For this assignment, you need to write a 300+ word informal paper (no particular format, but please double-space it) about what you will need in order to apply for jobs that are currently listed in your field.
Description and Rationale: As you begin preparing for your career, it is important that you recognize the skills sets that employers require. In most every field, communication skills are listed as a top priority. For this assignment, you will conduct online research of your job title as well as jobs in your field and get an understanding of what communication skills are expected. You will then write a short paragraph about what you learned. Such investigations into your profession will provide opportunity to see what you need to learn to be prepared upon graduation. Once you know what is expected, you can begin working toward being qualified in your field.
Assignment: To begin this assignment, go to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (http://www.occupationalinfo.org/) and look up the occupation in which you expect to find yourself upon graduation or recently thereafter. Then, search three job ads (on sites such as Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com) and evaluate the job responsibilities section. Take note of the expectations and responsibilities from both the definition and the job ads that you may be less familiar with. Pay particular attention to the areas in which communication skills (writing, speaking, interpreting, presenting, translating, etc.) are required. After this search, write a short response of at least 300 words about what you learned.
Scoring Standard: This part of your assignment will be graded on the following:
- Your response is at least 300 words.
- You mention specific details from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and diverse job ads.
- You mention things you learned about your profession, making specific note of the areas in which communication skills are required.
- You do a self-analysis of areas in which you feel that you need to improve.
