STEM 3751 - STEM Professional Career Planning
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 42290,
Credit hours: 1
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Justin Kleemook
Email: jjkleemook@ysu.edu
Course Description
3751. STEM Professional Career Planning. The purpose of this course is to provide STEM junior and senior students with an opportunity to reflect on both academic and internship/co-op experiences in the context of planning for their future career. As the course progresses, the course will discuss and prepare the student for the transition from academia to the world of work. Topics include updating career documents (resume, cover letter, reference page, and thank you notes), building a transition plan, creating a financial plan/budget, and other items as they relate to the students’ professional career planning. Each STEM student will complete a professional job-search plan which will allow them to be competitive in today’s job market. Students will set goals, daily/weekly tasks and deadlines. The student will begin to use the information to evaluate their personal goals and to what extent their career interests realistically match their skills and qualities. One-hour lecture per week. Grading is ABC/NC. Prereq.: Junior or Senior Standing. 1 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | Backpack to briefcase: Steps to a successful career | Arndt, T. J., & Coleman |
- Arndt, T. J., & Coleman, K. R. (2015). Backpack to briefcase: Steps to a successful career. College Transition Publishing.
- Standard internet access – Blackboard, Microsoft Teams, Handshake, Big Interview and YSU email are required.
- Please bring your own technology to every class.
- There will be 3 out of class activities required – attending the STEM Expo and two appointments with Justin. More details to follow.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | 8/27 | Syllabus. Pre-Test. Professionalism & Ethics. Handshake Profile Assigned. LinkedIn Profile Assigned. About Me Presentation Assigned. | |
| Thu | 9/3 | About Me Presentations. Profile Peer Review. Resumes/CVs. Schedule Career Portfolio Draft Appt. Schedule Mock Interview. | About Me Presentation Handshake Profile LinkedIn Profile |
| Thu | 9/10 | Interviewing. Peer Interview. Resume Peer Review. Big Interview Assigned. Informational Interview Assigned. | Hard Copy of Resume |
| Thu | 9/17 | Cover Letters/Personal Statements. References. Thank- Notes. Career Portfolio Assigned. | Big Interview |
| Thu | 9/24 | ATTEND STEM EXPO | Check-in and talk with at least 3 companies |
| Thu | 10/1 | STEM Expo Debrief. Graduate/Professional School & Full-time Positions Taking Control of Your Career Path: Realistic Expectations. Virtual/F2F Professional Interactions. Job Searching – Handshake & Other Search Engines | Informational Interview |
| Thu | 10/8 | Internships, Co-ops & REUs.Geographic Preferences. Scenario: What’s your career look like? Employee Rights. Financial & Budget Plans. Taxes. Accepting the Job Offer: What’s next? Unemployment. Post-Test. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.