Sonoma Valley Adult School & Community Education
Career Preparation
School to Career Transition
Course Overview
Introduction
Welcome to the SVAS School to Career Transition course. This course is designed to acquaint you with career exploration tools that offer an introduction to the nature of career planning, self-assessment, as well as tools for developing and creating a career action plan and portfolio.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- Express ideas clearly in writing
- Identify personal interests, skills, and competencies and apply them to career goals
- Explore labor market and career opportunities
- Develop appropriate skills, attitudes, and knowledge in order to manage career outcomes
- Complete resume and cover letter suitable for entry level position
- Explore job posting on the internet
Total hours for this course: 60
A Note to the Student
This Career Preparation course was designed specifically for Sonoma Valley Adult School students. It was developed so that you can access the course materials online via the internet, having the ability to work from school or home at your own pace.
This course will walk you as "job-seeker", through the entire process from assessing strengths and interests, exploring new career opportunities, to ultimately preparing your resume and cover letter for presentation to an employer.
Each section has written material, videos, and related assignments that must be completed in order, as each section builds on the next.
You can expect to spend at least as much time in an online section of a course as you would in a classroom section of the same course. Schedule your "class" time weekly, just as if you were physically coming into class.
There are really only a few basic requirements for taking an online course. You need a computer (or access to one), a connection to the Internet, a few software applications, some basic computer skills, familiarity with a web browser and email, and the desire to make a success of your online learning experience.
While this is an online learning experience, your teachers are always here to assist you. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
If you are using your home computer you will need the following free software programs:
Acrobat Reader 9.0 - Download a free version
QuickTime 7 to view videos - Download a free version of
If you experience technical difficulties please contact Tech Support.
Course Content
Unit 1 The Personal Journey
Self-assessment is the first step of the career planning process. During a self assessment you gather information about yourself in order to make an informed career decision. These assessments will help you discover what your strengths and weaknesses are including characteristics that are specific to who you are. This information will be necessary later when representing yourself in your résumé, cover letter, and interview.
Unit 2 Making A Living
In Unit 2 we are going to continue narrowing down our career or job choices. Understanding the reality of making a living and how it affects our choices in terms of money, interests, skills, and values is where we will focus our attention next. Find out how much money you will need and which occupation will pay for the life style you would like.
Unit 3 Résumé
The résumé is a selling tool that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employer's workplace. The most effective résumés are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer's stated requirements for the position. The more you know about the duties and skills required for the job--and organize your résumé around these points--the more effective the résumé.
Unit 4 Portfolio Development - Career Portfolio Project
A career portfolio is a binder or book that shows off your work and abilities. It goes beyond a cover letter and a résumé. A portfolio is a job-hunting tool that you develop that gives employers a picture of who you are-your experience, your education, your accomplishments, and your skills. Not only does it show the employer who you are, but it also displays what you have the potential to become. It is designed to do one thing-to support you as you market yourself!
Unit 5 Job Search Skills
