Field experience: At least 100 supervised work hours
Seminar: 28 hours per semester
Some or all of the following methods will be used:
- supervised work experience
- independent research or project
- feedback (instructor, peer, employer) on student work
- online and in-class discussion
- presentations
- guest speakers
1. Business Skills for Professional Communicators
Students will
- review professional readiness skills (networking, resumes, interviewing), as needed.
- identify methods of work delivery.
- review and draft proposals for communication jobs.
- review and draft communication-project contracts.
- estimate the cost of a communication project and prepare an invoice.
- learn how to set up a professional office.
- understand basic tax requirements for self-employed communication professionals.
- identify the features of a small business plan of particular importance for self-employed communication professionals.
2. Professional Experience
Students will
- meet with the program coordinator to discuss and clarify their professional goals.
- with the program coordinator, develop a set of learning objectives for the professional experience.
- obtain program approval for a suitable professional experience that relates to their studies in professional communication.
- perform the duties assigned by the workplace supervisor/client.
- demonstrate an ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, clients, and/or other contractors.
- reflect on the professional experience through completing course assignments (short report, article, and oral presentation).
3. Portfolio Preparation
Students will
- finalize a job-search plan to help identify required elements in the professional portfolio.
- complete a final project (group or individual) that demonstrates their skill as a professional communicator.
- examine different styles of portfolio construction (different content and different formats).
- construct and present a professional portfolio (online and print).
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging opportunities for professional communicators.
- apply skills and strategies in a workplace or contractual position in which they are expected to perform as a professional communicator.
- identify valuable professional experience to add to their resumes.
- prepare and present a portfolio (online and print) of exemplary work.
- demonstrate enhanced collaboration and teamwork skills.
Assessment will be in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. Students will demonstrate their mastery of course material through assignments, involvement in group work, and participation in a public event at the end of term.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Professional experience | 30% |
| Final project (group or individual) | 20% |
| Portfolio development and presentation | 25% |
| Weekly journal entries | 25% |
| 100% |
Students will be required to purchase and/or prepare materials for their final portfolio, including but not limited to an internet domain name, suitable presentation folder, and collateral items such as business cards.
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
and permission of the Professional Communication Program Coordinator
None