Plan Your Career 

 

  WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Job seekers, career-changers or anyone returning to work.

You share the same goal: to define a practical path that leads to a good job.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

You planned your career with confidence and in just two weeks.

You understand yourself, your skills and your abilities.

You know how to find work that fits your interests and your chosen job market.

You understand the hiring process.

You are prepared for the interview.

You have strong references.

You showcase your bio and work history with a link to your portfolio.

 

 

This is a free, self-paced, two-week micro course.

This course is for you if:

You’re unsure what type of work fits your skills now.

You’re changing careers and want to understand the market.

You want your resume to perform better with online applications.

You need structure instead of guessing your next move.

Aim for about five hours of study per week.

 Try not to rush as stress can block learning and retention.*

    *Source: NPJ - Science of Learning

O O O O O

Day one: Welcome meeting with your instructor. 

Assignment: One page career plan for assessment.

Learning resources: Open textbook, free storyboard, handouts and course plan.

Credit: A letter from the instructor outlining skillset and successful completion.

  

“Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you

and start moving your life in that direction.”

- Chris Hadfield, astronaut 

  

 

How this course can help you

       Go from career confusion and job-search overwhelm to a focused career strategy and actionable plan in two weeks.

In two weeks, you will learn how to navigate today's career planning and job-hunting journey with part-time studying. Build your own career direction, understand where you fit within today's job market, improve your resume strategy and become a job-ready candidate. Gain clarity on where you are heading. Enjoy a sense of confidence by making informed decisions. Save time by defining the right road for you.

      This course will teach you how to -

  • Prepare for new steps that lead to success in finding work and building a promising career.
  • Study job markets, locations and the cost of living.
  • Write and format your resume package so it will be 'accepted' by automated screening systems.
  • Write, edit and 'polish' your most effective resume and cover letter. 
  • Develop and practice your interview strategy so you are prepared, at ease and impressive.
  • Make a pitch for an unadvertised job.

About your instructor 

Kate Hildebrandt taught this course at Royal Roads University for three years with undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program for Professional Communications (BAPC). Kate also worked as a communications officer with the University of Victoria for seven years where she often profiled outstanding students in faculty publications, videos, websites and the campus newsletter. She knows from first hand experience how challenging it can be to plot out a career plan early in life. Her advice: this is your private plan and you can revise it any time you want. Maybe you need to travel, take a break and focus on other things. Your passion will emerge eventually and you will pursue your own great goal in your own time. Career planning is a worthwhile exercise, not necessarily a life-long commitment.

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We offer free and Open learning resources

Your textbook 

Be the Boss of Your Career: A Complete Guide for Students + Grads, published by Algonquin College Co-op + Career Centre, January 2025. A reading list will also be provided to guide you to the most relevant sections with takeaways to achieve during your studies.

Your visual learning tool 

You will receive an illustrated storyboard showing each step within The Job Hunting Process. Print your poster and pin it up where you study so will have a handy visual resource to keep you on the track to completion.

Prerequisites

Before enrolling, take a moment to assess your readiness as we want you to succeed and enjoy your progress. In addition to having successfully completed grade 12, you will also need these skills to be effective -

What you need to succeed 

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