Section outline

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    INTRODUCTION

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    Business Professional Development: Beyond the Degree

    Business Professional Development (BPD) will allow you to gain new and hone existing skills in relation to your professional development. It is unique and created especially for CoBA students. 

    With the guidance of your Executive in Residence and your proactive initiative, you will level up while BPD sets you apart from other college students nationwide!

     

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    BPD Student Orientation Kickoff

    Wednesday, September 7 from 5:30-8:00pm in the USU Ballroom.

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    Introductory Cohort Meeting

    Meet your EIR and Cohort! 

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    Professional Photo

    ADD A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO of yourself to your Cougar Community online "Profile."

    DEADLINE: December 2016.

    • Go to the Administration block on the left hand navigation
    • Open the "My Profile Settings"
    • Click the "Edit Profile" link
    • Open the "User Picture" block
    • Upload a profile photo by using either the "Add" link and the file picker OR drag and drop a photo onto the files box (dashed line).

    Note: The Career Center will provide a photo booth at both of their career fairs this academic year. Please refer to the Career Center's website for information on when the career fairs are scheduled at www.csusm.edu/career. It's a great opportunity to go to the Career Fair and meet employers as well as search for jobs/internships. 

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    BPD 1 ACTIVITIES

    BPD 1 activities should be completed by December 2016. 

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    Career Plan Pre-Assessment

    SURVEY

    Complete this brief survey for your EIR by September 5. 

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    Self-Assessment

    TYPEFOCUS ASSESSMENT

    Knowing about yourself will help you craft your career path. 

    DEADLINE: September 21

    STEP 1: Complete TypeFocus Interest and Personality Assessments

    • Click on the URL below to access TypeFocus. 
    • Use your CSUSM Cougar email to register.
    • Take the interests and personality assessments.

    STEP 2: Submit Assessments Results

    • Download your assessment results into PDF format. 
      • After logging in, click on PORTFOLIO tab. 
      • Click on ASSESSMENT RESULTS.
      • Click on PRINT REPORT.
      • Click on PRINT.
      • Save as PDF
    • Upload your assessment results into Cougar Community under Assignment for EIR to review.

    NOTE: You can do the other assessments and explore the system on your own. The only 2 we are requiring from this system at this time are the interests and personality assessments. 

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    Skills Assessment

    RATE YOUR SKILLS

    DEADLINE: September 21

    Take the skills assessment via the attached Word document. Download the document and save it. You can print it out and use a pen, or type in your answers. 

    Upload your results for your EIR to review. 

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    Passions Assessment

    DETERMINE YOUR PASSIONS

    DEADLINE: September 21

    Take the passions assessment via the attached Word document. Download the document and save it. You can print it out and use a pen, or type in your answers. 

    Upload your results for your EIR to review. 

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    Individual Development Plan Draft

    A FLEXIBLE ROADMAP

    DEADLINE for Draft: By December 2

    DEADLINE for EIR Appointment: By November 30

    Your Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a flexible document to help you set goals for your professional and personal development. 

    Your EIR will help guide you through the process.

    STEP 1: Take the Personality, Interests, Skills, and Passions assessments.

    • Assessment assignments are listed prior to this assignment on our BPD Cougar Community page. 

    STEP 2: Set up an appointment with your EIR to get started.

    • Use the IDP guide and template below to create your plan.
    • Samples are also provided to assist you.
    • Meet with your EIR between September and November.
    • Your first draft is due in December 2016, and the final IDP will be due in April 2017.
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    Job or Internship Description

    UPLOAD JOB OR INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

    DEADLINE: September 23

     

    STEP 1: Find a job or internship relevant to your future pursuits

    • Utilize CougarJobs, Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com, Portfolium, LinkedIn, or any other job search engine to find a suitable job description for an internship or entry-level recent graduate position. 
    • Create a PDF of the JD.
    • Upload it for your EIR to have access to; your resume and cover letter should be tailored to this JD.

    Use this job description (JD) to tailor your resume, cover letter, and mock interview.

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    Resume

    WRITE A RESUME

    DEADLINE: Draft Resume Due by September 30

    DEADLINE: Final Resume Due by October 14

    ***Use the Job Description you chose to write your resume.

    RESUME WRITING HOW TO's

    STEP 1: How to Write a Resume

    Use the CSUSM Career Guide below to help you with learning how to write a resume. You may also use the samples in the Career Guide for ideas. Use a blank Word document to get started.

    STEP 2: Proofread

    Once you write your draft, proofread it. Use the proofreading checklist below to assist you. 

    Additional Assistance:

    Have an alternative learning style? Attend a resume workshop hosted by the CSUSM Career Center to help you understand the ins and outs of writing a resume. You must RSVP through the Career Center site on CougarJobs prior to Career Center events.

    In addition to in person workshops, the Career Center has "webshops" on the topic. Big Interview (see Mock Interview section in Cougar Community) also has helpful resume and cover letter writing tips.

    Next

    DRAFT 1 REVISIONS

    STEP 3: Get Feedback.

    • Upload your revised draft for your EIR to review via the Resume Draft 1 Assignment function below. 
    • Once you receive feedback from your EIR, make the necessary changes.

    FINAL VERSION

    STEP 4: Submit Final Version.

    • Remember to use the checklist/rubric below to help you double check your work.
    • Submit your final copy via the Final Resume Assignment function.

    GRADING

    Resume submissions will ONLY be accepted electronically through the Assignment functions below.  Please DO NOT turn in hard copies of your resume.

    3=Yes, we would interview

    2=We might interview

    1=We will not interview

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    Cover Letter

    WRITE A COVER LETTER

    DEADLINE: Cover Letter Draft Due by October 28

    DEADLINE: Final Cover Letter Due by November 18

    ***Use the Job Description you chose to write your cover letter.

    WRITING A COVER LETTER

    STEP 1: How to Write a Cover Letter

    • Use the CSUSM Career Guide below to help you with learning how to write a cover letter. You may also use the samples in the Career Guide for ideas. Use a blank Word document to get started.

    STEP 2: Proofread

    • Once you write your draft, proofread it. Use the proofreading checklist below to assist you. 

    The CSUSM Career Center has "webshops" on the topic. Big Interview (see Mock Interview section in Cougar Community) also has helpful resume and cover letter writing tips.

    ADDITIONAL WRITING ASSISTANCE

    For grammar:

    Next

    FIRST REVIEW OF COVER LETTER

    STEP 3: Upload Your Draft.

    • After uploading your draft the the Cover Letter Draft 1 Assignment function below.

    Next

    REVISIONS

    STEP 4: Get Feedback

    • Once you receive feedback from your EIR, make the necessary changes.
    • Remember to use the checklist/rubric below to help you double check your work.
    • Submit your final copy via the Final Cover Letter Assignment function.

    GRADING

    Cover Letter submissions will ONLY be accepted electronically through the Assignment functions below.  Please DO NOT turn in hard copies of your resume.

    3=Yes, we would interview

    2=We might interview

    1=We will not interview

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    CoBA Student Organization

    VISIT AN ORG MEETING

    Visit 1-2 CoBA student organization meetings. Find one that is a good fit for your career path.

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    Cultural Competencies

    WORKSHOP

    STEP 1: Attend One of the Two Cultural Competencies Workshops.

    • 9/15 or 10/6 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    STEP 2: Complete Summary Assignment.

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    Communication Strategies

    WORKSHOP

    Step 1: Attend Only One of the Two Effective Communication Workshops.

    • 10/20 or 11/3 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    Step 2: Complete Summary Assignment.

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    Networking 101

    WORKSHOP

    STEP 1: Attend Only One of the Two Networking Workshops. 

    • 11/17 or 12/1 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    STEP 2: Complete the Summary Assignment.

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    BPD 2 ACTIVITIES

    Complete in the SPRING semester.

    However, there may be some activities you have participated in during fall semester that can count here. 

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    Mock Interview

    INTERVIEWING

    DEADLINE: Mock Interviews Due by April 14. 

    You can fulfill this requirement anytime between fall and spring semester by utilizing the Career Center mock interview service or Big Interview online system (see Tips sheet below for instructions on how to use Big Interview). 

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    Professional Branding

    WORKSHOP

    STEP 1: Attend One of the Two Professional Branding Workshops.

    • 2/2 or 2/16 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    STEP 2: Complete Summary Assignment.

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    Effective Presentations

    WORKSHOP

    STEP 1: Attend One of the Two Effective Presentations Workshops. 

    • 3/2 or 3/16 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    STEP 2: Complete the Summary Assignment. 

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    Business Ethics & Social Responsibility

    WORKSHOP

    STEP 1: Attend One of the Business Ethics & Social Responsibility Workshops.

    • 4/6 or 4/20 in Markstein 125, 11:50-12:50

    STEP 2: Complete Summary Assignment.

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    Business Etiquette Dinner

    FINE DINING

    Professional dress is required.

    You will receive dates for etiquette dinner events in the early spring semester. Choose one to attend. 

    Your grade will be attendance at the event. 

    Enjoy!

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    Networking Event

    PRACTICE YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS

    Choose a networking event to attend outside of CSUSM with some minor exceptions. A list of suggested events will be emailed to each cohort by the spring semester. 

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    Individual Development Plan Final

    A FLEXIBLE ROADMAP

    DEADLINE: Final IDP Due on May 5.

    Your Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a flexible document to help you set goals for your professional and personal development. 

    By now, you should have met with your EIR at least once or twice to discuss your plan.

    STEP 1: Re-read your plan

    • Make any necessary adjustments since the first draft.
    • If you need to do more research, take the time now to do so.
    • Set up an appointment with your EIR if you would like to discuss your plan again.

    STEP 2: Submit IDP

    • Submit the final IDP via assignment tool below. 

    There's no right or wrong answer and remember this is a fluid plan to help you reach goals. Your goals may change and that's OK!

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    Senior Experience Presentations

    RATE 2 PRESENTATIONS

    DEADLINE: May 12

    NOTE: Presentations take place between December 5-8 (fall) and May 8-11 (spring). You can attend either fall or spring semester presentations to fulfill this requirement. 

    Presentation details and time slots will be posted on the door of Mark 104 the Friday prior to the presentations. Each presentation is 30 minutes long.

    STEP 1: Attend at least 2 Senior Experience Presentations.

    • While at the presentation, rate the student presentations. 

    STEP 2: Complete the Summary Assignment Below.

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    ePortfolio

    DEMONSTRATE YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

    DEADLINE: ePortfolio Assignment Due by April 14. 

    Create an online Portfolio through Portfolium. An invitation from Portfolium will be sent to you via email in the spring semester. Follow the assignments listed in your Portfolium Course page for BPD. 

    Your ePortfolio will be assessed by your EIR and 1 lucky winner from each cohort will be entered into a final challenge against the other finalists from each cohort.

    3 grand prizes will be offered to the challenge winners. 

    Stay tuned...

    Want to get started on creating an online portfolio now prior to the assignment? Visit http://portfolios.csusm.edu/  Use your Cal State San Marcos email so that you will be recognized in Portfolium as affiliated with CSUSM.

     

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    Career Plan Post-Assessment

    SURVEY

    Complete this brief assessment for your EIR by April 7.