Econ 292, Career Seminar, Course Administration, F11, 1 cr.

            Time: W 12:10 – 1:00

            Location:  1131 NSRIC

 

Instructor Info

            Ron Deiter, Professor

            Office: 174 Heady Hall

            Office Hrs:  MWF 10-11, TR 1, other times by appointment

            E mail: rdeiter@iastate.edu; Phone: 294-5436

 

            Mike Gaul, CALS Career Services Office Director

            141 Curtiss Hall

            E mail: mikegaul@iastate.edu; Phone: 294-4725      

 

Course Goals / Objectives

1) To inform students about different job opportunities available for Ag Bus and Econ graduates.

2) To enhance students chances of success in the job search process, before or after graduation.

            3) To help students develop realistic expectations related to employment after graduation.

           

Class Website

            Address: http://www.econ.iastate.edu/classes/econ292/Deiter/

Info at this site: course administration document, unit notes, sample resumes, etc.

 

Textbook

            A textbook is NOT required.

            Noted readings in course handouts will either be recommended or required.

 

Grading

            Assigned grades will be either S (satisfactory) or F (fail)

            Requirements to receive an S grade:

                        1) Satisfactory completion of all three assignments (see below).

                        2) Acceptable attendance => no more than TWO unexcused absences.

Attendance will be taken every day.  Note, a M Oct 17 evening panel discussion will be regarded as a class session.  If you need to miss more than two classes during the semester, you will need to get prior permission from your instructor in order to still be able to pass the class.

                        3) Abide by ‘classroom etiquette’ policies outlined below.

 

Class Guests

A question and interview format will be used on days when we have guests from different career areas (4-5 such class sessions are envisioned).  You will be encouraged to ask questions as well.

 

Exams

            None to be given

 

 

Classroom Etiquette Policies (to provide an environment conducive to learning for all)

DISALLOWED behaviors during class include:

Using cell phones (including texting)

Whispering, talking, or gathering up your materials

                        Reading The Daily or other newspapers

                        Using computers

                        Wearing caps or hats

                         

RECOMMENDED  behaviors include:

                        Sitting next to an exit if you must leave early and let your instructor know in advance

                        Asking questions of your instructor (not your neighbor)

                        Taking the nearest available seat if you show up for class after the lecture has begun

                        Dressing up (i.e. business casual) on ‘guest’ days

 

            Note: if you habitually violate these policies, you will be assigned an F grade for the class.

 

Written Assignments (due dates)

 

            1) Personal resume (1st draft Sept 21, comments on peer resumes Sept 28, 2nd draft Oct 5)

Prepare a first draft resume to be critiqued by a group of fellow students.  Bring 5 copies of your first draft resume to class on Sept 21.  Bring written constructive comments on draft resumes for about 4-5 assigned fellow students on Sept 28.  Submit a second draft resume on Oct 5 along with first draft copies and comments by fellow students Oct 5.  Your final draft resume must be acceptable in terms of neatness, spelling, organization and layout, content, and overall appearance.

 

            2) Letters (1st draft Sept 28, comments on peer letters Oct 5, 2nd draft Oct 12)

Prepare first draft real or hypothetical letters of the following types: a) cover / job application, b) thank you letter following up on an interview, and c) an offer acceptance letter.  Bring 5 copies of your first draft letters to class on Sept 28.  Bring written constructive comments on draft letters for about 4-5 assigned fellow students on Oct 5.  Submit copies of second draft letters along with first draft copies and comments by fellow students on Oct 12.  Your final draft letters must be acceptable in terms of neatness, spelling, organization and layout, and content.

 

            3) Interview questions (1st draft Oct 12, comments for peers Oct 19, 2nd draft Oct 26)

Prepare first draft answers to the following potential interview questions:  a) “Tell me about yourself” and b) “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person”.  Bring 5 copies of your first draft answers to class on Oct 12.  Bring written constructive comments on draft interview responses for about 4-5 assigned fellow students on Oct 19.  Your final draft answers must be acceptable in terms of neatness, spelling, and content.

 

E mail Etiquette

Your instructors will NOT respond to any e mails addressed to them in an inappropriate, non professional manner (e.g. beginning with the word “Hey”).