This training plan aims to empower staff and students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of career development in universities. By focusing on practical techniques and functional career services, participants will be better equipped to support students in making informed career decisions and achieving their professional goals.

Training Objectives:

1. Equip staff and students with knowledge of effective career development techniques.

2. Enhance understanding of various career services available in universities.

3. Develop skills to support students in making informed career decisions.

Training Outline:

Day 1:

Session 1: Introduction to Career Development

• Definition of career development
• Importance of career planning for students
• Role of universities in preparing students for their careers

Session 2: Career Assessment Tools

• Overview of various career assessment tools
• How to administer and interpret assessment results
• Tailoring career assessments to individual needs

Session 3: Resume Writing and Cover Letter Tips

• Key components of a strong resume and cover letter
• Dos and don'ts of resume writing
• Providing feedback on resumes and cover letters

Session 4: Interview Preparation

• Types of interviews students may encounter
• Common interview questions and how to answer them effectively
• Conducting mock interviews and providing constructive feedback

Day 2:

Session 5: Networking and Personal Branding

• Importance of networking in career development
• Strategies for effective networking both online and offline
• Building a personal brand and online presence

Session 6: Career Service Resources in Universities

• Overview of career services offered by universities
• How to access and utilize career service resources
• Collaborating with career advisors and mentors

Session 7: Internship and Job Search Strategies

• Understanding the importance of internships in career development
• Navigating job search platforms and resources
• Developing a personalized job search strategy

Session 8: Career Development Planning

• Setting SMART career goals
• Creating a career development plan
• Tracking progress and adjusting as needed

Day 3 & 4

Session 9: Supporting Students in Career Decision-Making

• Active listening and effective communication skills
• Providing guidance and resources for students
• Managing difficult conversations related to career choices.

Session 10: Role of Continuous Learning in Career Development

• Importance of lifelong learning in today's dynamic job market
• Encouraging students to pursue continuous skill development.
• Identifying opportunities for further education and professional growth

Delivery Method:

• Interactive workshops with hands-on activities
• Role-playing exercises for practical application
• Case studies and real-life scenarios for problem-solving
• Group discussions and peer-to-peer learning.

Assessment:

• Pre-training assessment to gauge participants' current knowledge and skills
• Post-training evaluation to measure learning outcomes and training effectiveness.
• Feedback sessions to gather suggestions for future improvements.

Resources Needed:

• Training materials (slides, handouts, worksheets)
• Career assessment tools
• Mock interview questions
• Networking resources
• Access to university career services
• Evaluation forms and feedback mechanisms

Trainers:

• Experienced career counsellors
• Industry professionals with expertise in career development
• Alumni who have successfully navigated their careers post-graduation.