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.

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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:
When I started this class, I was considering this/these options in the world of work:
At the beginning of our course, these were my initial assumptions/thoughts about myself and the world
of work as it related to me
I enrolled in this mainly because I needed a substitute for a previous course, but also to get
a better understanding of what career i could see myself exploring.
When i started this class, i was considering being a coach or a counselor.
At the beginning of this course I felt very confused and undecided about my future in the
world of work. I had no idea how or where to even start preparing for job selection process.
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.
I learned that Im applicable to jobs that pertain to helping others based off the Strong
Inventory Test.
Im a big believer in Viktor Frankls book Mans Search For Meaning in understanding that I
have a purpose in life and it is my job to find it.
From the Applied Research Project, I realized that interest to live in Atlanta can be expensive
but affordable.

4. Listening to Graduate Panel, also help me to learn that I should consider graduate school
even it is not right after college. This can give a better representation of my character to
employers and land my preferred position in my career.
5. In book Luck no Accident it helped me synthesis that i control my own destiny and up to
me to take advantage of the opportunities provided for me.
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 valuable
information that i learned about myself, would be my mentality. I learned that my mentality
helps me overcome tough situations, gives me strength, and drives me to believe that I can
accomplish anything. I learned throughout the many tedious tasks we have ventured through
this semester. Each assignment felt like a challenge because it wa new to me but I learned
that it could be done and got it finished.
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 the career opportunities by
using the many resources provided on every assignment usually located on the OPCD
website. I know before i decided to use the website or the given resources it was almost
impossible to find the right specific information I needed. I found some research on my own
but the texts were scattered and hard to read in some cases. The OPCD was most helpful
simply because it provided all the information on site and the details required for our
assignments.
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: [Link] gives a timeline for specific career fields) Currently
I would say I should start by decding my major and working towards picking classes that follow along
with it.
My list of key points and valuable personal learning is the following:
Find meaning in my career
Choose a career path that holds personal value to me
Enjoy my job

My plans for growth are:

Identifying and improving my strengths

Continue making beneficial connections
Decide my career path

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

I am a caring and helpful person.

This was discovered from the Strong Interest Inventory

assessment, and can be noticed in some of journals. I
have always felt the need to help those in need and I do
it from the bottom of heart.

I enjoy being involved with athletic activities.

The Informational Interviews and Job Shadow, both

reflect my interest in sports. The reason I am here at
Wake Forest is because of sports and it has always been
a huge part of my life.

I am very open-minded

Based off the results of the Strong Interest Inventory and

the book Luck is No Accident by Dr. Krumboltz and
Levin, I have tendencies to not close many ideas. Before
taking this class, there no specific direction I was aiming
towards in the world of work and I would have taking a
random career.

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 careerrelated 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:Conduct three more informational
interviews .

1.I would like to gain more knowledge and certainty on

my possibility of becoming a counselor. (sources:
Informational Interview with Dr. Philip Clarke)

Action Step [Link] back to Dr. Clarke and

request for either colleagues or a more
conducive interview with himself.

1a. In my last meeting with Dr. Clarke, he ensured me

that he could recommend me some of his colleagues
and possibly himself for additional information if I was
still interested.

Action Step [Link] I find myself uninterested in

Counseling, then I could request for some
interviews in the athletic program.

1b. Another career that was I felt fit me best was being
involved in the athletic department . My connection
with Dwight Lewis, from my job shadow was a great
resource.

2. As my freshman first semester is coming to an end, I

feel it is becoming more of an importance to know what
classes I would like to take and began in courses that
apply towards my career.

Goal 2: Develop or narrow down my options for

my preferred major.

Action Step a. Talk with the OPCD counselors at

the center.

2a. This course has influenced me to take advantage

for the multipurpose of the OPCD Center. The OPCD
has many ways that it helps with career planning,
organize internships, and build resumes.

Action Step [Link] my own, I can conduct

research for the final major choice that I choose.

2b. In the end, I have to make the decision based off

what I believe. My choice would be determined from
the properties included in my Strong Interest Inventory.

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. Dr. Clarke and his colleagues may not be able to 1. I could use my Linkedin account to find more accesible
speak with me, especially over the break.
counselors.
2 .I may not be able to find another Wake
connection on Linkedin.

2. I could continue to use Linkedin to find someone

around or from my hometown.

3. The decision making process may be too

difficult to pick one major.

3. I could refer back to the first day of class when we

discussed that there is always an answer to the dreaded
question and it is ok if my major isnt perfect because I
can still what job I would like.

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: Major in Psychology

Rationale/Source from Course or Exploration

1. Rationale: It is high on my list of majors.(Source: This
final project allowed me to put pressure on my actual

thought).

Action Step a. Take PSY 120

1a. Rationale: It is a great introductory course for this

major.(Source: Dr. Clarke mentioned it in our
Informational Interview.)

Action Step b. Declare it as my major for the

next 3 years.

1b. Rationale: Ensures me that I have a sense of

direction, that Im leaning towards. (Source: Strong
Interest Inventory.)

2. Rationale: Looks good on a resume for a counseling

position. (Source: Applied Research Project.)

Goal 2: Volunteer in Community Services

Action Step a. Ask for Volunteer opportunities
around Winston-Salem.

2a. Rationale: Can help get me started on my

volunteer activities. (Source: Wake Forest Website and
all resources applicable)

Action Step b. Travel around Winston-Salem and

help others.

2b. Rationale: Being involved can make a difference.

(Source: Anything applicable.)

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. I may not like majoring in Psychology or the
beginning course.

1. Resources: I could use WIN to drop the course and

change my major.

2. I may want to major in both Psychology and

possibly Sport Management.

2. Resource: I could major in one and minor in the other

3. The Volunteer opportunities may conflict with

my football schedule.

3. Resource: I could participate when team interacts with

volunteer projects.

Accountability Partner (with whom will you share

this plan):

Jessica

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 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

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

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

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

Sophisticated

Competent

Not Yet Competent

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 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

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

Not located in ePortfolio

and/or does not have
accountability partner
listed

(3.5 points)
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

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

Student
completes career
coaching
appointment to
review plan

Student attends
coaching session with
career coach to review
action plan

N/A

N/A

Action plan added to

ePortfolio and turned
into class on time

N/A

N/A

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

Rubric
Meta-Reflection
25 points total

Sophisticated

Reflection on
overall
experience of
ePortfolio
creation
(5 points)

Reflection includes 4-6

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

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 on
growth and
progress
(5 points)

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

Overall reflection
indicates consideration
of topic and planning

Reflection indicates
some consideration of
topic; feels rushed

Reflection meets
writing conventions;
virtually zero
punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors
Meta-reflection added
to ePortfolio and turned
into class on time

Reflection meets some

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

Not Yet Competent

Reflection includes 1-2
references of, and
reflections on, aspects
of ePortfolio creation;
lacks specificity in
terms of examples or
reflection
Reflection includes 1
reference to actual
process of selecting
artifacts, creating
ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted
audience
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
Reflection indicates
inadequate
consideration of topic
and no planning;
rushed quality to
writing and thought
Reflection does not
meet writing
conventions; 5 or more
punctuation, grammar,
formatting errors

N/A

N/A

Quality of
reflection
(5 points)

Writing
conventions
(2.5 points)
Timeliness
(2.5 points)

Competent
Reflection includes 3-4
references of, and
reflections on, aspects
of ePortfolio creation;
lacks specificity in
terms of examples or
experiences
Reflection includes 2
references to actual
process of selecting
artifacts, creating
ePortfolio and editing
portfolio for a targeted
audience