This module offers you an opportunity to practice and enhance specific job application skills required to get accepted for, and to be effective and successful during your placement and internship. You will also have the opportunity to reflect upon and learn from your career management and development skills. Students completing this module will develop employability skills and management report writing skills required by organisations that offer placements, internships and graduate jobs.
Attendance at workshop sessions will take place during the second year (level 5) of the degree in addition to the level 5 modules as they approach organisations regarding placement opportunities. The assessment is a portfolio of evidence linked to the placement and will take place during the year out on the placement. Students who complete and pass the assessment during placement will receive the module's 30 credits towards the Diploma in Professional Practice (an additional award for students completing a placement and gaining 120 credits during their year at work). If you do not go onto a placement after level 5, you will not be able to receive the Diploma. However, if you pass the assessment of the module during level 6, they will receive a Certificate in Professional Practice.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module will be taught using a blended learning approach combining workshop-style sessions, online activities and tutor-led input. Students will be encouraged to take part in activities such as improving and assessing their CV, interviewing, and completing psychometric tests to develop skills as they approach potential placement employers and prepare for their time on placement. The students should attend the taught sessions during their second year (level 5) of the taught course and will complete the assessment during their placement year.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshops, guest lectures, networking opportunities | 16 (during level 5) |
| Guided independent study | Including job search activities, preparing for work, updating CV and practicing techniques and work activities and preparation of portfolio during the placement itself | 284 (across both years) |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Students will be required to submit a portfolio focusing on their employability skills and placement experience. This portfolio will be developed initially during their level 5 studies and then in much more detail during their placement year. Formative feedback will be available from mentors in the workplace and from the placement tutor. The portfolio will include tasks needed for job applications, such as production of a CV, self-assessment through psychometric tests. It will also include a self-reflective component, where each task will be reflected upon in order to develop self-awareness.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Assess, reflect upon and articulate their skills and competencies (eg., communication, team working, motivation, personality and interests). | Portfolio |
| 2) Use research skills to document and reflect upon their job search and employment experience; research organisations and communicate key motivational drivers. | Portfolio |
| 3) Develop skills in a range of job application techniques (CV, interviews, psychometric tests). | Portfolio |
| 4) Develop management report writing skills. | Portfolio |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Coursework | 100% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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University of Reading (n.d.) Career Management Skills on-line package. Available online. (accessed: 02 May 2013).
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