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Internship/Career Development Course INTD 100-001
Course Syllabus
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Fall 2015, MWF 8:00 – 8:50 am, Burnell 131
Instructors:
Carol Crosby, Assistant Director, Career Services, Room 8, RCC, ccrosby@bridgew.edu, 508-531-1328
Diane Bell, Director, Internship Program, Room 204, RCC, diane.bell@bridgew.edu, 508-531-2632
Course Overview:
The Internship/Career Development Course is designed to prepare you for both internship opportunities
and your transition from student to professional. Students participating in the course will assess their
interests, personality and values as it relates to their career and major choices, create a resume and
other professional materials, and learn about the internship and funding process at BSU. You will also
have the opportunity to learn and practice skills essential for your transition from a student to a
professional role, covering topics including interviewing, networking and professional presence. All
participants will, at the end of the course, have developed a portfolio of professional materials, have
established a professional online and in person brand and presence, created a plan of action for
pursuing out of classroom opportunities during their remaining academic experience and advanced their
knowledge of behavior and communication in a professional environment.
Course Objectives:
By participating in this course, you will have:
 Determined and clarified personal values, interests and personality as they relate to career
choices
 Developed professional materials and established a professional on-line presence
 Advanced your knowledge of the tools available at BSU to assist with finding and funding
internships
 Actively learned and/or practiced professional skills necessary for both the interviewing process
and the job and/or internship environment
 Thought critically and proactively about the steps both academic and outside the classroom,
that you can expect to take to reach your career-focused goals while at BSU
Specific Student Learning Outcomes:
Student learning outcomes will be assessed through pre and post surveys and materials developed. It is
expected that at the end of the course, you will:
 Have developed a refined list of careers of interest;
 Have specified three internships of interest;

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 Have completed final drafts of a resume and a cover letter;
 Have established a LinkedIn profile;
 Have developed an elevator speech;
 Have completed one InterviewStream interview and had a career counselor review it;
 Have participated in an informational interview with a professional in your field of interest;
 Have developed a plan of action for future career development.
Instructional Methodology:
The course is a combination of lecture, class discussion, panel presentations, small group work and
individual assignments.
Course Texts:
Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World, Lindsey Pollack,
Harper Collins, Revised Edition, 2012
HBR Guide to Better Business Writing, Brian A. Garner, Harvard Business Review
HBR Guide to Office Politics, Karen Dillon, Harvard Business Review
HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations, Nancy Duarte, Harvard Business Review
Course Expectations:
Many assignments will require class participation to fulfill; therefore attendance is critical. If you are
not able to be in class due to emergency or illness, please email ccrosby@bridgew.edu before class
begins.
Graded Assignments Due Date Percentage of Grade
Resume Thursday, September 24 by noon 10
InterviewStream Elevator Speech Friday, October 9 at noon 10
Internship Report/Cover Letter Friday, October 16 by noon 10
LinkedIn Profile Monday, November 2 at noon 5
LinkedIn Discussion/Message Monday, November 16 at noon 5
Team Presentation November 9 or 13 10
Informational Interview Memo Tuesday, November 20 at noon 10
InterviewStream Interview Monday, November 23 at noon 10
What’s Your Brand Presentation November 30 through December 9 20
Attendance N/A 5
Participation N/A 5
Total 100%
Extra credit (5%) will be given for participation in the following activities:

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 Internship and Job Fair: Thursday, October 1, 1-3, RCC Ballroom-bring Fair handout to
instructors for evidence, with business cards from at least five employers
 Etiquette Dinner: Tuesday, November 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, register early for the Etiquette Dinner
 Accepted to Career Services Job Shadow Program, registration deadline: Wednesday, October
14 - Friday, October 30
Course Outline:
Wednesday, September 2, Class 1: Introductions
We will make general introductions, give an overview of the course and introduce on-line resources
essential for all members of the class.
Assignments:
 Take on-line Pre-Course Survey, listed on Blackboard.
 Review Syllabus on Blackboard and send any thoughts, concerns or recommendations in an email to Carol
Crosby at ccrosby@bridgew.edu and Diane Bell at diane.bell@bridgew.edu .
Friday, September 4, Class 2: Building Strong Teams
Through exploring team dynamics and functioning versus dysfunctioning teams, you will help the class
develop team/class guidelines. We will also review the syllabus in detail and you will be introduced to
FOCUS, a career assessment program.
Assignments:
 Register on FOCUS (the password is bridgew) on website listed on Blackboard. Take two assessments in
the Self Assessment section - Values and Leisure Interest Assessments. Review the occupation results,
print out and circle any occupations that interest you. Bring to class for discussion.
 Read Chapter 3 from Getting from College to Career.
 Read Introduction and Section 1, HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentation
Wednesday, September 9, Class 3: The Impact of Values in Career Decision Making
You will explore the importance of values in careers and jobs as well as participate in an exercise that will
help you select your top values in the workplace.
Assignments:
 Take two assessments on FOCUS (Link on Blackboard) in the Self Assessment section – Skills and
Personality Assessments. Review the occupation results, print out and circle any occupations that interest
you. Bring results to next class for discussion.
 Take the Kiersey Temperament Sorter (Link on Blackboard). Bring Temperament results (Guardian,
Idealist, Artisan or Rational) to next class.
 Read Section 2, HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations

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Thursday, September 10, Class 4: Personality in the Workplace
You will learn, through the Myers Briggs Typology Instrument and the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, your
strengths and challenges as they relate to a workplace setting and how personality type influences
individual perceptions, teams and work environments.
Assignments:
 Read the 2 handouts from Type in the Workplace on Blackboard.
 Read Chapter 7 from Getting from College to Career.
Friday, September 11, Class 5: Team and Individual Strengths in the Workplace
You will actively participate in a group exercise that enhances your understanding of team dynamics,
individual strengths and personality.
Assignments:
 Prepare a list of the following that pertain to you and bring on laptop to the next class: Degrees, major(s),
minor(s) and concentration(s), study abroad or study away, transfer institutions, exchange programs,
scholarships, awards, related coursework, current GPA, full-time and part-time work, internships,
volunteer, extra-curricular experience and research, computer skills, language, certifications, licenses,
field specific skills, equipment and/or technology, social media platforms, presentations, publications,
workshops you have attended or other professional development experiences.
 Bring your laptop to the next class on September 14th
.
 Read pg. p. 209-219 in Getting from College to Career.
Monday, September 14: Class 6: Building an Exceptional Resume
You will participate in an active exercise that provides you with a draft of your resume and learn how to
create a flexible resume adaptable to specific job and internship postings.
Assignments:
 Register on CareerLink.
 Complete Work Interest Assessment in FOCUS and bring a copy of results to class (listed on Blackboard).
 Review What Can I Do With This Major (listed on Blackboard) and print out any major(s) that interest you,
or if you have already selected a major, print out that major and bring copy(s) to class.
Graded Assignment:
 A final resume will be submitted via BlackBoard. See Assignment on Blackboard for further information
and due date.

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Wednesday, September 16, Class 7: Resume Review
This session will provide additional support and recommendations for the resume in preparation for the
first graded assignment. Bring your questions about resumes as well as about the upcoming assignment.
Assignments:
 Review class sessions for MBTI, team work, resume and majors and bring to next class any questions you
may have regarding these topics.
 Read Section 3 in HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.
 Watch CareerSpot video Getting Started
Friday, September 18, Class 8: Internship 101
Part 1 of this 3-part session will focus on the importance of participating in an internship and exploring
methods for seeking and choosing an internship that matches your career goals.
Assignments:
 Read Section 2, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.
 Watch CareerSpot video Making Your Resume Pop.
Extra Credit:
 Register for and attend the Etiquette Dinner held Tuesday, November 17, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and you
will receive extra credit. Don't wait to register - this program books early. See link on Blackboard for
registration site.
Monday, September 21, Class 9: Internship 102
In Part 2 of this 3-part session, you will learn how the Internship Program Office can help to fund your
non-paid internship.
Assignment:
 Read Chapter 8 from Getting from College to Career.
Wednesday, September 23, Class 10: Internship 103
In the final part of this 3-part session, you will learn how to make the most of your internship
experience.
Assignments:
 Read Section 4 in HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.

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 View CareerSpot videos: The Elevator Pitch and Career Fair Success
Friday, September 25, Class 11: Organizing Your Internship or Job Search
You will learn how to create a system for your internship or job search that fits your busy schedule.
Assignments:
 Bring your resume to next class.
 Register on InterviewStream (on Blackboard) before next class.
Monday, September 28, Class 12: How to Work a Job Fair and the Elevator Speech
You will learn how to successfully navigate a job fair including follow-up communication as well as learn
and practice a pitch that markets your professional brand. You will also learn how to use
InterviewStream to prep for job fair pitches and interviews.
Assignments:
 Read Chapters 5 and 6 from Getting from College to Career.
 Watch CareerSpot video The Interview.
 Review list of employers coming to Internship and Job Fair (link on Blackboard).
Graded Assignment:
 Record your professional elevator speech on InterviewStream for critiquing. See Assignments for details
and date due.
Extra Credit:
 The Internship and Job Fair is Thursday, October 1st from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the RCC Ballroom. Extra credit
will be given to those who attend and bring 5 recruiters' business cards to class on Friday, October 2nd.
Wednesday, September 30, Class 13: BSU Experiential Opportunities and a Plan of Action
You will learn about the various out of classroom opportunities that are available to you and begin to
develop a career plan of action for your remaining time at BSU.
Assignments:
 Bring your laptop to the next class.
 Read Section 3, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.
 Read Chapter 9 from Getting from College to Career.
 Watch CareerSpot video The Cover Letter.

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Friday, October 2, Class 14: Creating a Targeted Cover Letter
In class, you will develop a draft of a cover letter and learn how to target a cover letter to a specific job
or internship posting.
Assignments:
 Read Chapter 4 from Getting from College to Career.
 Watch CareerSpot video Keyword Search Matters
Graded Assignment:
 Submit a cover letter targeted to an internship posting for review. See Assignments on Blackboard for
details and due date.
Monday, October 5, Class 15: Effective Interviewing
You will learn how to prepare for an interview and learn the typical structure of the process. You will
also learn and practice the STAR Method of response.
Assignments:
 Review all class sessions for internships, working a job fair, experiential learning, your plan of action,
cover letters and interviewing and bring to the next class any questions you may have regarding these
topics.
 Read Section 5 in HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.
 Watch CareerSpot Video Phone Etiquette and Top Ten Interview Mistakes
Graded Assignment:
 Record professional interview on InterviewStream for critique. See Assignments on Blackboard for details
and due date.
Wednesday, October 7, Class 16: Class Review Session
Learn about the Job Shadow Program and EACE’s Road Trips Program and the application process. This
is also a time to ask any questions you may have about upcoming assignments due.
Assignments:
 Read Section 4, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.
 Watch CareerSpot video Business Casual and Interview Dress for Men or Interview Dress for Women
Extra Credit:
 Register for and commit to the Job Shadow Program During Winter Break and you will receive extra
credit. See link on Blackboard for registration process. Note: There are GPA requirements and a

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commitment contract that must be signed. To receive extra credit, you must bring a copy of your
commitment contract to class after your orientation.
Friday, October 9, Class 17: Dress for Success
You will meet Sare Arnold, Talent Acquisition Manager at Enterprise Holdings, who will present
information on and answer questions about professional and business casual attire.
Assignments:
 Prepare a letter to Sare Arnold thanking her for her presentation, using the letter in the Networking:
Choosing Connections guide, page 16, as a sample. Send the letter in an email to Ms. Arnold with blind
copies to Diane Bell (diane.bell@bridgew.edu) and Carol Crosby (ccrosby@bridgew.edu ).
 Read Appendixes, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.
 Watch CareerSpot video Informational Interviews.
Wednesday, October 14, Class 18: Networking
You will learn how, when and with whom you should network. You will learn how to use your elevator
speech in any setting to get results and how to conduct a successful informational interview. You will
also receive details on the upcoming Informational Interview Assignment.
Assignment:
 Bring your laptop to the next class.
 Watch CareerSpot videos Why Be LinkedIn? and Interview Follow-up
Graded Assignment:
 Conduct an informational interview with a professional and prepare a business memo. See Assignments
on Blackboard for details and due date.
Friday, October 16, Class 19: LinkedIn
You will, in class, create or update your LinkedIn profile, learn the components of a successful branding
profile and receive instruction on utilizing all aspects of this site for networking.
Assignments:
 Read Section 6 in HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.
 Watch CareerSpot Video Importance of Networking
Graded Assignment:
 Complete your professional LinkedIn profile. See Assignments on Blackboard for details and due date.

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Graded Assignment:
 Start a discussion or message a professional on LinkedIn. See Assignments on Blackboard for details and
due date.
Monday, October 19, Class 20: Business Writing
In Part 1 of this 2-part session, you will learn why it is important to communicate your ideas clearly and
professionally in print and online within a business setting and how to build a professional and
compelling business writing style.
Assignments:
 Read Section 7 in HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.
 Read Forbes magazine article 8 Presentation Techniques You Can Copy from Apple (on Blackboard).
Wednesday, October 21, Class 21: Business Writing
In the final section of this 2-part session, you will practice how to write professional email messages,
memos and brief letters.
Friday, October 23, Class 22: Creating a Team Presentation
You will learn effective meeting management and have the opportunity to actively apply the techniques
as you and your appointed group prepares to present a team presentation on November 9th
or 13th.
Assignments:
 Read Understanding Belbin’s Team Roles Model article on Blackboard.
 Review recent class sessions and any future assignments due and bring to class any questions you may
have.
Monday, October 26, Class 23: Team Roles and Class Review Session
We will discuss briefly Belbin’s Team Roles Model and you will have an opportunity practice this model as
you meet with your team to prepare for your team presentation. We will also leave time for review of any
preceding sessions.
Assignment:
 Work on Team Presentation.
Wednesday, October 28, Class 24: Preparing for Graduate School
You will learn what preparation is needed to research and apply for graduate school.

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Assignments:
 Read HBR on-line article on How to Give a Killer Presentation (on Blackboard).
 Work on Team Presentation.
Friday, October 30, Class 25: Effective Presentations – Visual Presentations
In this class, you will learn how to make your presentations effective and informative through the use of
various visual techniques, such as PowerPoint, Prezi and the use of photos, charts, graphs, video and
more.
Assignment:
 Work on Team Presentation.
Monday, November 2, Class 26: Effective Presentations – Speeches
You will learn the best methods to build, prepare for, and present effective speeches and view samples of
good presentations.
Assignments:
 Read Chapter 2 from Getting from College to Career.
 Review the videos below and note styles, content, use of stories, props, visuals, etc. for preparing for your
end of semester individual presentation.
Wednesday, November 4, Class 27: Wednesday, November 25, Class 35: Etiquette Dining
Katie Vagen, Career Development Coordinator in Career Services, will present dining etiquette in a
breakfast setting.
Assignments:
 Read the Introduction and Chapters 1-5 in HBR Guide to Office Politics.
 Finalize Team Presentations.
Friday, November 6, Class 28: Developing Your Brand
We will explore the concept of your personal brand, how to create a brand that markets your
professional skills and interests, and how this brand relates to your career success.
Assignments:
 Read Chapters 6-10 in HBR Guide to Office Politics.
 Finalize Team Presentations.

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Monday, November 9, Class 29: Team Presentations
Teams will present select topics to the class.
Assignment:
 Read Chapter 11 and 12 in HBR Guide to Office Politics.
Friday, November 13, Class 30: Team Presentations
Teams will present select topics to the class.
Assignments:
 Read Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 in HBR Guide to Office Politics.
 Watch CareerSpot Job Search Ethics.
Monday, November 16, Class 31: The Professional Environment
Ann Ulett, NE Sourcing Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers, will teach you how to navigate the
professional workplace environment.
Assignment:
 Work on Brand Presentation.
Wednesday, November 18, Class 32: Alumni Engagement, Individual Presentations Overview
and Review Session
You will have an opportunity to ask questions about your final presentation. You will also meet Director
Shana Murrell, Alumni Relations, and learn about your future role as a BSU alum.
Assignment:
 Work on Brand Presentation.
Friday, November 20, Class 33: The Global and Diverse Workplace
In this class, we will discuss the benefits of diversity - in its broadest sense - in an increasingly global
workforce.
Assignment:
 Work on Brand Presentation.
Monday, November 23, Class 34: Mocktail Networking

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You will learn and practice techniques for networking in a group setting.
Assignment:
 Work on Brand Presentation.
Wednesday, November 25, Class 35: Individual Presentation Questions and Review Session
We will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming individual
presentations. This will be your last session to ask questions before your individual brand presentations
begin.
Assignment:
 We will be seeking your feedback on this course. Please make notes of your thoughts, concerns and
recommendations and bring them to the final class during Finals Week.
Monday, November 30, Class 36 – Individual Brand Presentations
Students will give individual presentations highlighting their professional brand to the class and members
of the campus community.
Wednesday, December 2, Class 37 – Individual Brand Presentations
Students will give individual presentations highlighting their professional brand to the class and members
of the campus community.
Friday, December 4, Class 38 – Individual Brand Presentations
Students will give individual presentations highlighting their professional brand to the class and members
of the campus community.
Monday, December 7, Class 39 – Individual Brand Presentations
Students will give individual presentations highlighting their professional brand to the class and members
of the campus community.
Wednesday, December 9, Class 40 – Individual Brand Presentations
Students will give individual presentations highlighting their professional brand to the class and members
of the campus community.
Date TBD, Class 41 – Finals Week

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We will be seeking your feedback on the course, making further recommendations on Action Plans if
needed, and responding to any questions you may have. You will also complete a Post-course Survey while
in class. Bring your smartphone or laptop to class to complete the survey.
Graded Assignments Details:
All assignments are detailed on Blackboard and have a grading rubric.
Resume Assignment:
Your resume must be submitted in Word (not PDF) via BlackBoard by Thursday, September 24 by noon.
Use Career Services resources – either Drop Ins or appointments – for review of your resume before
handing the assignment in.
Be aware that multiple reviews of your resume by Career Services staff may be necessary before
submitting this assignment.
InterviewStream Elevator Speech Assignment:
Your professional Elevator Speech must be recorded on InterviewStream by Friday, October 9 by noon
and you must request it be reviewed by a counselor. You must, in the Assignment in Blackboard, submit
a message that you have completed this project by the deadline to receive a grade on this assignment.
Instructions: Dress in business casual or suit attire. On a computer with a webcam, go to
InterviewStream and select Conduct an Interview, then Created for Me. Open interview labelled Course
Elevator Speech and respond to the interview question with your prepared elevator speech. When you
are satisfied with your elevator speech, check off the option that requires a counselor review and submit
it.
It may take time to register and learn this program to create a polished and professional elevator
speech. Be sure to leave sufficient time to prepare for final submittal for review.
Ideal Internship/Targeted Cover Letter Assignment:
Prepare a report in Word (not PDF) listing 3 possible internship position descriptions in your desired
field. If you are planning to attend the Internship and Job Fair on Thursday, October 1, you will be able
to collect several internship position descriptions from the employers in attendance or review
CareerLink for current internships. Once you’ve found three internship positions that interest you,
please answer the following questions for each internship position description:
1. Why does this internship opportunity interest you?
2. According to the internship position description, please list your skills and talents that would
make you a great candidate for this position.
3. What skills and talents are you missing that are required for this internship opportunity?

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4. What are some ways that you can develop the necessary skill set for this internship
opportunity?
In addition, select one internship that interests you and prepare a cover letter in Word (not
PDF) targeted to that position. We recommend that you use Career Services resources – either Drop
Ins or appointments – for review of your cover letter before handing this assignment in. Be sure to bring
the internship posting with you for the counselor’s review. Be aware that multiple reviews of your cover
letter by Career Services staff may be necessary before submitting this assignment. These assignments
are both due Friday, October 16 at noon.
LinkedIn Profile Assignment:
Submit your LinkedIn Profile for acceptance at the BSU Official Alumni LinkedIn site and in the BSU
Student andAlumni Networking Group by Monday, November 2 at noon. You must also, in the
Assignment in Blackboard, submit a message that you have completed this project by the deadline to
receive a grade on this assignment.
LinkedIn Discussion or Message Assignment:
Message a professional to request advice or add a discussion to the BSU Student and Alumni Networking
Group and submit a copy of discussion thread or message on Blackboard as proof by Monday, November
16 at noon.
Team Presentation Assignment:
You will be placed on a team that will present a topic, selected in advance, to the class either November
9th
or 13th
as assigned. You must submit a brief description of the role you played in your Team
Presentation in the Assignment on Blackboard by Monday, November 16 at noon to receive an
individual grade for this assignment.
Informational Interview Memo Assignment:
A memo saved in Word (not PDF) must be submitted via Blackboard by Tuesday, November 20 at noon.
1. Arrange an informational interview on the phone or in person with a professional with whom
you do not currently have a business or personal relationship.
2. Conduct an informational interview that includes questions that provide answers for a memo for
the below-listed scenario
3. Review Section 4, p. 125 – 131 of HBR Guide to Better Business Writing, the section on Memos
and Reports for format and structure.
4. Prepare a 2-3 page, single-spaced memo on your interviewee and his or her organization. The
scenario includes:
Carol Crosby is the CEO of Maxwell Inc., for whom you work. You have been asked by the CEO to
meet with this professional and report back on both his or her background and the
organization. We are thinking of working with this group and in particular, this professional, and

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want your input regarding why the professional and his or her organization would be a group
whom you, and our company, would choose to interact with in the future.
The memo should include:
A summary (see Chapter 9, p. 49-51, and Chapter 20, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing)
including recommendations why our company should work with the professional and his or her
organization.
Details about the professional and the organization; be sure to cite all positives and
negatives. This section may be developed through both the interview and on-line research on
the organization and the professional.
A synopsis of recommendations with reasons why you came to this conclusion.
You must include 1-2 attachments to support your decision.
This should be a persuasive, compelling report to us that is written to compel us to work with the
professional and his or her organization in the near future.
InterviewStream Interview Assignment:
Your professional Interview must be recorded on InterviewStream by Monday, November 23 by noon
and requested to be reviewed by a counselor. You must, in the Assignment in Blackboard, submit a
message that you have completed this project by the deadline to receive a grade on this assignment.
Instructions: Dress in a suit. On a computer with a webcam, go to InterviewStream and select Conduct
an Interview, then Created for Me. Open interview labelled Course Interview and respond to the
interview questions. When you are satisfied with your interview, check off the option that requires a
counselor review and submit it.
It may take time to use this program to create a polished and professional interview. Be sure to leave
time to prepare for final submittal for review.
What’s Your Brand? Presentation Assignment:
You will present one ten minute “Ted Talk” for the class and community during a class period, as
assigned, November 30, December 2, December 4, December 7 or December 9. You will be presenting
to us (recruiters and employees of Maxwell Inc.) and highlighting why we should hire you. This
presentation should include visuals, handouts, and verbal presentation. You must wear a suit. You
must submit your visual presentation via Blackboard by December 14 to receive a grade for this
assignment.