate their value to employers through resumes, cover letters, networking opportunities, and interviews.
• Employ effective job search strategies, such as networking and utilizing online platforms like COOL & SEAT, to increase their chances of securing relevant opportunities.