CNS 220 Final Project

Part 1: Personal Action Plan

If you have a dream, you can spend a lifetime studying, planning, and
getting ready for it. What you should be doing is getting started.
-Drew Houston, Founder/CEO of Dropbox

The purpose of this project is to integrate and mobilize your new skills, resources, experiences and
knowledge into a plan you can use to create meaningful action toward your personal and career-
related goals. This final project, your Action Plan, along with your Meta-Reflection, will allow you to
consolidate your new competencies and understanding of yourself, as well as options in the world
of work that are relevant to you.

Checklist to complete this project:

Answer the following prompts and complete the action plan on the following pages.
Please complete this electronically by filling out this document.
Complete a career coaching appointment with a career coach in the OPCD to review
your action plan for feedback.
Write your meta-reflection based on the prompts provided after this action plan
worksheet.

Please follow the prompts listed here and integrate 8-10 resources from our course as supporting
material, evidence for your plan, or new information that informs your future actions. You will start
by reviewing your progress and citing the experiences that have created impact and opportunity.

This project is a template you can use now and as your goals unfold, or shift in the future. Ive
provided this blank template for your Action Plan on Sakai and our ePortfolio website. Keep it and
feel free to use it in the future.

First, begin by answering these questions for yourself. Be as complete as you can, using a
sentences or two for each prompt:
I enrolled in this course because I wanted to get a better sense of what I wanted to do as a
career. Coming into my sophomore year, I still did not really have a strong idea of what I wanted
to do with my life.
When I started this class, I was considering this/these options in the world of work: Finance, PR,
Venture Capital
At the beginning of our course, these were my initial assumptions/thoughts about myself and
the world of work as it related to me
1. I felt that I work best in a group setting, working with other individuals.
2. I wanted to find a job where the work is constantly changing as I get bored fairly
easily.
3. I very much enjoy traveling to different places and wanted to find a career that
allowed me to do that.

Next, continue by considering the results of your self-assessment undertaken through our course.
You may wish to review the Self-Assessment section of your ePortfolio. Write a sentence or two to
answer these prompts:
What are the key points you have learned about yourself as it relates to your current ideas
related to career goals? Which projects, experiences or readings provided this learning? List 3-5
key learnings and the rationale/or sources for class that help clarify this self-assessment.
 1. I learned that my skills best applied to the business/political world as I discovered my
highest themes were Enterprise, Artistic and Conventional through the Strong Interest
Inventory,
2. I found that the largest similarity that Ive found with all my family members is their
enjoyment in working and interacting with other people through my Career Genogram.
3. Lastly, I learned the best way for me to find a career in life is first finding my why?
in life through Mans Search for Meaning.
What has been the most valuable piece of information you have learned about yourself as it
relates to opportunities of value to you? How did you learn this as part of our course? Without a
doubt the most valuable piece of information I have learned from this class is in order to really
find success in both a professional and personal level, you have to find a job in which you wake
up each and every morning excited to go to work. I learned through wide-variety of class
activities but mostly through the informational interviews I conducted.

Now, think about the exploration and research you have conducted and write a sentence or two to
answer the following for yourself. Again, you may wish to look at your Career Research and
Exploration section of your ePortfolio.
How did you explore and research career-related opportunities and options? How would you
summarize the resources/experiences that have been most helpful?
I explored and researched career-related opportunities and options mainly through the career page
on the OPCD site and informational interviews. The most helpful resource has definitely been the
informational interviews as it allowed me to hear first-hand what a job or career was like.

What do you need to be doing now based on your class year at Wake Forest and the options you
are currently exploring? hint: take a look at the OPCD site (it lists activities by year and the
explore careers tab here: http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/explore-careers gives a timeline for
specific career fields)
I need to exploring internship opportunities available in the field of consulting and applying to as
many as I can.

My list of key points and valuable personal learning is the following:

Be open-minded
Stay organized
Keep moving forward

My plans for growth are:

Obtain an internship this summer to give myself a better idea of what consulting is
and if I want to pursue a career in it after college.

Options in the World of Work: Career Action Plan

[Insert Date Here]
Please type your action plan goals below and provide the rationale (the reason you plan to do this) and
course-related source for this goal. Excellent action plans will draw on 8-10 different sources from class
(e.g. projects, experiences, readings, lectures, resources). It is important to anticipate barriers to
reaching your goals. This may be as simple as time limitations during finals week. If we can identify
barriers or obstacles, we can also identify resources that will help us overcome these obstacles so out
momentum on reaching the goals is not diminished.

Step 1: Self-Assessment
Based on what you have learned about yourself, the world of work, values and career related interests,
list your most important information about yourself (column 1). I also expect you to describe the
rationale and source of this learning (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Career Genogram, Values Lecture,
journal entry, etc.).
Self-Assessment/Career Related Knowledge Course Citation/Experiential Source

Politics and Public speaking are a high interest Strong Interest Inventory
of mine

Enjoy traveling to places all over Career Genogram

I dont want to do the same type of work Informational Interview

everyday

Step 2: Short-Term Goals for the Next Thirty (30) Days

In Step 2, Im going to ask you to set some short-term goals based on what youve learned about
yourself above. These goals may be based on information you received in an informational interview,
from your job shadow, perspective gained at an OPCD workshop, data you explored on particular career-
related web sites or from our readings or experiences. Example short-term goals might look like:
Apply for 10 different marketing related internships before April 30th. Rationale: I need to build
professional experience on my resume before junior year (source: informational interview with alumni
contacted through LinkedIn as part of Informational Interview Projects).
Arrange 2 Job Shadows in hometown for June. Rationale: increasing my network gives me more
access to hidden job market (source: Job Shadow Preparation Presentation).

In this table, list two (2) short-term goals for next thirty (30) days and action steps to reach them. Include
a date to complete the goals and action steps (column 1). You should support your goal with an
appropriate rationale/source from the course or your exploration that explains your reason or motivation
for the short-term goals (column 2).
Short-Term Goals for the Next Thirty (30) Rationale/Source from Course or Exploration
Days

Goal 1: Apply for 10 consulting internships by May 1. Need to have more experience on my
1st resume(informational interview)

Action Step a. Check out jobs listed on

handshake 1a. Jobs listed are catered for Wake Forest students

Action Step b. Check out connections on 1b. One connection might be able to connect me with
LinkedIn an opportunity

Goal 2: Arrange coffee chats with recruiters from 2. This will help me expand my network and build
3 different firms connections with hirers(Applied Research Project)

Action Step a. Find when recruiters are coming 2a. This will allow me to schedule talks at their
to campus convenience

Action Step b. Find emails or phone numbers of 2b. This will allow me to send them a professional
recruiters message

Now that youve spent some time identifying your short-term goals for the next thirty (30) days, I want
you to think about any potential obstacles you may encounter in the process of reaching these goals and
completing your action steps. Additionally, please identify resources you may use to overcome these
obstacles (e.g., identify the tools, information, planning and/or people who can help you).
Potential Obstacles to Completing Short- Resources to Overcome Potential Obstacles
Term Goals

1. Limited time due to finals 1. Schedule time to work on job stuff

2. Talk to LinkedIn connections that might be able to set

2. Most internships have been filled me up with an internship that currently doesnt exist

3. I lack consulting experience 3. Do more research online about the field

Step 3: Long-Term Goals for the Next Three (3) Months

Now, in Step 3, I want you to set two (2) long-term goals and actions steps to help you reach them.
Example long-term goals might look like:
Join the Executive Committee of Wake and Shake. Rationale: recruiters like to see leadership on a
resume (source: Internship Presentation in Class & OPCD Job Search Workshop)
Conduct informational interview with attorneys in my county by end of August. Rationale: explore law
schools that may network or offer recruiting options within my home state/region to determine top
choices for law school applications (Source: Graduate/Professional School Panel information)
Take Computer Science course next semester. Rationale: basic programming important skill for one
of my industries of choice (Source: informational interview #2 with alumnus at Red Ventures)

Long-Term Goals for the Next Three (3) Rationale/Source from Course or Exploration
Months

Goal 1: Become more active in the Consulting 1. Recruiters like to see students deeply involved in
Club extracurricular activities(Career Exploration Project)

Action Step a. Apply for leadership Role 1a. Recruiters like to see leadership roles(OPCD)

Action Step b. Attend more meetings 1b. Enhance chances of obtaining a leadership role

2. This is vital in obtaining a junior year consulting

Goal 2: Get better at case interviews internship(informational interview)

Action Step a. Practice sample questions online 2a. Practice makes perfect

Action Step b. Sharpen math skills 2b. Vital for a good case interview

Just as you did with your short-term goals, I want you to think about any potential obstacles you may
encounter in the process of reaching your long-term goals and completing your action steps.
Additionally, please identify resources you may use to overcome these obstacles (e.g., identify the tools,
information, planning and/or people who can help you).
Potential Obstacles to Completing Long-
Term Goals Resources to Overcome Potential Obstacles

1. I wont always have the time or resources to be

involved 1. Better time management

2. Other kids are looking to obtain leadership

roles 2. Really show how passionate I am about consulting

3. My schedule wont always line up with

meetings 3. Cater my schedule to be able to attend meetings
Accountability Partner (with whom will you share Amy Willard
this plan):

After you have completed the Action Plan and had it reviewed by a career coach in the OPCD, take some
time to write up your meta-reflection for the course using the prompts on the next page.

Part 2: Meta-Reflection
Now that you have a clear action plan developed for yourself, the second part of your final project
involves taking a step back and thinking about all that youve learned, in class, as well as through
your career research, exploration and experiences.

To begin your meta-reflection: Review your progress

First, take a few minutes to review the readings we used from the beginning of our
course (Path Finding, Road Trip Nation, Luck Is No Accident). Now, think about the career
beliefs and interests you had as you entered the course.
What did you believe about the world of work and specifically, your engagement with
or vision for yourself in it? ch
You have explored a host of perspectives, had real experiences and gained
competencies that may have been new or refined though this course. You have documented
your progress and gained skills with the construction of your ePortfolio.
What do you notice about your ePortfolio and what it says about your growth and
preparation?

Then, look at your ePortfolio. Review your results from the Strong Interest Inventory, re-read
your first informational interview and compare it to your last. Review your job shadow or
activities summaries.
What do you notice in the difference between the way you conducted or synthesized
information early in the course and how your thinking has evolved?
Earlier in the semester,
What was the process you used to select your informational interview subjects or
areas of exploration?
What kinds of activities items might you now be considering?

Think about how youve changed. What changes do you notice in your thinking as a result of
creating your ePortfolio and your experiences in class? What do you notice in your ePortfolio?
How do these examples demonstrate that you have learned (made a measurable change) as a
result of this process?

Now, here are the questions to guide your written reflection:

BIG PICTURE
Describe how focusing your attention on exploring the world of work, has impacted your
thinking? How do you see your own growth and changes in your perspective? How is your
individual education preparing you for your professional aspirations as you currently
 understand them? How will you use the rest of your time at Wake Forest as a result? In other
words, what is next for you in this process?

Exploring the world of work has allowed me to better assess who I am as a person.
Specifically, the self assessment portion of my eportfolio has been vital to this understanding. My
Strong Interest Inventory also developed the manner in which I view myself. Additionally, exploring
the world of work has given me the opportunity to improve upon myself and my skills as well as
better identify what it is that I might want to do coming out of college. The research and career
exploration aspect of my eportfolio has deepened my understanding of how many types of jobs
there really are in the work world. I see my growth as I can better communicate and interact with
professionals. I learned through the creation of my LinkedIn Profile that my well-rounded education
is a huge advantage in the work world. Further, my applied research project has allowed me to
better understand what classes I should be taking to better myself as a professional. Therefore, I
will be taking more writing and statistical classes in the upcoming year. I will use the rest of my
time at Wake to better my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through lots of
prep and practice.

THE PROCESS
Look at your ePortfolio as a whole. How has the creation of the ePortfolio impacted your
thinking regarding yourself as a young professional, as a student engaged in preparing for a
career and the career development cycle?

Through the making and improving of my LinkedIn Profile, I was able to alter my thinking to
recognize that the manner in which I present myself professionally is vital in obtaining an internship
or job. Additionally, I chose to include my strengths to highlight my abilities that are applicable in
the workplace. Lastly, my notes from my informational interviews serve as a constant reminder for
how I should be improving myself as I move forward with my academic career. I know feel more
comfortable than ever on my search to finding an internship or employement.

GROWTH AND VALUE

What has surprised you in the process of completing informational interviews, networking,
exploring resources and evaluating your options? What has been most valuable in light of
your goals? How can this process be helpful to all undergraduates?

My informational interviews have really given me the guidance to better myself as I move closer
and closer to the working world. The initial step that began the path of better understanding who I
am was the Strong Interest Inventory that gave me the gift of seeing more clear my strengths,
interests, and potential careers. I feel that I have grown the most in my understanding of what
makes a sought after employee. This can mainly be attributed to my work on my LinkedIn profile.
My applied research project has allowed me to grow in the sense that I know have a fairly solid idea
of what I want to do when Im done with school. The most valuable thing that I have learned in the
course is that in order to truly achieve success one must find a job or career that they cant wait to
get to when they wake up every morning. Additionally, I really learned the value in making
connections and building ones network. If more graduates can better understand themselves as
well as how they can better themselves, they allow themselves a much better shot at finding the
right job.

Youve done a lot of work this semester! This project gave you the opportunity to develop concrete
action plans for your future and also to think about what youve learned throughout the course. Post
both your Action Plan and Meta-Reflection (you can use this document as a template) in your e-
Portfolio under the Research and Career Exploration area AND bring a copy to class. Please
review the rubrics on the following pages to make sure youve met all the assignment
requirements. Please note, there are two (2) rubrics, one for each part of this project. Each
is worth 25 points.
 Rubric
Personal Action Plan
25 points total Sophisticated Competent Not Yet Competent

Action plan has two

Action plan both academic or Action plan has both
demonstrates career-related goals academic and career- Action plan has only
short-term career listed for next 1-3 related goals listed for academic or career
goals and months (short and long next 1 or 3 months and goals but not both;
rationale term) and includes, has rationale for some rationale missing or
action steps, but not all or rationale incomplete
(7 points) rationale/source from unrelated to coursework
coursework

Action plan has 2 goals,

Action plan has 2-3
Action plan time-bound action steps Action plan has 1-2
action steps that
demonstrates created and cites more goals or action steps
created and citing 6-8
use of long-term than three references but does not have both;
references from
goals and from projects, or, does not cite
projects, experiences or
rationale experiences or learning from course as
information gained as
information gained as rationale for action
part of course
(7 points) part of course steps
objectives
objectives

Action plan
includes name of
accountability Name of accountability
partner, potential partner is listed, Not located in ePortfolio
obstacles and obstacles/barriers and and/or does not have
resources to resources to overcome accountability partner
overcome obstacles/barriers are listed
barriers/obstacle listed.
s

(3.5 points)

Action plan
answers prompts Action plan includes a Action plan does not
demonstrating Action plan includes
few but not all answers include answers to
growth or answers to prompts to
to prompts/questions prompts/questions
perspective from questions listed for pre-
listed for pre-planning listed for pre-planning
start of course planning for document
for document for document
(3 points)
 Student
completes career Student attends
coaching coaching session with
appointment to N/A N/A
career coach to review
review plan action plan
(3 points)

Action plan
added to
ePortfolio and Action plan added to
printed copy ePortfolio and turned N/A N/A
turned in on time into class on time

(1.5 points)
 Rubric
Meta-Reflection
25 points total Sophisticated Competent Not Yet Competent
Reflection includes 3-4 Reflection includes 1-2
Reflection on
Reflection includes 4-6 references of, and references of, and
overall
specific references of, reflections on, aspects reflections on, aspects
experience of
and reflections on, of ePortfolio creation; of ePortfolio creation;
ePortfolio
aspects of ePortfolio lacks specificity in lacks specificity in
creation
creation terms of examples or terms of examples or
(5 points)
experiences reflection
Reflection includes 3 Reflection includes 2 Reflection includes 1
references to actual references to actual reference to actual
Reflection on process of selecting process of selecting process of selecting
process artifacts, creating artifacts, creating artifacts, creating
(5 points) ePortfolio and editing ePortfolio and editing ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted portfolio for a targeted portfolio for a targeted
audience audience audience
Reflection includes 1-2
Reflection includes 2-3 examples of students
Reflection includes 3-5
examples of students specific personal
examples of students
Reflection on specific personal learning and growth
specific learning and
growth and learning and growth achieved during class
growth achieved during
progress achieved during class through experiences
class through specific
(5 points) through experiences and activities, not
experiences and
and activities, not specific or tied to
activities
specific projects, experiences or
activities
Reflection indicates
inadequate
Quality of Overall reflection Reflection indicates
consideration of topic
reflection indicates consideration some consideration of
and no planning;
(5 points) of topic and planning topic; feels rushed
rushed quality to
writing and thought
Reflection meets Reflection meets some Reflection does not
Writing writing conventions; writing conventions; meet writing
conventions virtually zero contains 2-4 conventions; 5 or more
(2.5 points) punctuation, grammar, punctuation, grammar, punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors formatting errors formatting errors
Timeliness Meta-reflection added
(2.5 points) to ePortfolio and turned N/A N/A
into class on time