Welcome to CPS 2010 - Career Education in CS/IT
The course focuses on exploring careers within the CS/IT field. We will cover the following topics:
- Understanding the roles, positions, and the essential skills needed for each.
- Crafting resumes
- Gaining insights into our CS/IT course progression
- Navigating NSF REU and summer research opportunities
- Exploring graduate programs
- Preparing job search techniques and an elevator pitch
- Excelling in coding assessments
- Honing interview techniques
- Engaging in mock interviews
- Other valuable topics
While the course doesn't include exams, it does entail assignments that encompass studying online resources, creating resumes, building e-portfolios, optimizing Handshake and LinkedIn profiles, and engaging in regular attendance and group discussions. Hopefully, this course will be exceedingly beneficial, preparing students for successful careers in the CS/IT field from an early stage.
Prerequisite:
The prerequisite is CPS 1231 for CPS 2010. Students should completely pass CPS 1231. A programming foundation is required so students will have a better idea about the CS and IT fields.
Important note:
- CPS 2010 is a ONE credit free elective course.
- This course is available only in the spring semester.
- Students should consider taking this course sooner to facilitate early career planning.
Instructor: Dr. Ching-yu (Austin) Huang
Class information:
- All the class materials (syllabus, slides, assignments, tools) are posted on the class Google Drive. Students must use the Kean email account to access the folder.
- Students can access the latest syllabus here.
- This is a hands-on course. Students are required to bring a personal laptop to every class.
- Instructional Methods: lecture with slides, class discussions and exercises, and project creations.
- Attendance and active participation in discussions/presentations are required for this course. There is no Zoom session, you must come to the classroom for every lecture.
- Course grading:
- Attendance
- Build resume
- Presentations for selected topics - jobs and positions in CS/IT, and their requird skills
- Exercises and discussions in class - Build personal LinkedIn and GitHub Page, Mock interviews, Review other students’ resumes and websites.
- Grading policy: Total 1000 points.
A: >=940, A-: 939-890, B+: 889-840, B: 839-800, B-: 799-760, C+: 759-720, C: 719-680, D: 679-640, F: below 640
(C or better is needed for CS and IT majors.)
CPS 2010 Course Description
This course is recommended for computer science/Information Technology majors considering the co-operative education program or seeking internships during their undergraduate education.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Prepare a professional resume for interviewing
- Identify career objectives and steps needed to accomplish those objectives
- Prepare job search techniques and an elevator pitch
- Interview in a professional setting
- Negotiate and accept offers, and handle competing job offers of professional employment
Books and resources