## Career Project Assignment — Follow these instructions carefully. If you have questions or issues, let me know. Minimum 10-pages.
Submit completed portfolio in the following order: title page, table of contents, copy of position or application, interest narrative, cover letter, resume, three references, mock recommendation letter, interview answers, and growth narrative.
As you continue to get closer to the end of your collegiate career, it is important to begin thinking about the next transition you will face. Whether you are preparing for graduate school or entering the professional field, you must formulate a well-written document that promotes your achievements. Before doing so, you need to reflect on what you have achieved and what you wish to communicate. This assignment is designed to assist you in those processes and help prepare you for a successful future.
To begin this assignment, you will need to locate a position posting associated with your current or future career path. Since some of you are continuing your education, you may also select a graduate program for application. Although you may have some qualifications for the posting at this time, I do not expect you to meet all the qualifications for this selected position or graduate program. In order words, I would expect to see a GAP in education and experience. Choosing a dream job or competitive master’s program now should help you identify areas of growth for future semesters. That said, your cover letter, resume, references, and mock reference letter should reflect your current credentials. They must be written based on your current level of education, experience, and knowledge. The Growth Narrative is where you will reflect on the areas of improvement.
Finally, you will need to place all of these items in one electronic portfolio document. If you cannot create one file due to the variety of file docs, please create one PDF document. You can also print, scan, and save as one document.
Title Page (1-page): include name, class, date, and title of your portfolio – the title is up to you
Table of Contents (1-page) include individual document names and page numbers
Copy of the Position Posting or Graduate School Application (1-page): copy and paste the position details. You must include the source. This can be tricky. Be sure the format and font are aligned with your document.
Interest Narrative (1-page, double space, 250-word minimum) Why are you interested in the position/program? This is a reflection. It is less formal than your Cover Letter. Just explain why you are interested in the job/graduate program and what attitudes you have that are great fits for the position/program. How does it align with your long-term goals? Think about how you would explain your interest to a family member or friend.
Cover Letter (1-page): refer to the Career Guide,
(Links to an external site.)
pages 34-35. Use the checklist on page 34 to check your work!
Resume (1-page): refer to the Career Guide
(Links to an external site.)
, pages 23-33, for examples. Use the resume guides on page 23 to check your work! If you are developing a federal resume or a curriculum vitae, look for guidelines and tips on pages 38 or 39.
Three References (1-page): refer to Career Guide
(Links to an external site.)
, page 36-37, for an example. You must include three references. Be sure to include all the reference information.
Mock Recommendation Letter (1-page): this may be a tough one for you. What do you hope others say about you when asked to write a recommendation (reference) letter on your behalf? Construct a letter as if you are the one being asked to write a letter of recommendation about YOU. The letter must be professionally formatted. The length must meet a minimum of 250 words but not exceed 500 words. For a sample letter of recommendation, you can visit Purdue Online Writing Lab
(Links to an external site.)
. Consider some of the areas to address and highlight (not limited to these):
Communication (oral and written): Describe the candidate’s skills in active listening, the ability to express ideas clearly and thoroughly, body language, etc.
Initiative/ Motivation: Do they possess the ability to recognize areas/situations needing attention? Are they resourceful? Discuss how this candidate motivates themselves, as well as others.
Organizational Skills: Consider the individual’s ability to balance priorities and perform multiple tasks while maintaining a responsible stress level.
Team Work/Group Dynamics: Describe the candidate’s ability to develop and sustain relationships by playing multiple roles on a team and demonstrating an ability to relate well to others.
Understanding/Awareness of Diversity: Describe the candidate’s capacity to work with racial/ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation differences. Are they sensitive to different individuals and groups?
Dependability: Is the individual dependable, prompt, accurate, and conscientious? Does the applicant responsibly follow tasks and projects to completion?
Maturity/ Professionalism: Does the candidate possess the ability to make appropriate and wise decisions, formulate proper common sense judgments and handle situations effectively and impartially?
Administrative Skills: Describe the candidate’s ability to manage a variety of administrative tasks (meeting paperwork deadlines, following through on projects, participating in workshops, etc.)
Other areas: to be identified by you…
Answers to Interview Questions: you may be asked to submit answers to preliminary interview questions as a part of the selection process. Submit answers to the following questions. Include the question, followed by your response. Single space your answers. Elaborate and provide examples in your answers. This section should not exceed 2-pages. These questions should be answered based on your current level of education and experience.
How do you anticipate your undergraduate degree will prepare you for this position?
What motivates you to do your very best?
Describe your leadership style.
How would a co-worker, teacher, or supervisor describe you?
Growth Narrative (1-page, double space, 250-word minimum): research strategies for getting ahead for the position you selected. Where do you need to focus, grow, gain experience, and education? Be honest. What areas can you work on to help strengthen your application? This is a reflection, too. Much like the Interest Narrative, you assess how you can improve and increase your competitive application for the real thing!
