Preparing Future Professionals

Description

PFP is a two-credit hour course, which utilizes a Pass/No Pass grading system. Students engage in weekly two-hour mentoring sessions with industry recruiters, Purdue alumni, faculty and staff to discuss diverse professional environments including the skills, roles, and responsibilities as global citizens. Topics to be covered include: skills and competencies, career management, organization types and cultures, roles and responsibilities, and balancing career and personal life. GRAD 59000 is posted to the academic transcript but cannot be used to fulfill Plan of Study requirements.

Curriculum Overview

Presentations by invited professionals, representing small businesses, multi-national companies, consulting firms, federal agencies, research institutes, and non-profit organizations, will share their personal experiences and professional expertise using the framework of:

• Skills for the 21st century and what it takes to be successful in the workplace
• Career management and success strategies (job search strategies, application materials, interviewing, negotiating, and evaluations)
• Understanding organization types, environments, and cultures, including working with interdisciplinary teams
• Roles, responsibilities, and career paths of professionals with advanced degrees
• Balancing career and personal life 

Professional Portfolio development which includes job search documents (CV, résumé, cover letter, research statement and leadership philosophy), and a conceptual framework with strategies that facilitate the transition from graduate student to professionals, is the culmination project of Preparing Future Professionals course.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to do the following after the completion of the course:

• Assemble a professional portfolio, which includes job search documents (CV, resume, cover letter, research statement, and leadership philosophy).