Career Launch and Professional Development

This unit prepares students to transition from exploration to employment by developing job-search skills, professional behaviors, and personal plans that support career sustainability. Students will practice networking, create job application materials, consider financial and wellbeing decisions, and learn strategies for turning opportunities into long-term work.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze personal interests, strengths, and barriers to set short- and long-term career goals and identify actionable steps such as internships, entry-level roles, or continuing education.
• Apply targeted job-search and networking strategies by creating a professional LinkedIn profile, drafting tailored applications, and practicing networking and interview techniques.
• Demonstrate workplace professionalism and job-readiness through role-plays and portfolio artifacts that show effective first impressions, communication, ethical behavior, and strategies for converting internships or volunteer roles into paid positions.
• Evaluate financial and wellbeing decisions impacting career sustainability by developing a basic personal financial plan (including retirement contribution options) and a professional growth/self-care plan.