Job Acquisition and Early Career Skills

This unit prepares students to identify hiring decision-makers, pursue job opportunities ethically, and perform effectively in interviews and early-career workplace situations. Students practice negotiation, networking, follow-up, basic management and emotional intelligence, and create polished application materials to increase employability.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze employer hiring processes and identify key decision-makers by using at least three sourcing techniques (e.g., targeted networking, LinkedIn, hiring manager research)
• Apply effective job-search and interview strategies — including tailored resumes, professional online presence, call-email-call follow-up, and post-interview tactics — to secure interview opportunities
• Demonstrate workplace communication, meeting management, negotiation, feedback, and conflict-resolution skills by participating in simulated interviews, negotiations, and managerial scenarios
• Evaluate personal career-readiness options (education, non-degree pathways, legal considerations, prioritization, and emotional intelligence) and develop an action plan to improve hireability and early-career success