The course will be seminar-based, with frequent guest speakers to enhance networking opportunities. In the seminar, students will be expected to share their findings, experiences, and writing. Students will also be expected to attend and report on a number of professional association activities during the term. At least one in-depth interview with the instructor will be required.
1. Review of Professional Readiness
Students will review
- market analysis for professional communicators
- networks and networking
- job-hunting/freelancing strategies
- cover letters and resume-writing
- professional writing and writing-related associations
- basic business skills
2. Business Skills for Writers
Students will
- identify methods of work delivery
- review and draft proposals for writing jobs
- review and draft writing-project contracts
- calculate the cost of a job and prepare an invoice
- learn how to set up a professional office
- understand basic tax requirements for self-employed communication professionals
- identify the features of a small business plan of particular importance for self-employed communication professionals
3. Portfolio Preparation
Students will
- explore current job options for work in various fields
- finalize a personal job-search plan
- produce various job packages for specific job opportunities
- make job application(s)
- practise interviewing skills
- participate in simulated job interviews, using videotapes
- finalize a personal business-development plan
- examine different styles of portfolio construction (different content and different formats)
- construct a generic portfolio
- construct a job-specific portfolio
- present the generic portfolio
Students who successfully complete this course will
- acquire further knowledge of current and emerging opportunities for professional communicators
- enhance their skills in job search and work creation
- prepare and present a portfolio of exemplary work
Students will demonstrate their mastery of course material through assignments, involvement in group work, and participation in a public event at the end of term.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Individual/group projects | 30% |
| Portfolio presentation | 30% |
| Statements of undertaking (i.e., contracts) | 30% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above | 10% |
| 100% |
Students will be required to purchase and/or prepare materials for their final portfolio, including but not limited to a suitable presentation folder and collateral items such as business cards.
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
and permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator
None
None