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Post University Blog

Written by Katie Shpak, University Writer

Earning a degree is more than acquiring knowledge about a particular subject area. It is learning effective time-management skills. It is understanding how to be proactive and knowing how to write a resume and cover letter that will stand out among hundreds or even thousands of others. Post University ensures that students master these skills and are prepared to succeed not only while earning their degree, but also after graduation through required College to Career (CTC) courses.

Incoming first-year students begin their college education with CTC 101 – College Success Seminar which is structured to instill Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

“The key is to get students acclimated to developing habits of time management. Time management skills help in many areas, beyond just schoolwork,” says Associate Program Chair – College to Career RJ Wojtylak.

While each instructor teaching the course follows the same syllabus, there are four versions of the class intended to group together students with similar degree concentrations—Arts & Sciences, Malcolm Baldrige School of Business, John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, and Childhood Studies. While the content scope is consistent throughout each class, the discussion board conversations are targeted around those areas of study to enhance student engagement and relatability.

“Many students are hesitant when they begin school. By the final week of this course, students have more confidence and are more motivated. They are set up for a great transition to succeed in their other classes,” says Wojtylak.

The CTC 101 course helps students analyze values and goals while helping connect present university experience with current and future career aspirations. When a student enters his or her third or fourth year, CTC 301 – Professional Success Seminar is required, which focuses on the fundamental competencies necessary for executing a successful job search in the 21st Century.

“I view this class as career consulting,” said Program Chair of College to Career Camille Dumont. Students physically search for internship programs and jobs while taking this course. We provide all the insight needed to obtain an interview and succeed at finding a job after graduating.”

Students in this course learn how to write different types of resumes, cover letters and follow-up thank you emails. They conduct mock interviews, take personality assessments, and learn the value of networking and how to do it effectively. Additionally, financial literacy skills are taught, including job-offer negotiation tactics, understanding salary benefits, and developing “must-haves” versus more flexible areas of negotiation.

The instructors for the College to Career courses work closely with Post University’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD). CCPD assists with many of the same career developmental practices that are taught in CTC 301, and offer additional one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and workshops. Support is provided both in and out of the classroom to ensure that success occurs beyond earning a diploma.