Lori Rodriguez

Implementing workplace norms and practices in the classroom model behaviors necessary for career success.

Model the behaviors you want to see from your staff.

No expectation of having students assess interests and aptitudes. 

As far as I can tell there is very little attention paid to career exploration activities.  Students are required to complete a "career plan" but it's based only on their own self-reported ideas not on any assessments or exploration activities. 

Excellent content on effective communication.  It is often assumed that people are naturally good at communication but it truly is a skill that needs to be explicitly taught and practiced.  This section was full of excellent strategies and exercises for doing just that. 

I liked the creative ways to teach the importance of first impressions and that it take only 10-30 seconds for someone to form an opinon of you based on your appearance.  This type of face to face interaction seems to be very stressful for students and any strategies we can give them to overcome their anxiety will be so important for thier success. 

I love all the suggested role plays and activities that will help student practice the particular task whether it's determining appropriate references or listing skills and qualifications based on previous experiences.  Also, the tracking piece is very important.

Althought this content is familiar to me it reititerated the importance of taking time to practice each step of the job search process and not allow students to being applying for jobs without first thinking through what they really want and how specifically they can go about seeking that.