James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

MA5890 - Professional Employability

Subject Description

This subject provides students with targeted career and employability development, anchored in the professional and vocational requirements of their industry. Students will explore their individual career goals and personal motivations, whilst building a deep understanding of current industry requirements and employment trends. The unit takes students through three developmental stages. The first stage is the enhancement of their career clarity, in particular determination of a career path and the development of a personal brand and narrative aligned to that path. Working from contemporary industry insights, participants work with actual job and employment data to enhance their professional knowledge. The second stage focuses on the specific capabilities required in their chosen career path, including both professional and technical skills. Armed with this knowledge students prepare a professional development plan to enable comprehensive career preparation and the development of a differentiated employment narrative. The final stage focusses on strategies to build professional confidence to not only successfully navigate the recruitment process but, importantly, to effectively manage a lifelong career. Strong industry engagement is a characteristic of the Professional Employability program, providing vital networking and knowledge building opportunities with authentic perspectives on career management.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate a deep understanding of the professional and technical skills required in their chosen career path through discussion of industry trends and the synthesis of a professional employability plan
• critically interpret knowledge of industry employment trends and contemporary workforce requirements in the preferred industry sector through the analysis of authentic industry and employment trends and the synthesis of a professional employability plan
• demonstrate mature self insight into their career motivators, goals and development needs through the workshops, engagement with mentors, and the articulation of a professional employability plan
• apply the core professional skills of problem solving, professional communication and team work in the consideration and solution of authentic career-oriented problem scenarios
• demonstrate understanding of how to effectively transition from higher education to employment, with the skills to effectively manage their chosen career path, through engagement with industry representatives and the formulation of a deliberate and viable professional employability plan

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Presentations - (25%)
• Invigilated > Multidraft Essays - (50%)
• Group Career Research Activity - (25%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  English Language Proficiency as required for admission to the degree, and intermediate professional communication skills.

Availabilities