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Bridgewater State University
Department of Counselor Education
Syllabus
Introduction to Career Counseling CNGC 539 3 credit graduate course Summer Session I, 2016
Instructor: Carol Crosby, Assistant Director, Career Services, Bridgewater State University
Office hours: If discussion needed, schedule an appointment via email at ccrosby@bridgew.edu
Course Description
This course is designed to provide you with active learning of the concepts, issues, trends and tools in the field of career counseling. In
this class, you will learn and practice the role of a professional counselor, working with diverse clients who are exploring and engaging in
the career decision-making process. Topics will include, but not be limited to career development theory, career assessment tools,
professional competencies, professional materials, current technology, career counseling strategies and program development,
implementation and assessment.
Required Texts
Brown, D. (2015). Career Information, Career Counseling and Career Development (11th
ed). Boston: Pearson.
Guerriero, J. M. & Allen, R. G. (1998). Key Questions in Career Counseling: Techniques to Deliver Effective Career Counseling Services.
Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Student Learning Objectives
Students completing this course will:
 Be familiar with basic career development and multicultural theories and be able to apply them in work with clients.
 Be familiar with basic counseling techniques as they relate to career counseling.
 Have a working knowledge of career life stages and career decision-making processes.
 Recognize the strengths and limitations of informal and formal career assessments and how these tools are utilized in assisting
clients’ career development.
 Have a working knowledge of current resources related to career counseling including: career assessment, technology/web-
based/media resources, and career information systems.
 Have a working knowledge of the materials needed for the career development, planning, and search processes.
CACREP Standards
The following topics within 2016 CACREP Standards: Section 5: Entry-level Specialty Areas – Career Counseling are covered in this
course.
1. Foundations: a. history and development of career counseling b. emergent theories of career development and counseling c.
principles of career development and decision making over the lifespan d. formal and informal career- and work-related tests
and assessments
2. Contextual Dimensions: c. unique needs and characteristics of multicultural and diverse populations with regard to career
exploration, employment expectations and socioeconomic issues d. factors that affect client’s attitudes toward work and their
career decision-making processes e. impact of globalization on careers and the workplace f. implication of gender roles and
responsibilities for employment, education, family and leisure g. education, training, employment trends, and labor market
information and resources that provide information about job tasks, functions, salaries, requirements and future outlooks related
to broad occupation fields and individual occupations h. resources available to assist clients in career planning, job search, and job
creation j. legal and ethical considerations specific to career counseling.
3. Practice: a. intake interview and comprehensive career assessment c. approaches to help clients acquire a set of employability,
job search, and job creation skills d. strategies to assist clients in the appropriate use of technology for career information and
planning g. planning, implementing and administering career counseling programs and services
Grading
The primary intent of this course is to provide you with the resources for you to gain both knowledge and skills for the career counselor
role. Grading for this course is focused on this purpose. See grading rubrics for each assignment on Blackboard for more details.
Career Portfolio Assignment (20 points) – Due FRIDAY, JUNE 10 by MIDNIGHT
You will submit your resume and cover letter, targeted to a specific job and organization of interest to you, in Word documents, to the
instructor at ccrosby@bridgew.edu by deadlines indicated in the syllabus. These materials must reflect your professional and academic
progression related to the field and indicate an understanding of class discussions and Blackboard materials. This assignment will
highlight the knowledge and experience you have gained to counsel clients on the preparation of professional materials.

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Interviewstream Interview Assignment (10 points) – Due WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 by MIDNIGHT
You will prepare and present professional level responses to a job interview using InterviewStream. This assignment will be graded on
professionalism, ability to response fully and concisely to interview questions, professional appearance, presence and non-verbal and
verbal communication. Instructions for access to the course’s specific assignment on InterviewStream is available on Blackboard. This
assignment will highlight the knowledge and experience you have gained to counsel clients on professional interviewing skills and
professional communication, behavior and presence.
Interviewstream Elevator Speech Assignment (10 points) – Due MONDAY, JUNE 20 by MIDNIGHT
You will prepare and present a professional-level elevator speech using InterviewStream, addressed to a potential mentor in the field of
choice. This assignment will be graded on professionalism, ability to develop a polished and concise professional introduction, content
related to field, as well as professional appearance, presence and non-verbal and verbal communication. Instructions for access to the
course’s specific assignment on InterviewStream is available on Blackboard. This assignment will highlight the knowledge and
experience you have gained to counsel clients on professional networking skills and professional communication, behavior and presence.
Career Programming Proposal (20 points) – Due FRIDAY, JUNE 24 by MIDNIGHT
You will develop a 1-2 page proposal for a program, workshop or event developed to improve students’ professional competencies, in a
setting of your field of interest. This proposal will include your goal for the programming, the audience for whom this program is
intended, the student learning objectives, a concise but detailed description of the programming including a timeline, a budget, and a
description of the assessment method that will measure student learning outcomes based on the student learning objectives. This
assignment will highlight the knowledge you have gained to develop, propose and assess career-related programming.
Classroom/Blackboard Attendance (10 points)
Because this is a hybrid, compressed course, it is essential that you commit times regularly during this semester to be available for and
attentive to viewings of workshops, materials, links and assignments on Blackboard. Similarly, it is expected that, with the exception of
a major illness or an emergency, you will attend all on-campus sessions. If you are unable to make a session, please contact the
instructor in advance of the beginning of class at ccrosby@bridgew.edu.
Active Classroom Participation (10 points)
Time in the classroom with a hybrid course is condensed. You are expected to complete on-line and off-site work by the dates indicated
in this syllabus, in order to participate fully in class discussions and activities. A career counselor role must include a solid balance of
listening and professionally communicating valuable information to a client; therefore, you will be graded on the ability to bring that
balance to the in-class setting.
Active Blackboard Webinar and Discussion Participation (20 points)
You are required to actively engage on Blackboard by opening resources on the site as well as watching the webinars to fulfull the
courses learning outcomes as well as enhance your learning experience and improve retention. There also will be Blackboard
discussions posted periodically throughout the semester and it is expected that you will contribute at least one posting to each
discussion. Grades in this category will be determined not only on this factor but also on responses that indicate a thorough knowledge
of the reading and/or viewing assignments in the course as well as learning obtained from classroom discussions and activities. As your
future as a counselor may include on-line support and advising, you will also be graded on balance of contribution as well as
professional communication in these discussions.
Schedule with Course Components
Schedule and content may be subject to changes.
Date Topics Assignment/Readings
Monday, May 23
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 1
Introductions, Review of Syllabus,
Assignments, Objectives of Course,
Career Counselor Competencies
Assignments due by May 23 class
Reading: Brown: Ch. 1 and 2; Guerriero: Ch. 1 and 2
Blackboard: Read weblinks: NACE Ethical Standards and NCDA Code
of Ethics
Wednesday, May 25
ON-LINE CLASS
Lesson 2
Assessment Instruments – Theory
and Instruments, Student
Competencies
On-line Class Assignments due by Wednesday, May 25, midnight
unless otherwise noted.
Reading: Brown: Ch. 10; Guerriero: Ch. 3 and 4
Blackboard: Review both NACE's Student Career Readiness and BSU's
Student Competencies listed below.
Blackboard: Register on FOCUS 2 and take all five assessments listed
- Work Interest, Personality, Skills, Values and Leisure. As you are
taking the assessments, prepare a list of any words that interest you

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in the questions asked, any words that come to mind as you respond
to the questions, and any occupations that interest you. Bring this list
to class on Friday, May 27th
Blackboard Discussion: Of the FOCUS assessments that you took,
which assessment appealed to you the most? Why? Which do you
feel would be of less interest to you in your future counseling session
and why?
Friday, May 27
On campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 3
Integrating Assessments into
Career Counseling, The Career
Counseling Process Model
Assignments due by Friday, May 27 class
Reading: Brown: Ch. 11;Guerriero: Ch. 4 and 5
Blackboard: Review What Can I Do With This Major resource in this
Blackboard folder. Choose one major of interest to you and print
out. Under the Area section, underline any career areas that interest
you as a potential area to work in; in the Employer section, also
underline any employer that you might be interested in working with
in the future. Bring this printout with marks to class on Friday,May
27.
Wednesday, June 1
ON-LINE CLASS
Lesson 4
Career Counseling Theories,
Developmental Theories, Career
Exploration Techniques and
Practice
On-line Class Assignments due by Wednesday, June 1, midnight unless
otherwise noted.
Reading: Brown: Chapters 3 and 4;Guerriero: Chapters 6 and 7
Blackboard: Watch the Career Counseling Session webinar and the
Using Career Counseling Theories in Counseling webinar.
Blackboard Discussion: What career counseling theories resonate
most with you? How do you see using these theories that interest
you, in your future counseling setting?
Friday, June 3
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 5
Professional Competencies:
Resumes
Advising on Resumes, Related
Resumes, Critiquing Resumes
Resume Workshop with Imbedded
Learning
Assignments due by Friday, June 3 class
Reading: Brown: Chapters 5 and 6; Guerriero: Chapters 8 and 9
Blackboard: Watch the Developing a Resume webinar and Resume
Critique webinar and read the Resume Guide. Browse through the
variety of resumes in the resume samples folder.
Other: If you have a full or draft resume, bring it to class on Friday,
June 3. There will be a question and answer about your resumes, if
time.
Monday, June 6
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 6
Professional Competencies: Cover
Letters
Advising on Cover Letter, Related
Cover Letters, Critiquing Cover
Letters
Assignments due by Monday, June class
Blackboard: Watch the Cover Letter Webinar and Cover Letter
Critique Webinar. Read the Cover Letter Guide.
Other: If you have a draft cover letter, bring it to class on Monday,
June 6. There will be a question and answer about your cover letters,
if time.
Wednesday, June 8
ON-LINE CLASS
Lesson 7
Professional Competencies:
Professional Presence
Branding, on and off line
professionalism, InterviewStream,
On-line Class Assignments due by Wednesday, June 8, midnight unless
otherwise noted.
Reading: Brown: Chapter 7
Blackboard: Watch the Professionalism Webinar. Read Dress for
Success Guide.
Look at BSU Student and Alumni Networking Group
on LinkedIn information as well as review the LinkedIn student profile
link.
Blackboard Discussion: After reviewing the Dress for
Success Webinar - There are some work cultures that your clients may
be pursuing that could change your advice on interview attire as well
as day to day attire. What cultures would be included in that list and
what would you advise your client for interviews? For day to day
attire?
Friday, June 10
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 8
Professional Competencies:
Effective Interviewing
Assignments due Friday, June 10:
Reading: Brown: Chapter 8
Blackboard: Watch Effective Interviewing Webinar and read Effective
Interviewing Guide. Register on InterviewStream and try a sample

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Advising for Interviews, The STAR
Method
interview to ensure you understand the program. Bring any questions
you have to class on Friday, June 10.
Reminder: Your Career Portfolio is due at midnight tonight, June 10.
See Blackboard folders Lesson 5 and 6 for assignment details.
Monday, June 13
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 9
Program Development, Goals and
Objectives, Budgets, Exploring
Program Opportunities
Assignments due Monday, June 13:
Reading: Brown: Chapter 9. Chapter 15, 16, 17 or 18 depending on
the environment in which you plan to advise.
Blackboard: Watch the Student to Professional Webinar.
Other: Begin formulating your idea for your program and bring idea to
class on Monday, June 13.
Wednesday, June 15
ON-LINE CLASS
Lesson 10
Professional Competencies: Job
Search, Advising on Job Searches,
Career Fairs
On-line Class Assignments due by Wednesday, June 15, midnight
unless otherwise noted.
Reading: Brown: Chapter 14
Blackboard: Watch Job Search Webinar and Career Fair webinar and
read the How To Work a Job Fair Guide and the Job Search guide.
Blackboard Discussion: Briefly describe a potential clients in your
field of interest and state what job they might choose to
pursue. What do you recommend they bookmark on Chrome or other
search engines in preparation for their job search? This list should
include at least five recommendations including job search engines;
professional organizations; and businesses that might interest them.
Reminder: Your InterviewStream Interview Assignment is due at
midnight tonight, June 15.
Friday, June 17
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 11
Program Assessment: Goals,
Student Learning Outcomes,
Assessment Options
Assignments due Friday, June 17:
Reading: Brown: Chapter 19
Blackboard: Read blog postings on assessment below.
Other: Search on BSU website for the institution's strategic priorities
and Student Affairs divisional goals. Create a list of the priorities and
the divisional goals and bring to class on Friday, June 17.
Monday, June 20
On-campus, 5-7:30
Lesson 12
Professional Competencies:
Networking; , Advising on
Networking, Networking Practices,
Elevator Speeches, High Impact
Practices
Assignments due Monday, June 20:
Reading: Brown: Chapter 13
Blackboard: Watch Networking Webinar and read Networking Guide.
Reminder: Your InterviewStream Elevator Speech Assignment is due
at midnight tonight, June 20.
Wednesday, June 22
ON-LINE CLASS
Final Project Prep – Program
Proposal and Assessment
Friday, June 24
ON-LINE CLASS
Final Project Prep – Program
Proposal and Assessment
Reminder: Your Career Programming Proposal is due at midnight
tonight, June 24.
Monday, June 27
On-campus, 5-7:30
Brief presentations of proposals,
class wrap-up
Other: Bring your submitted proposal to class. Each student will give
a brief synopsis of their program and details.
Classroom Learning Needs
Any student with a documented disability which requires academic assistance is must meet with the instructor on the first day of the
class or prior to the start of the semester to create a plan to assist you meet your academic goals and course expectations based on
your accommodations letter from the BSU Disability Resources Office
Academic Honesty
All students must abide by BSU Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of the academic honesty policy in any fashion is a serious offense
and could involve a student receiving a failing grade in this course or other academic consequences. Students must ensure that all work
done for class are their own words and properly credit outside assistance or sources where appropriate.
BSU Career Services Materials
Throughout this course, you will have access to resources prepared and developed by Career Services at BSU. You are welcome to copy
and retain these materials for your future use as a counselor. If any materials are directly copied for use in another professional setting,
please a note on the materials crediting Career Services as author of the materials.