Career Management & Professionalism

Issued by Merrimack College

Through a series of workshops, participants experience expert instruction and engage in career development activities utilizing technology tools. From discovering how passions and interests translate to career options to preparing for a first job, co-op, or internship experience, participants leave each workshop with clear, actionable steps that empower their career journey. Participants must complete three of seven core workshops to earn this badge.

Type Learning
Level Foundational
Time Days
Cost Free

Additional Details

Skills

Career Exploration
Career Management
Cover Letter Writing
Interpersonal Skills
Interview Skills
Job Searching
Networking
Online Brand
Oral Communication
Professional Branding
Professionalism
Resume Development
Social Media Etiquette
Written Commuinication

Earning Criteria

In the "Building your Brand for Networking Success" workshop participants discover and articulate their professional brand, develop and utilize professional skills, as well as help them to grow and employ interpersonal skills. Participants learn about different networking tools and strategies to expand their networking opportunities. Participants enhance their LinkedIn profile using effective tips and tricks that help them stand out to employers and recruiters.
In the "Career Resources and Technology" workshop participants discover how to identify the events, services, and resources offered by the O’Brien Center for Career Development (OCCD) at Merrimack College. Participants learn how various career development experiences can help inform their career pathway. Participants can recognize the importance of experiential learning as a method of career researching. Participants explore the many technology tools and resources available though the OCCD.
In the "Career Exploration" workshop participants discover the connection between values, interests and their future career. Using special career exploration tools participants learn how to recognize the importance of career planning and take action in their career development journey. Participants explore career paths and begin to recognize the importance of skills in the job seeking process.
In the "Cover Letter Writing Success" workshop participants learn tips to creating a cover letter that articulates their skills and experiences while staying connected to the job description. Participants learn how to differentiate between a resume and a cover letter. Participants can identify the purpose of the sections of a cover letter. Participants generate cover letters by formulating content based on specific positions and organizations while highlighting their skills and experiences.
In the "Searching for Jobs/Internships" workshop, participants learn where to search and how to stay organized. Participants discover search strategies, tools, and the hidden job market. Participants are able to recognize the importance of self-knowledge during the job search process and can identify and plan the next steps in their career journey.
In the "Preparing for an Interview workshop, participants discover the tools and strategies they need to ace their next interview. Participants learn how to answer trick questions and can determine which questions they should ask in an interview. Participants learn how to identify different types of questions, including information, behavioral and situational. Participants are able to understand and develop proper interview etiquette to create a good impression.
In the "Resumes: Create and Update" workshop, participants learn how to define a resume and its purpose. Participants can identify the key aspects of a job description to differentiate and develop their resume. Participants resumes can: describe their education, skills, experiences, and measurable achievements using proper grammar, format and brevity. This workshop results in participants having polished resumes that can beat the Applicant Tracking System and get noticed by employers.

Standards

NACE Competencies 2021

Employers responding to National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook surveys have consistently indicated that critical thinking/problem solving, teamwork/collaboration, professionalism/work ethic, and oral/written communications are all essential competencies. The top four competencies have remained consistent the past three years.