Post on 07-Aug-2015
1Specialized Job Search Courses Fill a Vital Niche for
University ELLsKIMBERLEY BRIESCH SUMNER
ERIC H. ROTH
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AMERICAN LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
TESOL 2015, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
2BackgroundAmerican Language Institute (ALI)
International student population with unmet career needs
Curriculum throughout department divided into oral skills and writing courses
Culture of academic and professional training for matriculated students
32 Moms, 2 Daughters, and a Child Care Center
Forged a cross-campus relationship bringing students’ needs to the forefront
Career Center Struggles: Number of international studentsAdvisors uncomfortable giving linguistic
and cultural advice to students who need a lot of help.
Students referred to campus Writing Center
4Students’ Unmet Needs:Inter-Departmental Discussions
Career Center representatives spoke at ALI faculty meetings to describe issues:
International students are underserved by current university career services.
Students often lack awareness of available resources. Unrealistic job search expectations (I want an
internship by the end of the semester!)
5Services Available to Students Outside of ALI
Career Center (Primarily undergraduate) Viterbi Career Services (Engineering) Office of International Students (OIS) Various Departments Across Campus
Annenberg School of Communications Price School of Public Policy and Development Marshall School of Business
6A Course is Created Integrate all language skills Provide language support in every aspect of the job
search Provide a window into American job-search/work culture Develop and deepen specific language skills for obtaining
professional positions Create task-based activities and assignments Practice vital communication skills in a supportive and
safe environment Increase self awareness
7What Color Is Your Parachute? First published in 1970
New edition each year; always adapts job search strategies for the current job market.
Includes:“Traditional” vs. “New” job search strategies and
employer perspectives.Strong focus on using social media and
networking.Practical advice on constructing a resume,
conducting informational interviews, and determining your “dream job.”
8100 Conversations forCareer Success
Offers concrete strategies to put the job seeker in touch with potential employers
Situations and scripts are provided. Emphasizes social and online
networking. Strongly encourages creating lasting
relationships by adding value to networking exchanges and following up.
9 Sample Course Activities Biographical Statement Elevator Pitch Cover letter Resume: Traditional vs. Online Personal Marketing Plan Networking Practice Using Job Posts to Personalize Applications Mock Job Interview: Phone screens, face-to-
face, and online interviews Informational Interviews
10The Elevator Pitch
A short, interesting self-description Goal: Compel the other person to
ask more questions Requires practice and adaptability
(20 seconds – 2 minutes) Great for networking events and
career fairs
11Biostatements
Widely deployed in social media
Who are you?
Third person perspective
100-200 words
Photo + biostatement
See professor’s profiles
Use biostatment checklist
Peer review
First student-professor conference
Week two
Eric H. Roth teaches international graduate students the pleasures of academic writing and public speaking in English at the University of Southern California. He has taught numerous English and writing courses at Santa Monica Community College, UCLA Extension, and Cal State, Long Beach’s American Language Institute, and Santa Monica-Malibu Adult Education Center. Roth, a former journalist and Congressional aide, also directed the CES Adult Education Center from 1996-1999, assisting over 1,000 immigrants and refugees in becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. He attended Wabash College on a Lilly Scholarship that covered all expenses, majored in Philosophy, and received his BA in 1984. Roth later received his MA in Media Studies in 1988 from The New School (for Social Research) in New York City. He has taught writing courses in Spain, France, and Vietnam.
12Creating a Network
ANYONE a student meets has potential!
Actively establish a relationship online or face-to-face.
All skills needed: Small talk, longer conversations, e-mails, cultural conventions, collocations, etc.
Follow-up with contacts is essential!
13Informational Interviews Best practice among white collar professionals
Interviewing working professionals
Worker to worker communication
Students create a professional network
Practical skill with an authentic context
Multiple professional communication tasks
Contact (often via SCconnect)
Interview – 20 minutes
Thank you
Trip report
Capstone project
14References and Resources What Color is Your Parachute? (2014 Ed.). Richard N.
Bolles. 100 Conversations for Career Success. (2012). Laura M.
Labovich & Miriam Salpeter. USC Career Center and Career Network Viterbi Career Center www.LinkedIn.com www.glassdoor.com www.careerbeam.com
15Acknowledgments
ALI 280 Students USC Career Center USC Global Initiatives Jim Valentine, ALI Director Danny Hackin
16
Image Sources www.amazon.com www.boston.com http://confidentialinv.com/employee-
background-checks-insurance-lehigh-valley
http://ingensystems.com/ProductsServices/Services/Training.aspx
www.lifehacker.com
Missioncollege.org http://www.news-sap.com/how-to-
network-like-a-pro/ http://
planforcollegea2z.blogspot.com/2012/12/when-does-college-transfer-make-sense.html
https://twitter.com/usccareercenter