easyScholars: Total Career Prep

Session 1: Understanding Professional Communication

• The Communication Cycle: Sender, Receiver, Message, Channel, Feedback.
• Importance of Clear Communication in the Workplace.
• Barriers to Effective Communication & How to Overcome Them.
• Verbal vs. Non-Verbal vs. Written Communication.

Session 2: Mastering Verbal Clarity

• Speaking Clearly: Pace, Tone, Volume, and Articulation.
• Choosing Appropriate Language for Professional Settings (Avoiding slang/jargon).
• Organizing Your Thoughts Before Speaking.
• Asking Effective Questions & Seeking Clarification.

Session 3: The Art of Active Listening

• Difference Between Hearing and Active Listening.
• Techniques for Active Listening: Paying Attention, Showing You’re Listening (Nodding, Summarizing).
• Paraphrasing and Reflecting to Ensure Understanding.
• Responding Thoughtfully.

Session 4: Professional Written Communication Basics (Email Focus)

• Structure of a Professional Email: Subject Line, Salutation, Body, Closing, Signature.
• Crafting Clear and Concise Email Messages.
• Email Etiquette: Tone, Formality, CC/BCC, Attachments, Promptness.
• Common Email Scenarios: Requests, Information Sharing, Thank You Notes.
• Proofreading Techniques for Error-Free Emails.

Session 5: Understanding Non-Verbal Cues

• Importance of Body Language: Posture, Gestures, Facial Expressions.
• Maintaining Appropriate Eye Contact.
• Interpreting Non-Verbal Signals from Others.
• Ensuring Your Non-Verbal Cues Align with Your Verbal Message.

Session 6: Planning Your Presentation

• Defining the Purpose and Objective of Your Presentation.
• Understanding Your Audience.
• Structuring a Simple Presentation: Introduction, Key Points (2-3), Conclusion.

Session 7: Delivering with Clarity

• Speaking Confidently and Clearly.
• Using Simple Visual Aids (if any) Effectively.
• Engaging the Audience (Asking questions, making eye contact).
• Managing Time Effectively During a Short Presentation.

Session 8: Understanding Team Dynamics

• Importance of Teamwork in Organizations.
• Different Roles within a Team (Leader, Contributor, Supporter).
• Stages of Team Development (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing – basic overview).

Session 9: Contributing Effectively in a Team

• Sharing Ideas and Information Openly.
• Respecting Diverse Perspectives and Opinions.
• Being Reliable and Accountable for Your Tasks.
• Supporting Team Members.

Session 10: Basic Conflict Resolution

• Understanding Common Sources of Workplace Conflict.
• Approaches to Resolving Minor Conflicts Constructively.
• Focusing on Solutions, Not Blame.
• Knowing When to Escalate an Issue.

Session 11: Introduction to Problem-Solving

• Defining a Problem Clearly.
• Importance of Analytical Thinking.
• A Simple Problem-Solving Framework (e.g., Define, Analyze, Identify Solutions, Implement, Review – DASI-R).

Session 12: Analyzing Issues Systematically

• Gathering Relevant Information.
• Identifying Root Causes vs. Symptoms (5 Whys Technique – basic).
• Breaking Down Complex Problems into Smaller Parts.

Session 13: Finding & Evaluating Solutions

• Brainstorming Potential Solutions.
• Evaluating Pros and Cons of Different Options.
• Choosing the Most Appropriate Solution.

Session 14: Introduction to Critical Thinking

• What is Critical Thinking? (Questioning assumptions, evaluating information).
• Distinguishing Fact from Opinion.
• Thinking Logically and Rationally.

Session 15: Understanding Professionalism

• Core Attributes of a Professional: Integrity, Responsibility, Respect.
• Importance of Punctuality and Attendance.
• Accountability for Your Actions and Work.
• Maintaining a Positive Attitude.

Session 16: Workplace Etiquette & Conduct

• Appropriate Dress Code and Grooming (General guidelines).
• Office Demeanor: Behavior in common areas, managing noise levels.
• Respecting Personal Space and Company Property.
• Mobile Phone Etiquette in the Workplace.

Session 17: Online Meeting Etiquette

• Preparing for Virtual Meetings (Tech check, background, lighting).
• Joining on Time, Muting/Unmuting Appropriately.
• Engaging Actively in Virtual Discussions.
• Professional Appearance on Camera.

Session 18: Embracing Change & Flexibility

• Understanding Why Adaptability is Crucial in Today’s Workplace.
• Being Open to New Ideas and Ways of Working.
• Coping with Unexpected Changes and Challenges.

Session 19: Cultivating a Learning Mindset

• Importance of Continuous Learning and Skill Development.
• Seeking Feedback for Growth.
• Learning from Mistakes and Setbacks.
• Staying Curious and Proactive in Learning.

Key Learning Outcomes (Module 1):

Learners can communicate clearly and professionally in various workplace settings, make basic presentations, participate effectively in teams, apply simple frameworks to approach problems systematically, demonstrate understanding of workplace professionalism and etiquette, and appreciate the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Activities (Module 1):

• Communication: Role-playing (introductions, professional phone calls, simple discussions, giving/receiving feedback), email drafting exercises for various scenarios, peer review of written communication.
• Presentation: Short individual presentations (2-3 minutes) on familiar topics with peer feedback.
• Teamwork: Group problem-solving tasks, collaborative mini-projects, discussions on team dynamics.
• Problem-Solving: Analyzing simple case studies, applying the DASI-R framework to hypothetical problems.
• Professionalism: Discussions on workplace scenarios, self-assessment of professional habits, case studies on etiquette blunders and best practices.
• Adaptability: Self-reflection exercises on handling change, discussions on industry trends requiring new skills.

Session 20: Introduction to LinkedIn for Professionals

• Why LinkedIn is Essential for Career Building.
• Understanding Different Sections of a LinkedIn Profile.
• Setting Profile Visibility and Privacy Settings.

Session 21: Crafting a Compelling Headline & Summary

• Writing a Keyword-Rich Headline that Attracts Recruiters.
• Developing a Professional Summary/About Section (Highlighting skills, aspirations, even for freshers using projects/internships).

Session 22: Detailing Experience & Education

• Effectively Listing Internships, Projects, Volunteer Work (for freshers).
• Quantifying Achievements and Responsibilities.
• Properly Showcasing Educational Qualifications and Certifications.

Session 23: Skills, Endorsements & Recommendations

• Identifying and Adding Relevant Skills (Hard & Soft).
• Understanding the Value of Endorsements.
• How to Politely Request Recommendations (and from whom).
• Adding a Professional Profile Photo and Background Image.

Session 24: Finding Relevant Connections

• Searching for Alumni, Industry Professionals, Recruiters.
• Using LinkedIn Groups Effectively.
• Identifying People Working in Target Companies.

Session 25: Sending Appropriate Connection Requests & Messages

• Personalizing Connection Requests (Why you want to connect).
• Crafting Professional Introduction Messages.
• Engaging with Connections’ Content (Likes, Comments, Shares).
• Dos and Don’ts of LinkedIn Messaging.

Session 26: Overview of Popular Indian Job Boards

• Introduction to Naukri.com, Internshala, Indeed, Shine, etc.
• Creating and Optimizing Profiles on Key Job Boards.

Session 27: Maximizing Job Board Searches

• Using Advanced Search Filters Effectively (Location, Experience, Industry, Salary).
• Setting Up Job Alerts for Relevant Openings.
• Understanding Keywords for Job Searches.

Session 28: Applying for Jobs via Portals

• Best Practices for Online Applications.
• Tracking Applications and Following Up (where appropriate).
• Identifying and Avoiding Fake Job Postings.

Session 29: Managing Your Digital Footprint

• Understanding What a Digital Footprint is.
• Googling Yourself: Assessing Your Online Presence.
• Ensuring Professionalism on Other Social Media (Privacy settings).
• Building a Positive Narrative Online.

Session 30: Researching Target Companies Online

• Using Company Websites, LinkedIn Pages, Glassdoor, News Articles.
• Finding Information on Company Culture, Values, Products/Services, Recent News.
• Understanding a Company’s Mission and Vision.
• Identifying Key People in the Organization.

Key Learning Outcomes (Module 2)

 Learners can create a fully optimized and professional LinkedIn profile, identify and connect with relevant professionals online, use major Indian job boards efficiently to find and apply for openings, manage their online reputation proactively, and research potential employers effectively to tailor applications and prepare for interviews.

Activities (Module 2):

• Live LinkedIn profile creation/review workshop with peer and instructor feedback.
• Guided exercises for searching jobs and professionals on LinkedIn and Naukri.
• Drafting personalized LinkedIn connection requests and messages for different scenarios.
• Company research assignments with presentations on findings.
• Group discussion on managing online reputation and digital etiquette.

Session 31: Understanding the Purpose of a CV/Resume

• Role of a CV in the Job Application Process.
• Differences Between a CV and a Resume (and Indian context).
• Key Qualities of a Successful CV.

Session 32: Choosing the Right Format

• Chronological Format: When and How to Use It.
• Functional Format: When and How to Use It (less common for freshers but good to know).
• Combination Format: Blending the Best of Both.
• Standard Length and Layout Practices in India.

Session 33: Essential Sections of a CV

• Contact Information: Accuracy and Professionalism.
• Professional Summary/Objective: Crafting a Powerful Opening Statement.
• Education: Detailing Qualifications Correctly.
• Skills: Technical Skills, Soft Skills, Language Proficiency.
• Projects/Internships/Work Experience: Highlighting Relevant Experiences.
• Achievements & Awards: Showcasing Accomplishments.
• Optional Sections: Hobbies (if relevant), References (policy).

Session 34: Using Action Verbs & Powerful Language

• • Starting Bullet Points with Strong Action Verbs.
  • List of Common Action Verbs for Different Skills/Achievements.
  • Using Professional and Concise Language.

Session 35: Quantifying Achievements

• • Importance of Using Numbers and Data to Showcase Impact.
  • Examples of Quantifying Achievements (even from academic projects or internships).
  • Focusing on Results and Outcomes, Not Just Duties.

Session 36: Highlighting Skills Effectively

• • Integrating Skills into the Experience/Projects Section.
  • Creating a Dedicated Skills Section (Categorizing skills).
  • Matching Your Skills to Job Description Keywords.

Session 37: Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

• How ATS Software Works: Scanning and Ranking CVs.
• Common Reasons CVs Get Rejected by ATS.
• Formatting Best Practices for ATS (Fonts, Layout, Avoiding Graphics/Tables).

Session 38: Keyword Optimization for ATS

• Identifying Keywords from Job Descriptions.
• Strategically Incorporating Keywords into Your CV.
• Using Industry-Standard Terminology.

Session 39: Tailoring Your CV for Each Application

• Why a Generic CV is Ineffective.
• Analyzing the Job Description to Identify Key Requirements.
• Customizing Your Summary, Skills, and Experience Sections.
• Creating a Master CV and Tailoring Variations.

Session 40: Purpose and Importance of a Cover Letter

• When to Submit a Cover Letter.
• How a Cover Letter Complements Your CV.
• Expressing Your Motivation and Fit for the Role.

Session 41: Cover Letter Structure & Content

• Standard Format: Your Contact Info, Date, Employer Contact Info, Salutation.
• Introduction: Stating the Position You’re Applying For and Where You Saw It.
• Body Paragraphs: Matching Your Skills/Experience to 2-3 Key Job Requirements, Showcasing Enthusiasm.
• Conclusion: Reaffirming Interest, Call to Action (Requesting an interview).
• Professional Closing and Signature.

Session 42: Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter

• Tailoring Your Cover Letter to Each Specific Job and Company.
• Maintaining a Professional and Confident Tone.
• Proofreading for Errors.

Session 43: Introduction to Portfolios (If Applicable)

• Understanding When a Portfolio is Beneficial (Design, Writing, Tech projects).
• Types of Work to Include in a Portfolio.
• Online Portfolio Platforms vs. PDF Portfolios.
• How to Refer to Your Portfolio in Your CV/Cover Letter.

Key Learning Outcomes (Module 3)

Learners can draft/revise a professional, well-structured, and impactful CV tailored to specific roles, write a compelling and customized cover letter that highlights their suitability, understand how ATS systems screen applications and optimize their documents accordingly, and know when and how to present project work through a portfolio.

Activities (Module 3):

• CV writing workshop with examples and templates (Indian context).
• Peer review and instructor feedback sessions for CVs.
• Cover letter drafting exercises based on sample job descriptions.
• Identifying keywords from job ads and incorporating them into sample CVs.
• Discussion and examples of good vs. bad CVs/Cover Letters.
• Mini-project: Create a tailored CV and Cover Letter for a chosen job ad.

Session 44: Deep Dive into Interview Types

• Screening Interviews (Phone/Video): Purpose, common questions, how to pass.
• HR Interviews: Focus areas (cultural fit, salary expectations, policies).
• Behavioral Interviews: Understanding the rationale, preparing story-based answers.
• Situational/Scenario-Based Interviews: How to approach hypothetical problems.
• Technical Interviews (Introduction & Common Approaches for Freshers): What to expect, problem-solving frameworks, clarifying questions.
• Panel Interviews: Dynamics, addressing multiple interviewers.
• Group Interviews/Discussions: Assessing teamwork and communication.
• Stress Interviews: Identifying them and strategies to remain composed.

Session 45: Thorough Preparation Strategies

• Advanced Company Research: Beyond the website (competitors, industry news, recent achievements, challenges).
• In-depth Role Analysis: Deconstructing the Job Description, identifying key skills and responsibilities.
• Connecting Your Profile to the Role: Mapping your skills/experiences to the job requirements.
• Anticipating Questions Based on Your CV and the JD.
• Preparing Your Own Insightful Questions to Ask the Interviewer (demonstrating engagement and interest).

Session 46: Crafting Your Narrative – “Tell Me About Yourself”

• Structuring a concise, compelling, and relevant personal introduction (elevator pitch for interviews).
• Highlighting key strengths, experiences, and career goals.
• Tailoring your introduction to the specific role.

Session 47: Answering “Strengths & Weaknesses” Effectively

• Identifying genuine strengths with relevant examples.
• Presenting weaknesses constructively (acknowledging, showing steps to improve, focusing on professional aspects).
• Avoiding clichés and providing authentic answers.

Session 48: Addressing Motivational & Fit Questions

• “Why are you interested in this role/company?” (Showing genuine interest and research).
• “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” (Aligning personal goals with company growth).
• “Why should we hire you?” (Crafting a unique selling proposition).

Session 49: Advanced STAR Method Application for Behavioral Questions

• Recap of STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Developing a bank of detailed stories for common behavioral competencies (Teamwork, Leadership, Problem-Solving, Conflict Resolution, Adaptability, Initiative, Failure).
• Focusing on specific actions taken and quantifying results.
• Ensuring stories are concise, engaging, and relevant.

Session 50: Practicing Responses to Behavioral Questions

• Workshop: Developing and refining STAR stories.
• Peer practice and feedback on story delivery.
• Examples: “Describe a time you faced a challenge,” “Tell me about a time you worked in a team,” “Give an example of your leadership ability.”

Session 51: Addressing Gaps, Weaknesses & Failures

• Strategies for discussing employment gaps or academic weaknesses honestly and positively.
• How to talk about failures or mistakes as learning experiences.
• Maintaining composure when faced with challenging questions.

Session 52: Discussing Salary Expectations (Basics for Freshers)

• Researching typical salary ranges for the role and industry in India.
• How to respond when asked about salary expectations (focusing on industry standards, openness to discussion).
• Understanding CTC and its components (brief overview).
• Basic negotiation principles (primarily for those with some prior experience or exceptional skills).

Session 53: Tackling Tricky Hypothetical & Stress Questions

• Approaches to situational judgment questions (“What would you do if…?”).
• Techniques for thinking under pressure.
• Maintaining professionalism during stress interview tactics (if encountered).

Session 54: Communication Nuances in Interviews

• Importance of Tone, Pacing, and Enthusiasm.
• Active Listening Skills during the interview (nodding, clarifying).
• Using professional language and avoiding fillers (“um,” “uh”).
• Projecting confidence through verbal and non-verbal cues.

Session 55: Virtual Interview Best Practices

• Setting up a professional virtual interview environment (background, lighting, camera angle).
• Testing technology beforehand.
• Engaging effectively on camera, maintaining eye contact with the lens.
• Minimizing distractions.

Session 56-57: Mock Interview Rounds

• Round 1: HR Screening & Common Questions (Individual Mocks).
• Round 2: Behavioral Interview Deep Dive using STAR (Individual Mocks).
• Round 3: Panel or Group Interview Simulation (if feasible, or individual mock simulating panel).
• (Optional) Round 4: Basic Technical Q&A for relevant roles (e.g., for IT/Engineering freshers focusing on project understanding and fundamentals).
• Each mock interview followed by detailed, constructive feedback (verbal and written).
• Focus on answer content, delivery, body language, and overall impact.
• Video recording of mocks for self-review (highly recommended).

Session 58: Effective Post-Interview Follow-Up

• Importance of sending a thank-you note/email.
• Key elements of a professional thank-you note (personalization, reiterating interest, mentioning key discussion points).
• Timing for follow-up.

Session 59: Handling Interview Feedback & Rejection

• How to ask for feedback if not offered.
• Learning from unsuccessful interviews.
• Maintaining motivation and resilience during the job search.

Session 60: Final Q&A and Confidence Building

• Addressing any lingering questions or concerns.
• Reinforcing key strategies and techniques.
• Final tips for exuding confidence and making a positive lasting impression.

Key Learning Outcomes:

Learners can thoroughly prepare for diverse interview types, confidently and effectively answer a wide range of questions (common, behavioral, tricky) using structured methods like STAR, handle difficult scenarios and salary discussions professionally, excel in both virtual and in-person interview settings, and effectively follow up post-interview while continuously improving their approach.

Activities

Extensive Q&A practice sessions for all types of questions.

• Advanced STAR story development workshops with peer and instructor review.
• Multiple rounds of recorded mock interviews (one-on-one, peer-to-peer, instructor-led) simulating different formats, with detailed feedback rubrics.
• Virtual interview simulation exercises focusing on tech setup and on-camera presence.
• Case studies and role-playing on handling tough questions, salary negotiations, and panel dynamics.
• Drafting personalized thank-you notes for various scenarios.

Workshops on researching companies and roles from an interview perspective

Session 61: Introduction to Generative AI in the Workplace

• What is Generative AI? (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini/Bard, Microsoft Copilot).
• Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs) – Simple Explanation.
• Key Capabilities: Text generation, summarization, translation, Q&A, idea generation.
• Real-world examples of AI in various job roles and industries in India.

Session 62: Effective Prompt Engineering Basics

• The Art of “Asking AI Right”: Why prompt quality matters.
• Key Elements of a Good Prompt: Defining Role, Context, Task, Format, Tone.
• Iterative Prompting: Refining requests for better and more specific AI outputs.
• Experimenting with different phrasing and providing examples to AI.

Session 63: Using AI for Job Search Enhancement

• Brainstorming career paths and identifying relevant keywords for your profile.
• Enhancing CV/Resume Drafts: Improving phrasing, checking grammar, generating bullet points (with human oversight and editing).
• Developing Cover Letter Ideas and Outlines (customization is key).
• Generating Practice Interview Questions (behavioral, role-specific).
• Summarizing company information and industry research.

Session 64: AI for Professional Communication & Content Creation

• Drafting Professional Emails for Various Scenarios (requests, follow-ups, information sharing – always review and personalize).
• Generating Ideas for Presentations or Reports.
• Summarizing Long Articles, Reports, or Meeting Transcripts.
• Assisting with Basic Content Creation (e.g., social media posts for professional branding – with human review).

Session 65: AI for Learning & Productivity

• Using AI to Explain Complex Topics or Concepts Simply.
• Basic Task Management Ideas Using AI (e.g., creating to-do lists from notes).
• Language Translation Basics for understanding documents.
• Exploring AI-powered tools for note-taking and scheduling (overview).

Session 66: Ethical Use, Limitations & Future of AI

• Understanding Potential Biases in AI Models.
• Data Privacy Concerns When Using AI Tools.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Using AI as an assistant, not a replacement for original thought.
• The Importance of Fact-Checking and Critically Evaluating AI Output.
• Future Trends: How AI might continue to evolve in the workplace.

Session 67: Excel Foundations & Essential Formulas Recap

• Quick Review: Excel interface, cells, ranges, basic arithmetic formulas.
• Absolute vs. Relative Cell Referencing ($ symbol).
• Essential Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN.
• Text Functions: CONCATENATE (or &), LEFT, RIGHT, MID, LEN, TRIM, FIND, SUBSTITUTE.
• Date & Time Functions: TODAY, NOW, DATE, YEAR, MONTH, DAY, DATEDIF.

Session 68: Logical Functions & Conditional Logic

• IF Function: Simple conditions and nested IF statements.
• AND, OR, NOT Functions: Combining multiple conditions.
• COUNTIF(S), SUMIF(S), AVERAGEIF(S): Conditional aggregation.

Session 69: Lookup & Reference Functions

• VLOOKUP: Understanding arguments, common errors, and best practices.
• HLOOKUP: Horizontal lookups.
• INDEX & MATCH: Powerful and flexible alternative to VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP.
• XLOOKUP: The modern successor

Session 70: Data Cleaning & Formatting Techniques

• Text to Columns: Splitting data from one cell into multiple.
• Removing Duplicate Values.
• Data Validation: Creating drop-down lists, setting input criteria (numbers, dates, text length).
• Conditional Formatting: Highlighting cells based on rules (e.g., values above/below average, duplicates, specific text).
• Sorting Data (single and multi-level).
• Filtering Data (AutoFilter, Advanced Filter basics).

Session 71: Introduction to Power Query (Get & Transform Data)

• Importing Data from Various Sources (Text/CSV files, other Excel workbooks, basic web import).
• Basic Data Transformation Steps in Power Query Editor (removing columns, changing data types, filtering rows, simple merges/appends).
• Loading Transformed Data back to Excel.

Session 72-73: PivotTables & PivotCharts for Insightful Summaries

• Creating PivotTables from a data range or Excel Table.
• Understanding PivotTable Fields (Rows, Columns, Values, Filters).
• Summarizing Values (Sum, Count, Average, Max, Min).
• Grouping Data in PivotTables (by dates, numbers, text).
• Using Slicers and Timelines for Interactive Filtering.
• Creating Calculated Fields and Items in PivotTables.
• Formatting PivotTables for Readability.
• Creating PivotCharts from PivotTable data.

Session 74-75: Data Visualization & Basic Dashboards

• Choosing the Right Chart Type (Bar, Column, Line, Pie, Scatter).
• Creating Effective Charts: Titles, Labels, Legends, Formatting.
• Sparklines: Mini charts within a cell.
• Introduction to Dashboards: Principles of good dashboard design.
• Combining multiple charts, PivotTables, and Slicers on one sheet to create a simple interactive report.
• Using basic form controls (e.g., drop-down lists) to make dashboards dynamic (introductory).

Session 76: Introduction to Macros for Automation (Basic Recording)

• Understanding What Macros Are and Their Use Cases.
• Enabling the Developer Tab in Excel.
• Recording Simple Macros to Automate Repetitive Formatting or Data Entry Tasks.
• Running a Recorded Macro.
• Assigning Macros to Buttons or Quick Access Toolbar (Basics).
• Understanding Macro Security.

Session 77: Effective Use of Google Workspace/Microsoft Office 365 Basics

• Overview of Cloud Collaboration: Google Drive/Docs/Sheets/Slides & OneDrive/Word Online/Excel Online/PowerPoint Online.
• Real-time Co-editing and Sharing Documents.
• Version History and Commenting Features.
• Basic Calendar Management (Google Calendar/Outlook Calendar) for scheduling meetings.

Session 78: Introduction to Project Management & Task Tracking Concepts

• What is Project Management? (Simple definition).
• Basic Task Management Principles: Creating tasks, setting deadlines, tracking progress.
• Introduction to Simple Task Management Tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, Microsoft Planner – overview of Kanban boards and lists).
• Collaborative Task Updates.

Session 79: Professional Use of Online Meeting Tools

• Features of common tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams): Screen sharing, chat, recording, polls.
• Preparing for and Hosting Effective Virtual Meetings (Agenda, roles, time management).
• Engaging Participants in an Online Environment.

Key Learning Outcomes

 Learners can effectively and ethically use generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) for specific career-related tasks (job search, communication) and general productivity enhancements. They will be able to perform advanced data analysis, cleaning, visualization, and reporting in Excel using a range of formulas, functions, PivotTables, and basic dashboarding techniques. Learners will also understand the fundamentals of common cloud collaboration and basic project/task management tools.

Activities

• AI: Prompt writing exercises for various scenarios (e.g., draft an email to a recruiter, summarize an article, generate interview questions for a specific role). Using AI to refine sample CVs or cover letters (with critical review). Ethical case study discussions.
• Excel: Hands-on labs for each Excel topic (creating specific formulas, cleaning datasets, building PivotTable reports from sample data, creating charts and a simple dashboard project). Mini-projects involving data analysis of a given dataset.
• Collaboration Tools: Group activity involving co-editing a document in Google Docs/Word Online. Setting up and managing a mock project in Trello or a similar tool. Practicing scheduling meetings using Google Calendar/Outlook.

Session  80: Career Portfolio Development Workshop

• Understanding the purpose of a career portfolio (showcasing skills and projects).
• What to include: Best resume, tailored cover letter samples, LinkedIn profile link, project summaries (from academics or this course), certificates, letters of recommendation (if any).
• Choosing a format (digital e.g., personal website/LinkedIn articles, or a well-organized PDF).
• Practical session on starting to build the portfolio.

Session  81: Advanced LinkedIn Strategies & Networking Project

• Review of LinkedIn profiles with a focus on showcasing integrated skills.
• Strategies for thought leadership (writing short posts/articles related to their field or skills learned).
• Active networking challenge: Setting goals for new connections, informational interview requests.
• Presenting networking outcomes and learnings.

Session  82: Capstone Project – Simulated Job Application & Interview Cycle

• Learners select a realistic job description (or are assigned one).
• Task:
  • Conduct thorough company and role research (using Module 2 & 5 skills).
  • Create a fully tailored CV and Cover Letter (Module 3).
  • Prepare a presentation on “Why I am a good fit for this role at this company” (Module 1 & 4 skills).
  • Potentially use AI tools (Module 5) to assist in research and preparation (with disclosure of use).

Session  83: Capstone Project Presentations & Comprehensive Mock Interviews

• Learners present their “Why I am a good fit” pitch.
• Undergo a comprehensive mock interview for the chosen role, evaluated by instructors/peers, covering HR, behavioral, and (basic) role-specific questions. This interview should draw upon all modules.
• Detailed feedback focusing on the integration of all learned skills.

Session  84: Final Review & Refinement

• Final review of CVs, Cover Letters, LinkedIn profiles, and portfolios based on all feedback.
• Workshop on handling job offers and basic negotiation points (revisiting concepts from Module 4 with more confidence).
• Developing a 30-60-90 day plan outline for a new job.

Session  85: Industry Insights & Next Steps

• Guest speaker session (e.g., HR professional, industry expert) providing current market insights (if feasible).
• Workshop on continuous learning strategies and staying updated in their chosen field.
• Q&A on navigating the job market post-program.
• Program wrap-up and certificate distribution.

Key Learning Outcomes

Learners will have a professional career portfolio, a fully refined set of job application documents, enhanced confidence from comprehensive interview simulations, and a strategic approach to their job search and early career. They will be able to articulate how their diverse skills (soft, digital, technical) integrate to make them a strong candidate.

Potential Activities

Capstone project (detailed above), portfolio creation, advanced networking tasks, final mock interviews with comprehensive feedback, guest lectures, developing a personal continuous learning plan.