Increasing Student Awareness of Professional Training Programs Edward Freeman, Ph.D. January 9, 2007

Course Description Practical skills necessary for professional success Written and oral communication to explore different career opportunities Gain an understanding of the detailed requirements to pursue a specific career

Emphasis Preparation to pursue graduate and professional studies leading to careers in science and the health professions.

Topics & Research Assignments choosing a career – 2 class sessions Research and class discussions –“Career Tracks” listed and they place themselves (health care, government, law, research etc.)

Research Assignment 1 What do you want to do after you graduate from college, what are your specific career goals? –What is the goal of the assignment?

Research Assignment 1 What do you want to do after you graduate from college, what are your specific career goals? –To learn what makes each student tick…begin a dialogue about their needs & wants from career.

Research Assignment 2 Advanced Training program research –What is the goal of the assignment?

Research Assignment 2 Advanced Training program research –Researching training programs: practical skills and an understanding of what they should be considering based on their personalities, experiences, and where they are in life.

Research Assignment 3 The Application Process - Requirements, Financial Considerations, and the Harsh Reality of Admission to Professional Programs –What is the goal of the assignment?

Research Assignment 3 The Application Process - Requirements, Financial Considerations, and the Harsh Reality of Admission to Professional Programs –Application process – deadlines, navigate websites, read the “fine-print” –Financing advanced education – sources of money and how much will they need for all years –Backup plan – because sometimes students do not achieve their goals on the 1 st try

Research Assignment 4 This research assignment can be broken down into three distinct parts: –What is the goal of the assignment?

Research Assignment 4 This research assignment can be broken down into three distinct parts: –To understand what a CV or resume is and what is appropriate for their program of study (& make one) –To consider who will write recommendation letters –Entrance exam – what test, when, how to study, cost, retake options.

Research Assignment 5 Pulling All of Your Research Together –What is the goal of the assignment?

Research Assignment 5 Pulling All of Your Research Together –Timeline – detailed consideration of what must be accomplished prior to entrance to the next program Courses and semesters Entrance exams Volunteer/shadowing experience Application deadlines Financial aid deadlines When should advanced training be done (a reality check!)

What Else do the Students Do? Mock Interview –Early November –Professionals –Professional etiquette and dress –Feedback Shadowing Document –Compilation of all relevant experience –OR description of importance of shadowing and plan for how to “log some hours”