Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Table of content
Co-op Reflection
Learning and contribution summary (maximum 4pages)
Overall of my three-work term, I have learned a lot of skills from it. It helps me a lot. My
first work term job was an event coordinator assistant in the Chanandian media. My
major job was to organize the activities and help newcomers’ integrate into the local
community such as Ski activity. During this work, one of the skills I learned is the
attention to detail that handles complex situations. Because there is a lot of potential
within an individual if they are determined to make something happen. One example of
an activity that we accomplished is organized people to go skiing together. We provide
our group price is lower than individual customers. This work requests we need to hire
skiing suits, boots and etc. We also had ski bindings and jumping skis to meet the needs
of the participants. At this time, I need to collect customer information and recorded in
the excel document by a phone call. I need to care for of all customers’ information
register are right, and then I would remind them to finish the payment. Before the activity
starting, I would print the list form and calling customers again, make sure they didn’t
miss the activity by remembering the wrong time or other issues. Also sometimes helped
the customer to take the bus to participate in activities. If the customers were new skiers,
I would notify them to make sure they participate in the novice tutorial. Make sure they
do not injure by the activity. I also got the chance to try ski jumping though I fell several
times.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
My second work is a travel counselor in the Piyao international travel company. During
this work, this job required extensive knowledge of the local and international geography.
My responsibilities in this department include providing advice on people's attractive
destinations and attractions for their vacation. However, the destination site depended on
the duration of their stay, we can provide a variety of travel package, also help national
people apply for the Chinese visa that who want to go to China travel. One of the most
relevant skills required for my job is to have good communication skills. Communicate
with customers to understand their vacation status and whether they need any help. The
constant communication with customers is helping build a good relationship with them
that will lead to future recommendations. Communication is crucial in this profession
because it can be used to represent the organization's customer service that is the face of
the organization. I remember that my first successful event led to my employer
recognition of my work given that I had only worked for one month. One day, I received
a phone call that there was a young family from Canada who wished to visit China. Here
is where my communication skills helped me. First, I make sure are they having Chinese
visa when they want to go to China. If they do not have the Chinese visa, I will help them
apply for Chinese travel visa. Then I introduce our China travel package to find which
place they want to go. Booked the flight ticket for them. For three week, they got them a
Chinese visa. He further connected me with the manager of the site, and the deal was
done within a day. When they travel to the china, we provide them the airport driver to
transport them go to the airport. Make sure they have a good vacation. I called the family
to know whether they had arrived safely and further enquiring the status of their vacation.
Even before I had called the second day, I received a message saying they having a good
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
time in China. I could tell that they were excited and that I had made a perfect choice for
them.
When I finished my second work term, my employer was satisfied with my job
performance, so my third work term still in the Piyao international travel company. The
job title was operation analysis. As I later came to learn, my appointment to this role
depended on the effectiveness of my communication skills as I had portrayed in my
previous position. My duties in this position included performing administrative
responsibilities, reconciliation of customer records and also filling customers’ orders.
These duties are what make up the customer service responsibilities. Even though my
new position required communication skills, I had to show proficiency in both written
and verbal skills. This job requires a lot of work because it involves dealing with a
variety of customer needs and satisfying them. Our company can help people order
airline tickets, and when you buy airline tickets we have a free transfer to the airport. It
can help you save the cost of going to the airport by car. But at the same time, there will
be a lot of things that need to be dealt with after the sale. For example, when a customer
wants to change the departure or return time or cancel a ticket after purchasing a ticket,
we need to call a ticket office and ask for the most appropriate date and price. If the guest
is satisfied with the price we offer, we will confirm with the airline and make changes
later. And help them choose seats or requirements. After this work, I learned the
customer service requires an individual to develop their listening skills further so that
they can understand and resolve customer issues within a short time.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Academic connection (Maximum 4 pages)
According to the theory of business. Drucker developed this theory in the 1990’s in
which he proposes that business crises occur as a result of things that are carried poorly
or even the fact that organizations suggest the right things but then do them fruitlessly
(Aileron, 2011). Drucker’s theory of business points out that the assumptions which most
companies are based, represent that the organizational behavior, influences corporate
decisions and eventually impacts on the overall organization’s results. During my term as
an operation assistant, I noticed that the company did not use the concept of the theory of
business effectively. The managing director of the organization was rigid and did not
allow the company to change its policies with the changing environment. He explained
that the company had retained its vision since its formation and there is no need to
improve the organizational systems. He believed that the organizational performance
depended mainly on the behavior of the employees including their attitudes and skills.
More specifically, he emphasized on academic qualification, and every employee in the
company had at least an undergraduate degree. Salaries were paid based on the academic
achievements of the employees so that those with a master’s degree received a higher
compensation compared to those with only an undergraduate degree. This led to a
problem, and there was no room for professional development. In other cases, the
employees lacked dynamic because the organizational systems provided little room for
recognition of individual success. The travel and tours industry is highly competitive as
many organizations are offering the same services at considerably low prices. The
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
success of organizations in this industry depends on the effectiveness of their customer
service so that customers eventually chose that organization which provides the best
customer service. Even though the organization has expertise in customer service, they
need to work more on the strategies that give them a competitive advantage. This failure
on the side of the organization is enough proof that the theory of business can help the
company to achieve its goals. Had the organization embraced the concepts of the business
theory, it would have evolved its practices according to the changing business
environment to gain a competitive advantage.
Another theory is market theory. The argument points out that a market is a place where
individuals can exchange goods and services based on the prices and that they do not
necessarily have to know one another. According to the theory, people make buying
decisions by calculating their benefits (Carlton & Perloff, 2015). The market theory
requires the identification of a market so that the company tries to fill that gap in the
market. Therefore, it requires extensive knowledge of the market so that the organization
designs products that meet the customers’ needs. According to Adam Smith, economies
cannot be self-sufficient, and trade helps them to acquire what they do not have. While
the market comprises of various industries, the systems foster innovation so that
organizations can adopt the use of technology to improve efficiency (Carlton & Perloff,
2015). My term as an Operator Assistant provided me with a better understanding of the
market system as a mechanism for individuals to make profits for their know-how. What
was even more evident is the role of the niche strategy that allows organizations to assess
their markets so that they determine the existing gaps. This will later assist them to make
decisions that will benefit clients and create a competitive advantage. For instance, I
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
identified a market niche during the ski diving event that we had organized. I realized that
most of the participants failed because they lacked proper training in the techniques that
provided the company with a competitive advantage over others. This, therefore, supports
the market theory and the fact that markets involve a voluntary exchange of resources
based on the associated economic benefits.
One of the theories that apply to a workplace is the systems theory. The approach
considers the organization as a set of complex systems that work independently to meet
the organizational goals. Even though the systems are independent, each one of them
affects the organizational performance and employees must work together towards the
organizational goals. The systems theory is applicable in the organization because it helps
managers to identify the various ways in which an employee affects the system
(Luhmann, Baecker & Gilgen, 2013). Such knowledge can also help the management to
determine how the organizational systems influence the employees. Managers can use the
systems theory to observe the employee performance in the office space and identify
those that perform well. During my term as Operator Assistant, I learned that the
organization used the systems theory to determine the contribution of various
organizational departments towards the overall success. By using my communication
skills to meet the customer needs, I had a positive impact on both the customer service
and the sales departments. This proved complemented the knowledge that we had
acquired in class form course commerce 3511 that business managers could use the
systems to match up various programs towards the achievement of the entire goal of the
organization instead of parts.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Impact of the work terms on career choice
Firstly, during this three work term, I decided when I guarded I would like to be an
operation analyst or management role in the financial area. Because my major is finance,
I would like to do some work in this area. For personal reason, I like doing financial
calculations to figure out the interests for particular investments. When I finished my
university course, I will work hard on the CFA program that can provide me more chance
to get a high-level position. If I getting my CFA charter it means I gain a lot of analytical
skills. From this three-work term, I realize my interest and strength is in the area of
finance and analysts. I am good at critical thinking and combine knowledge with real
situations. In the future, I hope I can have good development in this area.
Secondly, I know how to communicate with client and work efficacy. Because from my
before work experience, I know the customer service is important to the company, have a
good service can affect customers’ decision. It is really important to practice
communicating with different people in the future. On the other hand, I learned how to
cooperate with a team. For example, I learned to negotiate with customers, plan for time
and transportation for them. I also learned many things that I had not experienced before.
After the coop, I noted there was a huge progress in my leadership skill. As a team leader,
I tried my best to organize and serve customers. I hope all of them enjoyed the time by
attending our events. By the way, I noticed that my weakness is on time-management and
lack of creativity but I will work on it.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Personal action plan
Summary of idea position description
When I graduated, my ideal job was to be an analyst in the financial field or similar
professions, because my major is finance. Form website, I found a company that hiring a
people at the analyst level for the corporate banking. The position title is corporate
banking analyst in the MUFG Company. They required education was Bachelor’s Degree,
CFA is considered assets and 1-2 years’ of total work experience in a similar role. For the
skills, they required customer service skills, communication skills, and Strong
organizational skills with attention to detail. And build good relationship with costumes,
familiar with word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. (MUFG story,n.d.)
According to my before work experience, my work term job required me recorded
customers information and make lists in Microsoft Word, and collect payment on excel.
My second work is a travel counselor, so I need communication with clients to introduce
our company travel package. Also dealing with the problem. Communication skill is an
important soft skill. When I take to customers it will easier for me to understand their
need and help. Build a good relationship with them. I feel happy that most of the clients
are satisfied with my work and they referred me to other clients. On the other hand, when
I finished my university course, I plan to register for the CFA examination that works
hard to get a charter. It wills well for me to apply for this position.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Potential employers
From the website, I found two companies that I was interested in which is Citco, and
Piyao in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The position can give me real experience of operating
bonds, derivatives, etc. In the future, I would like to be an operation analyst or
management role in the financial institutions.
Citco was founded in 1948. Established by the Smeets family to meet the needs of
multinationals and private customers after World War II. Since then, they have been
leaders in international finance and have been deeply involved in setting up the European
bond and hedge fund markets. (Citco story,n.d.) I am interested in operations analyst
position. This job-required knowledge of financial instrument such as common stock etc.
also proficient in Microsoft excels. Citco is an international company-servicing client all
over the world. Working at Citco means growing as professional rapidly, Strong sense of
teamwork, international culture, and nice, friendly and intelligent colleagues. Great career
opportunities since the company are interested to work, opportunities to constantly learn
and develop, good culture and a strong sense of team as well as great benefits.
The second company is Piyao international travel that is my work term company.
Because during the last two works, my employers think my work has a good job
performance. When I guaranteed he want I can still come back working in there. The job
position was the manager.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Piyao International Travel Inc. is a licensed travel agency located in both downtown
Halifax and Toronto. Halifax office was established as the first travel consulting
company targeting mainly Asian community in Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland)(Piyao story,n.d.) that offer a
variety of travel packages for companies, groups and individuals. Actually, if I come
back working that’s all things I familiar, I can work well and do better. The company
ensures there are great traveling environment and resources for travelers from different
places. Piyao Travel is passionate about helping others to experience everything the
world has to offer and is quite excited to help you with your members.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Resume
Xinya Sun
1065 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2P8
902-210-8822 | Xinya.Sun@dal.ca
PROFILE
• Advanced command of Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Word,
PowerPoint and Access, developed through school and work experience
• English and Chinese (Mandarin) – written and spoken
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, operations experience in
solving client’ problem
• Good communication skills with customers and keep relationship
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Finance Major
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
High School Diploma
Shouxian First High School, AnHui province, China
Candidate 2018
July2013
WORK EXPERIENCE
Operator Assistant
Jun – Aug 2018
Piyao international travel, Halifax, NS
• Helped customers make travel plan and book the flight ticked;
• Sales system operation, related forms establishment and maintenance;
• Provided sales report to supervisors and resolve work related problem;
• Ensure smooth operation of computer systems, equipment and tour vehicles, and
arrange for maintenance and repair work;
• Developed Client relationship and account management.
Travel Counselor
Sep-Dec 2017
Piyao international travel, Halifax, NS
• Established work schedules and procedures and coordinate activities with other
work units or departments;
• Have a good communication skills, build good relationship with customers and
solved problems
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
•
•
•
Co-ordinate, assign and review the work of our sales clerks and tour
drivers/guides;
Requisition office or travel related supplies and materials;
Close daily account statement
Event Coordinator Assistant
Jan- April 2017
Chanadian Media, Halifax, NS
• Scheduled meetings with clients and followed up with them.
• Researched and developed for a new market and expanded the current
market,Wrote the event plans to the supervisors.
• Helped Chinese student integrate to the local community who organize events and
activities.
• Confirmed the interests of cooperation external communication, including phone,
online and face to face meeting.
Project Consultant Assistant
July – September 2013
Anhui Lelin Steel Structure Engineering Co.,LTD. China
• Helped accountant record daily accounts payable and journal entries in MS Excel
to increase work efficiency
• Prepared monthly account reconciliation analysis to provide reports to supervisor
• Established good working relationship with customers by being friendly when
phoning to request payments
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Inventory Manager
October 2012
Shouxian First High School, Anhui province, China
• Counted current stock and make lists for new items in MS Word to purchase to
ensure that students had access to supplies as needed
• Helped school manager to lower costs by researching discounts at various stores.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Personal value proposition
This is Xinya Sun that is an international student of bachelor of commerce co-op in the
third year at Dalhousie University. She’s major is finance. She will finish all the
academic courses at the two terms. In personality, she is a reliable and patient person.
During before work experience, she was work very hard. She tries best to help clients
solve the problem. No matter how long she spends on that. For example, when she was
doing the travel plan to customers, one of her clients wanted she find the best way to
make his vacation best. Include flight ticket, hotel, meal plan etc. she collected all of the
hotel information. All sorts of small problems can be thought of and arranged very
concretely. She clients were very thankful to her as well.
She has a sound knowledge of finance. From the academic courses,
She’s good at math and calculations. From the jobs, she knows how to work with
teammates and how to build a good relationship with customers. That’s good skills for
the future work. She has the ability to lead she teammates in completing tasks.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Back matter
References
Aileron. Theory of Business. 26 Dec. 2011,retrieved from
www.forbes.com/sites/aileron/2011/12/16/theory-of-business/
Citco.(n.d). citco story. Retrieved from
https://chp.tbe.taleo.net/chp02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CITCO&cws=38&rid
=1054266
Carlton, D. W., & Perloff, J. M. (2015). Modern industrial organization. Pearson Higher
Ed.
Luhmann, N., Baecker, D., & Gilgen, P. (2013). Introduction to systems theory.
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Systems_Theory/Introduction
MUFG Investor Services Inc.(n.d). mufg story. Retrieved from
https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=operations%20analyst&l&ts=1536181942690&rq=1&from
age=last&vjk=012461125c0a8fbb
Piyao international travel Inc. (n.d.). piyao story.
Retrieved from
http://www.piyaotravel.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=84
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Example of an ideal job description for desired career
Job tittle: Corporate Banking Analyst, Relationship Management
Company name: MUFG
Experience Required:
This is an entry-level Analyst position on the Canadian Corporate Banking team for
someone with strong interpersonal and credit skills. It is ideally suited for ambitious,
enthusiastic financial professionals with 1-2 years’ corporate banking experience who
have a global perspective and want to work for a global organization with growing,
entrepreneurial Canadian operations. (MUFG story,n,d)
Skills:
•
Excellent customer service skills, highly motivated team player and goal oriented.
•
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional
grammar and demeanor.
•
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, planning and follow-up.
•
Ability to build and expand quality internal and external customer relationships.
•
Must enjoy working independently and effectively in a deadline-driven, multitask environment.
•
Strong PC computing skills including experience creating and manipulating
Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents.
Education Required:
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
•
Bachelor’s Degree, Pursing MBA/CFA are considered assets, 1-2 years’ of total
work experience in a similar role.
Running head: Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
Requirements
For
Co-op Reflection and Career Plan Report
(Report III)
Revised April 2018
1
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Course Outline – Need to Read .............................................................................................. 3
2.0 Work Term Report Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 3
3.0 Work Term Report Learning Objectives ....................................................................................... 4
4.0 NEW Formatting Requirements ..................................................................................................... 4
5.0 Requirements and Specifications of the Report ............................................................................. 5
5.1 Front Matter.................................................................................................................................... 5
5.1.1 Title Page (1 page) ............................................................................................................... 5
5.1.2 Table of Contents (2 pages) ................................................................................................. 5
5.2 Co-op Reflection ............................................................................................................................ 6
5.2.1 Learning and Contribution Summary (Maximum 4 pages) ................................................. 6
5.2.2 Academic Connection (Maximum 4 pages) ........................................................................ 6
5.2.3 Impact of the Work Terms on Career Choice (Maximum 2 page) ...................................... 7
5.3 Personal Action Plan ...................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.1 Ideal Position Description (Maximum 2 page) ................................................................... 7
5.3.2 Potential Employers (Maximum 4 pages)............................................................................ 8
5.3.3 Resume (Maximum 2 pages) ............................................................................................... 8
5.3.4 Value Proposition (Maximum 200 words) .......................................................................... 9
5.4 Back Matter .................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.1 Reference List ...................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.2 Example of an Ideal Position/Job Description ..................................................................... 9
6.0 Understanding of Personal and Work Values Survey .................................................................. 10
7.0 Submission Requirements ............................................................................................................ 11
7.1 Late Policy ............................................................................................................................ 11
8.0 Appendix ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix A – Report Grading Rubric ............................................................................................... 12
Appendix B - Steps to save a Word file in PDF format ..................................................................... 13
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
3
1.0 Overview of Report Requirements Document
This document provides an outline of the requirements of the work term report portion of the
COMM3802 course. The work term report is considered your final exam for this course. Final
copies of the work term report are not returned to the student but are kept on file for six months and
then destroyed. As indicated in the course outline, failure to pass this report will result in a failure
of the course COMM3802.
1.1 Course Outline – Need to Read
It is important to read the course outline for essential information not included in this
report requirements document.
2.0 Work Term Report Evaluation
As an accredited co-op university program, students are required to submit a project / assignment at
the end of each co-op work term in order to achieve academic credit. So, this report is a
requirement of the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op degree program, and represents the academic
portion of the work term for which you receive academic credit. Failure to pass this report will
result in a failure of COMM3802.
To help ensure that the work term report grading process is transparent and the comments are
constructive, the Instructor will complete a grading rubric for each student’s work term report. For
reference, a sample of the grading rubric is included at the end of this course outline.
Each work term report evaluation will result in a grade of Pass (P) or Marginal Fail (FM) or Fail (F). An
explanation of each work term report grade is presented below.
Passing Grade (P) - The work term report must achieve a grade of 60% or better according to the rubric at
the end of this course outline to receive a passing grade.
Marginal Failing Grade (FM) - If a student receives a grade of less than 60% or missed the due date without
prior approval for the original report submission, a grade of “FM” will be received for COMM3802.
Failing Grade (F) – If a student receives less than 60% or missed the due date without prior approval on a
resubmitted report, a grade of “FAIL” will be received for COMM3802. This means both the actual work
term and the work term report must be repeated.
Grades of “FM” remain on a student’s transcript even if the student passes the resubmitted work term report.
If a student receives a grade of less than 60% on the resubmitted report, the student must repeat
COMM3802 (both the actual work term and the work term report). Even though the grades of the original
and second attempt appear on the academic transcript, the lower grade will be ignored for the Cumulative
Grade Point Average (CGPA) calculation. Therefore, it is strongly advised that students follow the work
term guidelines and contact the work term instructor with any questions.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
4
Resubmission Procedure for Report
If you must resubmit your work term report the instructor will provide you with a feedback sheet as
well as your work term report for you to review and make changes. The following requirements
must be met for the resubmission to be marked:
1. It must be a complete work term report. It is not acceptable to resubmit only revised sections of
a work term report.
2. An electronic version of your revised report must be submitted as per the instructor’s
instructions.
The Instructor will set a deadline for the resubmission. Students are responsible to ensure their
resubmitted report is received by the deadline. Please refer to the Late Policy outlined below if the
resubmission deadline is missed.
3.0 Work Term Report Learning Objectives
There are several learning objectives of The Reflective Report and Career Action Plan required at
the end of the third work term. Specifically, the objectives of the work term report are as follows:
• Reflection on the co-op experience in terms of learning experiences, academic connections and
impact on career choice; and
• Design key aspects of a personal action plan to achieve a desired career such as identifying a
potential position as well as employers, finalizing a resume and creating a personal value
proposition.
4.0 NEW Formatting Requirements
The formatting requirements presented below must be followed when preparing your final work
term report.
•
•
Paper Size – The report should be printed on letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”).
NEW Line Spacing – The report should have double line spacing except for the resume
which should be single spaced.
• Font Size - The report should be written in Times New Roman in 12-point type.
• Margins - Use a standard 1-inch/2.54 cm margin on the right, left, top, and bottom of your
pages.
• NEW Running Head and Page Numbers: Each page should have a running header and
page numbers as per APA format. The same format as this document. A link for another
sample is as follows: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/18/
• Sourcing Secondary Information - All secondary information in this report MUST have
in-text citation AND be listed on a reference page as per the APA guidelines located at:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/ or
http://libraries.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/library/Style_Guides/apa_style6.pdf.
Direct quotes as well as any ideas or information taken from another source written in
your own words must be sourced. Borrowed ideas must be credited to the original author
or it is considered plagiarism.
• Report Length - The maximum length of each section indicated in the requirements below
will be strictly followed. It is important to ensure your writing is concise.
• Content – Report should contain material discussed in this document.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
•
•
5
Language - All materials in the work term report must be in English in order for the
material to be marked.
Proofreading - Your report should be free from spelling and grammatical errors.
5.0 Requirements and Specifications of the Report
5.1 Front Matter
5.1.1 Title Page (1 page)
The title page must include an APA format running header and the following
information in the order and format indicated below.
Running head: Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
Work Term Report III
COMM3802
Name
Banner Number
Dalhousie Email Address
May – August 2018
Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Commerce, Co-operative Education
5.1.2 Table of Contents (2 pages)
A sample Table of Contents page is included on the next page to show the format
which should be followed. Note, it includes a running head and page number in APA
format at the top.
1
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
6
Sample Table of Contents Page with Running Head and Page Number
Co-op Reflection & Career Plan
2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................
2
Co-op Reflection ............................................................................................................................ 3
Learning and Contribution Summary ..................................................................................
3
Academic Connection .........................................................................................................
5
Impact of Work Terms on Career Choice.............................................................................
7
Personal Action Plan....................................................................................................................... 8
Ideal Position Description.....................................................................................................
8
Potential Employers..............................................................................................................
9
Resume …............................................................................................................................. 11
Personal Value Proposition ….............................................................................................. 13
References ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix A: Example of an Ideal Job Description for Desired Career ........................................ 16
5.2 Co-op Reflection
The expectation of this section of your report is that you will reflect back over your three
work terms and what you have learned through them. Presented below are the expectations
for several sub-sections along with indicated section lengths.
5.2.1 Learning and Contribution Summary (Maximum 4 pages)
Reflect on all three of your work terms by doing the following for each work
term:
1. Describe one key skill learned with an explanation of one example of an
accomplishment or activity undertaken during that work term to provide
evidence of the learning process of the skill.
2. Provide an explanation of what you contributed to the organization.
5.2.2 Academic Connection (Maximum 4 pages)
Think of three distinct academic theories learned during any course completed
in your Bachelor of Commerce Program which were either challenged or
supported during a work term. You must identify and describe each academic
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
7
theory then provide a detailed explanation of how a specific work term
experience either supported or challenged the theory. There should be one
example for each academic theory. For example, an academic theory would be
segmentation. The theory needs to be defined (sourcing the definition) then
include a specific example of how segmentation was used in the business.
Followed by an explanation of how the theory applied in the business world
supported or challenged what was explained in the classroom. It can be any
theory from any course however, do not just state a course name as a theory.
All secondary information must be sourced using APA format which includes
both in-text citation and a reference page. Not citing secondary information is
considered plagiarism.
5.2.3 Impact of the Work Terms on Career Choice (Maximum 2 page)
Identify and describe your desired career when you graduate from the Bachelor
of Commerce Program. Then explain the specific impact the work term
experiences have had on your career choice. If you perceive the work terms
have had no impact, then explain why you perceive there was no impact on your
career choice. Ensure you include a description of two examples which support
your opinion.
5.3 Personal Action Plan
The expectation in this section of the report is that you will prepare a personal action plan
for when you graduate to assist you in achieving your desired career.
5.3.1 Summary of Ideal Position Description (Maximum 2 page)
Find an example of an ideal job description for a position you would like to
achieve/obtain immediately after graduating from your Bachelor of Commerce
degree or when you graduate from your second degree (i.e. MBA) if you plan on
completing a second degree immediately following your bachelor’s degree. This
must be an actual job description you have sourced from a real organization
or a recruiter or a job posting website.
This section is a summary written in your own words of the position and a
discussion of how you are appropriate for the position. It should include the
following:
• Position title;
• Company’s name;
• Education and/or professional designation/certification required;
• Skills required; and
• Tasks to be performed.
• Specific explanation of how you are appropriate for this position. Make sure
to link your education, professional certification, skills and experience to the
requirements in the position description.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
8
The original job description is included in an appendix. Include the original job
description written by the employer/recruiter in an appendix to the report. The
position you select must relate to the career you discussed in the “Impact of the
Work Terms on Career Choice” Section.
All secondary information in the summary as well as the position description
in the appendix must be sourced using APA format which includes both in-text
citation and a reference page. Not citing secondary information is considered
plagiarism.
5.3.2 Potential Employers (Maximum 4 pages)
Identify and describe two companies you have an interest in working for which
have a position identical to or similar to your ideal position you just described (it
must not be with the same company or position discussed in the Ideal Position
Description Section). This section should include the following information for
each potential employer written in your own words:
• Description of the company (name, corporate structure, key markets,
product/service offering(s) and location(s));
• Brief outline of the position of interest (position title, tasks and skills
required);
• Description of the company’s recruitment strategies to find and select new
employees to work for the organization (i.e. processes the company uses to
find candidates and the screening process). This information may be available
on the company websites or you may need to contact the company directly
(i.e. Human Resources/Staffing Department).
All secondary information in this section must be sourced using APA
format which includes both in-text citation and a reference page. Not
citing secondary information is considered plagiarism.
5.3.3 Resume (Maximum 2 pages)
Include a 1 to 2 page updated resume which contains details from all three work
terms and conforms to the conventions preferred by Management Career Services in
the Work Term Orientation Workbook. If you are unable to access the book an
electronic version can be accessed at the following link:
http://mcs2.management.dal.ca/files/forms/Commerce%20Orientation%20Workboo
k%202017-2018.pdf
In addition, please remember there are resources to assist you with your resume on
MyCareer.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
9
5.3.4 Personal Value Proposition (Maximum 200 words)
Imagine yourself as a very unique product or service being marketed to the job market /
industry you identified earlier. Think about your current knowledge and experience
now that you have completed your third work term. You are to articulate your
competitive advantage or value proposition in 200 words or less. Therefore, you will
need to be both clear and concise. Note: the value proposition should be written in the
third person (i.e. Use your name, he or she) rather than the first person (i.e. Do not say
“I” or “me”). Ensure you use your full name at least once in the value proposition so
the reader knows who the personal value proposition applies is describing.
You may want to consider:
• Important roles you have filled;
• Awards you have received;
• Accomplishments / achievements you (or your parents) are proud of;
• Milestones;
• Major lessons learned at university;
• Wisdom you have gained from your co-op work term experience;
• Mistakes that have taught you something / made you stronger; and
• Key attributes or competencies that you possess
5.4 Back Matter
5.4.1 Reference List
All secondary information in this report MUST have in-text citation AND be listed on
a reference page as per the APA guidelines. Here is the Library website which has
resources to assist with APA format:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/
OR
https://libraries.dal.ca/help/style-guides.html
5.4.2 Example of an Ideal Job Description for Desired Career
Original job/position description used to complete Section 3.3.1 Summary of Ideal
Position. This description should be written by the organization offering the
position or a recruiter. This is secondary information must be sourced using APA
format which includes both in-text citation and a reference page. Not citing secondary
information is considered plagiarism.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
10
6.0 Understanding of Personal and Work Values Survey
As per the email you received in January from Management Career Services, this section of your
work term report relates to a study being conducted by Scott Comber, and several other individuals
(Jenny Baechler, Mary Donahue, Anna Cranston, Kathleen Wooden and Liz Wilson), to better
understand the values (personal and work) of Millennial business students over the course of your
commerce program. The study involves completing an on-line Opinio administrated survey five
times during the course of your Bachelor of Commerce program as explained below.
(1) First Survey - Before starting your first co-op work term (January 9 – 20th, 2017) –
email from Management Career Services;
(2) Second Survey – Within one month of completing your first work term; (April 3 to May
4th, 2017) – Comm2801 work term report;
(3) Third Survey - Within one month of completing your second work term (December 10th
to January 10th, 2018) – Comm3801 work term report;
(4) Fourth Survey - Within one month of completing your third work term (August 6 to
September 6, 2018 – specific dates to be confirmed) Comm3802 work term report; and
(5) Fifth Survey – One year of full time employment (after graduating from the program –
specific dates to be confirmed).
The on-line survey this semester relates to your Comm3801 work term report will be
available for completion tentatively between 9am August 6th till 4pm on September 6th
on Opinio. The link to the survey will be posted on your Comm3802 course on Brightspace.
The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and can only be completed
during this time period.
You will receive a point for completing the survey as part of their work term report
however, it is completely your decision as to whether you want to include your data as
part of the research. The point is awarded for completing the survey not for participation
in the study. You need to complete this survey as part of your work term report, even if you
did not complete the first survey in January. Nothing for this section is included in your
written report.
The personal benefit of completing the survey is that you will receive a summary report
directly from Liz Wilson each time you complete the survey that will provide you with a
better understanding of your personal and work values, and how these may change over the
course of your program. Increased self-awareness of your values may also contribute to
your ability to align your values with those of organizations where you may wish to work
for in the future.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact Scott Comber
(scott.comber@dal.ca). If you have technical questions about the survey please contact Liz
Wilson (Lisette.wilson@dal.ca).
PLEASE NOTE: Survey is only available for completion tentatively during the following
time period - 9am August 6th till 4pm September 6th.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
11
7.0 NEW Report Submission Process –Electronic Submission
Report submitted in electronic format only.
• DUE DATE AND TIME: 4pm Atlantic Standard Time Thursday September 6, 2018
• FILE FORMAT: One Word file (only format accepted). All reports must go through the
plagiarism software before being marked. Student who upload an incorrect file format will be
required to upload a Word file with identical content by a deadline provide by the instructor
and will receive a 5% deduction to their final report mark.
• FILE NAME: Last name First name Comm3802.doc (i.e. Wooden Kathleen Comm3802.doc)
• SUBMISSION LOCATION: Course Comm3802 on Brightspace
7.1 Late Policy
Failure to submit the original work term report by the due date without prior approval means
the student will receive a grade of “Marginal Fail” for the work term report which will stay
on their transcript. The student will be provided with one more opportunity to submit the
report. If the second submission deadline is missed the student will receive a grade of “Fail”
for the work term report and will need to redo both the work term and report.
Extensions will only be considered for medical and compassionate reasons or other
extenuating circumstances. Please note that situations such as computer breakdown, lost
computer files, lost/stolen computer, academic exchanges, supervisor absence, busy schedules,
travel delays and other situations that students should anticipate and plan for will not be
considered as acceptable reasons for work term report deadline extensions.
To seek an extension, the student must contact the Instructor before the deadline and
medical notes must be submitted to the Undergraduate Advising Office, 2nd floor, room 2086
of the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building. Please refer to the university’s academic
regulation 16.8 for more information.
8.0 Appendix
Appendix A - COMM3802 Work Term Report Grading Rubric
This rubric describes how grades will be assigned in each category of your work term report.
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
12
Appendix A
Work Term III Report
Evaluation Form / Grading Rubric
PASS / MARIGNAL FAIL / FAIL
Student Name:
Student ID:
Grade
1st Submission -> Pass - 60 or above
2nd Submission -> Pass - 60 or above
Uploaded Correct File Format
Area
Marginal Fail - Less than 60
Fail - Less than 60
Comm 3802
September, 2018
Instructor: Kathleen Wooden
Email: kathleen.wooden@dal.ca
Feedback
Co-op Reflection - 30 Points
Learning and
Contribution
Summary
8 - 10
Succinct description of a key skill learned
with a related example of a work
accomplishment and a discussion of a
contribution to the company for each work
term. All three work terms are discussed.
6-7
Adequate description of a key skill learned
with a related example of a work
accomplishment and a discussion of a
contribution to the company for two or more
work terms.
0-5
Insufficient description of a key skill learned
with a related example of a work
accomplishment and a discussion of a
contribution to the company for each work
term. Or less than two work terms discussed.
Academic
Connection
8 - 10
Concise description of three specific
academic theories with a detailed
explanation of how a work term
experience either supported or challenged
each theory.
6-7
Satisfactory description of three specific
academic theories with a detailed/brief
explanation of how a work term experience
either supported or challenged each theory.
0-5
Unsatisfactory description of three or fewer
specific academic theories with a
detailed/brief explanation of how a work term
experience either supported or challenged
each theory.
Assessment of
Impact of Work
Terms on Career
Choice
8 - 10
Detailed description of a desired career
after graduation with a thorough
explanation of the specific impact the work
term experiences had on career choice
including two concise examples to support
opinion.
6-7
Adequate description of a desired career
after graduation with a thorough/brief
explanation of the specific impact the work
term experiences had on career choice
including two brief examples to support
opinion.
0-5
Insufficient description of a desired career
after graduation with an inappropriate
explanation of the impact the work term
experiences had on career choice with either
one brief example or no examples to support
opinion.
8 - 10
Concise summary (written in student's
own words) of a position (i.e. position title,
company, tasks, and skills required)
related to a desired career as well as a
discussion of how the student's is
appropriate (education, professional
certification, skills and experience) for the
position. The original job description is
included in an appendix.
6-7
Adequate summary (written in student's own
words) of a position (i.e. position title,
company, tasks, and skills required) related
to a desired career as well as a discussion of
how the student's is appropriate (education,
professional certification, skills and
experience) for the position. The original job
description is included in an appendix.
0-5
Inadequate summary (may or may not be in
student's own words) of a position (i.e.
position title, company, tasks, and skills
required) related to a desired career as well
as may/may not include a discussion of how
the student's is appropriate (education,
professional certification, skills and
experience) for the position. Copy of the
original job description may/may not be
included in an appendix.
8 - 10
Succinct description (written in student's
own words) of two potential employers
which includes the following: company
description, position description as well as
recruitment strategies to find and select
new employees for each company. Both
companies are unique from the company
offering the position discussed in the
"Summary of Ideal Position" section.
6-7
Satisfactory description (written in student's
own words) of two potential employers which
includes most of the following: company
description, position description as well as
recruitment strategies to find and select new
employees for each company. Both
companies are unique from the company
offering the position discussed in the
"Summary of Ideal Position" section.
0-5
Unsatisfactory description (may or may not be
in student's own words) of two or fewer
potential employers which includes an
inadequate discussion of the following:
company description, position description as
well as recruitment strategies to find and
select new employees for each company. One
of the companies is not unique from the
company offering the position discussed in the
"Summary of Ideal Position" section.
8 - 10
One to two page resume containing up-todate information on all three work terms
and follows all or the majority of the
guidelines for an effective resume outlined
in the Work Term Orientation Book.
6-7
One to two page resume containing adequate
information on all three work terms and
follows several guidelines for an effective
resume outlined in the Work Term Orientation
Book.
0-5
One to two page resume does not include all
three work term experiences to date and/or
follows only a few or none of the guidelines for
an effective resume outlined in the Work Term
Orientation Book or resume is missing.
Personal Action Plan -39 Points
Summary of
Ideal Position
Potential
Employers
Resume
Personal Value
Proposition
8-9
6-7
Insightful articulation of several values that Adequate number of key values are
the student possesses to a potential
presented. Third person is used.
employer. Third person is used.
0-5
Lack of depth of descriptions and/or written in
the first person ("I' or "me').
Writing Style and Presentation - 30 Points
12 - 15
9 - 11
On occasion, language is unprofessional or
spelling / sentence structure is distracting.
Language is unprofessional. Assistance
provided by The Writing Centre
(writingcentre@dal.ca) or International
Student Success Program - ISSP
(Oksana.Shkurska@Dal.Ca).
8 - 10
Sourcing follows all or most of the APA
guidelines for in-text citations and
reference list.
6-7
Sourcing follows several of the APA
guidelines for in-text citations and reference
list.
0 -5
Sourcing follows only a few or none of the APA
guidelines for in-text citations and/ or
reference list.
5
Formatting requirements are followed (i.e.
page numbering, font, line spacing, section
length, layout, margins, coil-bound, font
type and size, file name, etc.).
3-4
Several of the formatting requirements are
followed (i.e. page numbering, font, line
spacing, section length, margins, layout, coilbound, font type and size, file name, etc.).
0-2
Only a few or no formatting requirements are
followed (i.e. page numbering, font, line
spacing, section length, layout, margins, coilbound, font type and size, file name. etc.).
Text / Writing
Sourcing
Format
0- 8
Grammar and spelling are appropriate for
business report.
Values Survey - 1 Point
Personal and
Work Place
Values Survey
Survey on personal and workplace values can ONLY be completed on Opinio tentatively between 9am August 6th till 4pm September 6th
(dates to be confirmed when the link to the survey is posted on Brightspace). Completion of the survey is part of the work term report
however, it is the student's decision as to whether their data will be included as part of the research study.
Electronic File Format - 5% Grade Deduction if incorrect file format submitted
Uploaded File
Format
100
File MUST be a PDF file created in Word as reports are required to go through the plagiarism software before being marked. Student who
upload an incorrect file format will be required to upload the correct file format with identical content by a deadline provide by the
instructor and will receive a 5% deduction to their final report mark.
Revised April 2018
Requirements Co-op Reflection and Career Plan
Appendix B
Steps to save a Word file in PDF format
1. Go to File tab
2. Select SAVE AS
3. Insert proper file name then select PDF for Save as type
4. Upload the PDF file to your Comm3802 course on Brightspace.
13
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