Module Code - Title:
CO6002
-
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this unique module is to introduce students to the practical and employer focused elements of career management. The key aim of the module is to leverage the postgraduate qualification and enhance student career potential. This is achieved by exploring and engaging in experiential career management techniques both through effective job applications and performance at employer selection processes. Niche workshops will provide customized, programme specific skills required at a masters level. Identifying and communicating transferable skills is a key skill that masters students need to develop and this has been highlighted in the Broadening the Curriculum project. This is in line with the aims of the University's strategic plan - Pioneering and Connected to provide students with a distinctive learning experience through teaching programmes that are alive to the needs of the employment market.
Syllabus:
The employer's recruitment process and techniques, How employers evaluate and shortlist candidates, Presentation skills, Communicating your value and experience to an employer in written form - CVs, Cover Letters and Application Forms, Creating your CV, Psychometric testing - theory and practice, Assessment Centres, Group Interviews and Group Discussions, Key skills, Competency based interviews, Communicating your value to interviewers through the interview process, Anticipating interview questions, Preparing and delivering presentations linked to the employer's selection process, Receiving feedback, Negotiating terms and conditions. Employer presentations or case studies.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Differentiate between various recruitment and assessment techniques including the role of psychometric testing.
Demonstrate suitability for roles through outlining skills and experience via effective applications, CVs and Cover Letters.
Identify the stages of a company's selection process and critically assess their performance at each stage.
Produce a personal career management portfolio incorporating CV, Cover Letter and Linkedln profile targeted at an industry and role of interest.
Critically evaluate and assess their performance at each stage of the recruitment process.
Identify potential employers utilizing ilL First Destinations Reports, Careers Fairs, employer presentations, and other campus career events.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Compare their personal skillset with that required by each targeted employers.
Convince potential employers of their suitability for a particular role.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
N/A
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Research selection processes and techniques for employers of interest.
Identify key competencies sought by each employer and industry.
Research and track employment history for other ilL alumni for all targeted employers.
Prime Texts:
Innes, James, (2009)
The Interview Book
, Great Britain, Pearson Education Ltd
Bolles, RN. (2008)
What Color is Your Parachute
, Berkeley: Ten Speed
Press.
Tieger, P and Barron B. (2007)
Do What You Are
, New York; Little, Brown
and Company
Other Relevant Texts:
Hawkins, P. (1999)
The Art of Building Windmills
, Liverpool: University Liverpool
Cottrell, S. (2003)
Skills for Success
, Hampshire & New York: Palgrave Macmillan
()
Career Information Booklets and online resources- published by Gradireland, AGCAS, PROSPECTS and GTI
,
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
brendan.lally@ul.ie