ET 1500: Career Orientation

You need to learn and demonstrate basic career skills prior to entering the work force. Career Orientation, ET 1500, helps you do that, whether you seek a co-op, internship, or a full-time position. In fact, you must complete it before becoming a co-op candidate. If you entered Ohio University fall 2012 or after, ET 1500 is required.

Topics covered:

• Career decision making
• Writing résumés, cover letters, and references
• Basic interviewing and behavioral interviewing skills
• Professional dress
• Negotiating a job offer
• Developing a personal brand
• Skills employers want in new employees
• Job search strategies
• Using social media
• Developing hard copy and online portfolios
• Professional etiquette
• Networking
• New employee etiquette and managing annual evaluations

Typical assignments:

• Complete a self-assessment inventory
• Write a self-assessment reaction paper
• Write a brief paper exploring career options
• Conduct interviews with two professionals
• Write a short paper on professional interviews
• Write a resume, cover letter, and reference sheet
• Participate in a mock interview
• Attend a career fair or other professional event to practice networking skills
• Develop a basic online portfolio