Ithaca College

IISP 25000 Finding Purpose: Navigating the journey from your liberal education to your profession (CRN 43318) is a 2 credit course designed for H&S students who love their major, but haven't figured out how to translate it into a profession.  The course is intended for sophomores and juniors, especially.

Course Description
This course is designed to offer investigation of and reflection on how a liberal education prepares college students to be successful professionals. Students will explore their personal and professional values, learn about organizational structures and cultures, and how to look for the right fit for them, develop strategies to navigate professional relationships, and prepare for interviews, internships, and the real world.

Course Goals and Objectives
In this course we seek to explore the relationship between your college education and your future professional life. Although this will likely be a life-long pursuit, in this semester we will reflect on the following questions:
• What is/should be the purpose of a college education?
• What is the difference between a vocation and an occupation?
• How should your personal values influence your search for the “right” job and work environment?
• What agency do you have as a young professional to influence the culture of your workplace?

Our readings, discussions, and written reflections will help you build a new base from which to ask your own questions, construct meaning, and make informed, thoughtful decisions. This course will provide you with important tools you will need on your journey to becoming a reflective professional.

If you have any questions, please contact Emily Hess at ehess@ithaca.edu