Last major project
The Prompt
For our last major project, you will begin to think about the next steps you’ll take after you leave the university. Although there are lots of options for life after the degree, students often either enter the workforce or reenter academia in pursuit of another degree or certification. For this project, there are two options for you to choose from, based on what you’re planning to do next after graduation—you will think about what you’d like your next steps to be, and then produce a set of materials that will help you get there.
The Specifics
If you are planning to look for a job or career after you graduate, you will design a resume and write a cover letter. You will:
- Find an actual posting for a job that is of interest to you—the kind of job that you might apply for after graduation.
- Create a resume tailored to this job posting.
- Write a cover letter (even if this job posting doesn’t require one) describing why you are the ideal candidate for this position.
If you are planning to apply to graduate school or continue your education in some other way, you will design a resume and write a personal statement. You will:
- Do a bit of research to find a program to which you might consider applying.
- Create a resume tailored to this program.
- Write a personal statement (even if the program doesn’t require one, although most do) describing why you’d make a good addition to the program.
Requirements
When you submit this assignment, you should also attach a copy of the job posting or call for applications to which you responded (even if you don’t plan on actually applying for this position or program).
Your resume should follow the guidelines covered in the PowerPoint. Resumes should be no longer than one full page.
Cover letters and personal statements should also follow the guidelines I’ve provided. Cover letters should be no more than one full page. Personal statements are typically a little longer, usually around 500 words, but this will depend on the program you choose to focus on.
