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 for this primary purpose or because: I hoped to find out more about myself, my
options, and resources that are available to me through Wake Forest. I wanted to gain some direction in
what I want to do.
When I started this class, I was considering this/these options in the world of work: Mathematician,
Economist, Architect
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. A certain major (Math/Econ in my case) will limit your career opportunities to jobs related to that field.
2. I thought you had to know exactly what you want to do coming out of college.
3. I didnt realize the different paths one can take until they settle into a career they enjoy, and how long
this process could take.
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 confirmed my interests in mathematics, research, and finance with the Strong Interest Survey.
2. Similarly, confirmed my disinterest in the arts and religion/spirituality careers.
3. Learned about my familys different career paths through the genogram activity. I learned about the
history of engineering careers in my family and remembered my past interest in the field.
4. I realized various life lessons, such as that everyone has their own purpose in life and that happiness
cant be pursued, through reading Frankls Mans Search for Meaning.
5. Read accounts and stories in Krumboltzs Luck is No Accident that showed me its okay to remain openminded and not know what exactly you want to do yet. The reading also taught me to make the most of
every opportunity.
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?

I think the most important thing I learned is to be confident in myself and my abilities, and to market myself
to employers by being personable and professional. I learned this through my mock interview and our guest
speaker Adam Dovico and his talk on SPECIAL introductions.
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 was able to explore and research career-related opportunities through conducting informational interviews
and my applied research project. I found our in-class activity and the applied research project to be very
helpful, because it showed me important factors that I hadnt even considered when looking at job
opportunities. This project was helpful because it gave me practice for something that I will have to do in
the near future.
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 be actively seeking out internships for next year, so that I gain experience in potential fields of
interest and continue expanding my network. Additionally, I need to make sure Im taking courses that
apply/relate to my major to get more knowledge on related subjects.
My list of key points and valuable personal learning is the following:
I have been given an advantage by taking this course, in learning how to network through various tools
such as LinkedIn, resume writing, interviews, and guest speakers. Now, as I continue in my career
search, I must learn to apply this knowledge and give myself the best opportunities possible.

My plans for growth are:

To put myself out there. In the past I have been reserved, but I have learned to be outgoing and
confident in my skills and abilities. Through our reading of Krumboltz and Frankl, and guest speakers
such as Andy Chan, I have learned the importance of communication and networking in the world of
work.

Options in the World of Work: Career Action Plan

4/29/15
Please type your action plan goals below and provide the rationale (the reason you plan to do this) and courserelated 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
My grandfathers/dads interests are reflected
in my career interests
I should look into/consider some careers that I
hadnt thought about before
I know generally which fields interest me and
which dont

Course Citation/Experiential Source

Career Genogram

Strong Interest Survey

Andy Chan lecture

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
1. I missed out on doing a job shadow during our course.
Goal 1: Set up a Job Shadow in my hometown for
I want to use all my resources at the OPCD to gain as
the month of June
much experience as possible.
Action Step a. Actively research job shadow
opportunities on OPCD website
1a. Email/ information from Professor Robinson
1b. OPCD job shadow descriptions and availability
Action Step b. Reach out to employers
through DeaconSource
Goal 2: Attend DC Connects even on June 3rd, and
set up 3 more informational interviews
Action Step a. Submit my information, including
year, interests, and major to the OPCD event
Action Step b. Network myself at the event and
obtain contact info for Wake alums in the DC
area

2. I got an email about this opportunity and want to

make the most of this experience.
2a. Informational interviews done in class more will
give me even more perspectives/tips on going into the
world of work.
2b. Networking never hurts! Could lead to future
opportunities with companies and employers. Email
and information from OPCD website

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 ShortTerm Goals
Resources to Overcome Potential Obstacles
1. Lack of job shadow availability
1. Look into options and apply early
2. Express interest when meeting and talking to Wake
2. Cant obtain potential interviewees
alums
3. Cant attend DC Connects or available job
3. Keep an open schedule and plan when you want to
shadows
get these events done
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)
Months

Goal 1: Explore and join two clubs next semester

Action Step a. Talk to friends about what
clubs/groups they are involved with on campus
Action Step b. Attend a few interest meetings

Rationale/Source from Course or Exploration

1. Im currently only involved with my fraternity on
campus. Need some more experience and involvement
to add to my resume.
1a. Resume review OPCD event
1b. LinkedIn presentation/LinkedIn Lounge

and try out which clubs could be of interest

Goal 2: Use DeaconSource and OPCD to apply to
internships EARLY for next summer
Action Step a. Research internship opportunities
on DeaconSource next semester
Action Step b. Apply for 4-5 internships by the
end of Fall semester to keep options open and
put my name out there

2. Internships build professional experience. Can also let

me know whether a field or career is right for me or not.
2a. Internships presentation in class
2b. Andy Chan talk explore interests and begin
finding out what kind of career you want

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 LongTerm Goals
Resources to Overcome Potential Obstacles
1. Keep an open mind and use professors/classmates to
find clubs that coincide with classes being taken for my
1. Cant find a club that interests me
major
2. Look into DeaconSource early and apply early. This
2. Cant land an internship
will hopefully prevent this problem
3. Clubs/internships dont have spots available
3. Express interest and become involved in process early

Accountability Partner (with whom will you share

this plan):

My parents - Ralph and Wendy Havens

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? 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?
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?
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?
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?

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 ePortfolio 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
demonstrates
short-term
career goals and
rationale
(7 points)

Action plan has two

both academic or
career-related goals
listed for next 1-3
months (short and long
term) and includes,
action steps,
rationale/source from
coursework

Action plan has both

academic and careerrelated goals listed for
next 1 or 3 months and
has rationale for some
but not all or rationale
unrelated to coursework

Action plan has only

academic or career
goals but not both;
rationale missing or
incomplete

Action plan
demonstrates
use of long-term
goals and
rationale
(7 points)

Action plan has 2

goals, time-bound
action steps created
and cites more than
three references from
projects, experiences or
information gained as
part of course
objectives

Action plan has 2-3

action steps that
created and citing 6-8
references from
projects, experiences or
information gained as
part of course
objectives

Action plan has 1-2

goals or action steps
but does not have both;
or, does not cite
learning from course as
rationale for action
steps

Action plan
includes name of
accountability
partner, potential
obstacles and
resources to
overcome
barriers/obstacle
s
(3.5 points)

Name of accountability
partner is listed,
obstacles/barriers and
resources to overcome
obstacles/barriers are
listed.

Action plan
answers prompts
demonstrating
growth or
perspective from
start of course
(3 points)

Action plan includes

answers to prompts to
questions listed for preplanning for document

Student
completes career
coaching

Student attends
coaching session with
career coach to review

Not located in ePortfolio

and/or does not have
accountability partner
listed

Action plan includes a

few but not all answers
to prompts/questions
listed for pre-planning
for document

Action plan does not

include answers to
prompts/questions
listed for pre-planning
for document

N/A

N/A

appointment to
review plan
(3 points)

action plan

Action plan
added to
ePortfolio and
printed copy
turned in on time
(1.5 points)

Action plan added to

ePortfolio and turned
into class on time

N/A

N/A

Rubric
Meta-Reflection
25 points total

Sophisticated

Competent

Not Yet Competent

Reflection on
overall
experience of
ePortfolio
creation
(5 points)

Reflection includes 4-6

specific references of,
and reflections on,
aspects of ePortfolio
creation

Reflection includes 3-4

references of, and
reflections on, aspects
of ePortfolio creation;
lacks specificity in
terms of examples or
experiences

Reflection includes 1-2

references of, and
reflections on, aspects
of ePortfolio creation;
lacks specificity in
terms of examples or
reflection

Reflection on
process
(5 points)

Reflection includes 3
references to actual
process of selecting
artifacts, creating
ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted
audience

Reflection includes 2
references to actual
process of selecting
artifacts, creating
ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted
audience

Reflection includes 1
reference to actual
process of selecting
artifacts, creating
ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted
audience

Reflection includes 3-5

examples of students
specific learning and
growth achieved during
class through specific
experiences and
activities

Reflection includes 2-3

examples of students
specific personal
learning and growth
achieved during class
through experiences
and activities, not
specific

Reflection includes 1-2

examples of students
specific personal
learning and growth
achieved during class
through experiences
and activities, not
specific or tied to
projects, experiences or
activities

Overall reflection
indicates consideration
of topic and planning

Reflection indicates
some consideration of
topic; feels rushed

Reflection indicates
inadequate
consideration of topic
and no planning;
rushed quality to
writing and thought

Reflection meets
writing conventions;
virtually zero
punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors

Reflection meets some

writing conventions;
contains 2-4
punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors

Reflection does not

meet writing
conventions; 5 or more
punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors

Meta-reflection added
to ePortfolio and turned
into class on time

N/A

N/A

Reflection on
growth and
progress
(5 points)

Quality of
reflection
(5 points)

Writing
conventions
(2.5 points)
Timeliness
(2.5 points)

Meta- Reflection:
At the beginning of the course, I came in believing that I was lost in my career search and that I
was the only one who was facing this problem. Right away, I found this wasnt the case. The first day
of class, we discussed the dreaded question, which really put things in perspective for me. I learned
that this is something that everyone is dealing with at this point in their lives, and how to approach being
asked what you want to do after school with an open mind and how to respond positively to this hard
question. As we read Luck Is No Accident, our discussion of the dreaded question was backed up by
Krumboltzs philosophy to keep an open mind and come to appreciate happenstances. Our reading of
Krumboltz showed me to make the most of your mistakes, keep your options open, and remain open
minded while entering the world of work. I really liked when Krumboltz said to remain uncommitted to
a certain area, rather than saying that you dont know in response to the dreaded question.
Additionally, our pre-reading of Path Finding and the various accounts in Road Trip Nation showed me
real-life examples of successful individuals who also didnt know exactly what they wanted to do careerwise. Our analysis and discussion of the five career path styles showed me that I may fall in love with
my first job and end up doing it for the rest of my life, but also that its okay to test the waters and try
out various fields before you find out what you love to do.
As Ive been through the course and completed my OPCD events, informational interviews,
research projects, learned about my familys career history, looked at my own interests, and reflected on
my class experience, Ive come to realize how much weve done in this course in preparing for the real
world. After taking this course, I feel like I have put myself at a huge advantage over my colleagues, as
Ive learned how to do things as simple as updating a resume or LinkedIn profile, to something
intimidating like interviewing a complete stranger on what they do. Looking over my ePortfolio, I
realize how exploration, research, and reflection have all tied together to show me what Im capable of
and what Im interested in. At the beginning of the course, I feel like I was somewhat timid and
reserved in going about activities such as the informational interviews and OPCD events. Now, I feel
like I have gained so much world experience that I will be able to apply in job searches for the rest of
my life. Our talks with Adam Dovico and Andy Chan taught me to approach opportunities with
confidence and market myself as unique to employers. My mock interview showed me how to be
personable, stay calm under pressure, and realize that an interview is just like any conversation. As I set
up my informational interviews, I chose an easy route for my first two. I asked my dad for the contact
information of some of his former colleagues, knowing that I would be discussing some sort of
engineering topics, which relate to my study of mathematics and the sciences. While it was still
intimidating reaching out to and talking to someone I didnt know, I put myself out there for my third
interview by messaging several Wake Forest alums on LinkedIn. By doing this, I was able to use what I
learned in class and the LinkedIn Lounge and begin expanding my network with Wake Forest grads, and
target and get some perspective on the economics side of my major. My interviews gave me one major
takeaway: to find what you love to do. All three of my interviewees showed so much passion and drive

for what they do that it was evident how sticking with it and exploring your options can be rewarding in
the long run.
After completing the class and all the different elements of my ePortfolio, I feel as if a huge
weight has been lifted off my chest. The thought of applying to internships and jobs and interviewing
used to scare me, as I come closer and closer to entering the world of work. Now, I feel as if I can
approach any opportunity with confidence, knowing that I am in a great position and at an advantage
having completed this course. In my ePortfolio, I noticed how our exploration of the mystery careers
project and applied research project will apply to real-life situations in the future, as we weigh our
options when faced with multiple opportunities. I also learned this through my informational interviews,
and our various guest speakers in class (graduate school panel). The mystery career project and our
reading of Frankl and Krumboltz also showed me how my major can be applied to so many different
potential careers and career fields, and that with a Math/Econ major I dont have to just become a
mathematician or economist (my thinking at the beginning of the course). As a result of going through
this process, I feel as if I know so much more about the world of work and how I need to approach every
opportunity with confidence and knowing that I can make a difference and be successful at what I do.
I think that the next thing for me to do in the process is to not forget what Ive learned in this
course. As I continue with my next two years at Wake Forest, I need to make use of the OPCD and all
the resources it provides and that I didnt even know about. I need to continue updating and revising my
LinkedIn and resume, and keep tabs on DeaconSource for new internship and job opportunities (another
resource that I had no idea how to use). Thinking about the big picture, I think it will be important for
me to keep what Ive learned in this course in the back of my head for the rest of my life, because this
information is helpful now and will continue to be helpful as I apply for more jobs in the future. It will
also be helpful to hold onto all of my handouts such as the Strong Interest Survey, SPECIAL
introductions, Andy Chans lecture notes, etc. and look back on what Ive learned and see how Ive
progressed over the years. Using the rest of my time at Wake Forest will be essential in preparing me
for the real world by using these resources and gaining more knowledge about myself and how I can
contribute to the working world.
Looking back on my creation of the ePortfolio, I consider myself having an advantage over my
classmates when it comes to applying for jobs out of college. Now that I know how to use all the
resources Ive discussed above, and have experience conducting interviews and reflecting on my
experience, I feel as if Im ready to approach any situation with confidence. Not only am I more
confident about my abilities and my situation, but I feel like my knowledge of how the process works
and what to expect will put me at even more of an advantage, knowing that Ive had practice and
experience with performing tasks that would otherwise be intimidating.
In completing my informational interviews, networking, exploring resources and looking at my
options, Ive been surprised to learn that employers are just like anyone else. They want to get to know
you and know your personality, and that this isnt something to be intimidated by. Through doing this, it
has become valuable to me to learn more about myself and gain experience learning advice from

professionals and then turning around practicing it. In reference to my goals, I feel as if Ive learned so
much about myself, my abilities, and my resources that I am now better prepared to face future
employers and be able to sell myself. Any undergraduate can learn from this by reflecting on their past
self, and seeing how much theyve grown and developed professionally in college. As I continue with
my last two years at Wake, I look forward to seeing how I progress even more and ready myself for the
exciting adventure that lies ahead. After taking this course, I realize that I am no longer intimidated by
the thought of entering the world of work, but excited about the multitude of opportunities that lay ahead
of me and my chance to create my own path and find what I love to do in life.