Workplace Readiness

Course Number:
BA 280B
Transcript Title:
Workplace Readiness
Created:
Jul 27, 2022
Updated:
May 01, 2026
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Hours:
11
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
3
Prerequisites

Corequisite
BA 280A

Course Description

Supplements workplace experience through structured reflection, feedback sessions, and instruction in workplace readiness; links field experience to career planning through job search materials, professional portfolios, and workplace expectations. May be repeated a maximum of four times. Co-requisite: BA 280A.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop a professional job search portfolio including a resume, cover letter, responses to common interview questions, and a job search plan.

  • Write a job description.

  • Solve workplace problems.

  • Apply time management skills.

  • Apply appropriate on-the-job stress management techniques.

  • Evaluate how field experience relates to personal career goals.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Department assessment strategies suggestions:
Assessment may include: performance in class seminar evaluation, journaling, reports, class participation and assignments.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Develop a professional job search portfolio including a resume, cover letter, responses to common interview questions, and a job search plan.

  • Resume development

    • Formatting and structure

    • Tailoring to specific roles

    • Translating experience into skills

  • Cover letter writing

    • Customization for job postings

    • Tone and professionalism

  • Interview preparation

    • Common behavioral and situational questions

    • STAR method basics

  • Job search strategy

    • Identifying target roles/industries

    • Networking basics (LinkedIn, informational interviews)

  • Portfolio assembly

    • Organizing documents

    • Digital vs. print formats

Outcome #2: Write a job description.

  • Components of a job description

    • Job title, summary, responsibilities, qualifications

  • Differentiating tasks vs. responsibilities

  • Writing for clarity and specificity

  • Aligning job duties with organizational needs

  • Basic legal/ethical considerations (non-discriminatory language)

Outcome #3: Solve workplace problems.

  • Types of workplace problems

    • Operational, interpersonal, ethical

  • Problem identification

    • Root cause vs. symptoms

  • Decision-making frameworks (basic)

    • Pros/cons, stakeholder impact

  • Generating and evaluating solutions

  • Communicating solutions in a workplace setting

Outcome #4: Apply time management skills.

  • Prioritization techniques

    • Urgent vs. important (basic matrix)

  • Scheduling and planning

    • Daily/weekly planning tools

  • Managing deadlines

  • Reducing procrastination

  • Balancing multiple responsibilities

Outcome #5: Apply appropriate on-the-job stress management techniques.

  • Identifying workplace stressors

  • Recognizing signs of stress

  • Basic coping strategies

    • Breaks, task management, communication

  • Maintaining professionalism under pressure

  • Work-life balance considerations

Outcome #6: Evaluate how field experience relates to personal career goals.

  • Reflective practices

    • Journaling, guided reflection prompts

  • Assessing fit

    • Skills, interests, values

  • Identifying strengths and development areas

  • Connecting experience to career pathways

  • Adjusting career goals based on experience

Suggested Texts and Materials

  • “Your Career: How to Make it Happen”, 11th edition © 2026; Owens/Kadakia/Sims; Cengage Leaning