22–26 January 2024 (final portfolio submitted a week after last class)
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University, Gondova 2, Bratislava
3 ECTS credits
In today's rapidly evolving job market, where competition is fierce and traditional career paths are being transformed, it is crucial for individuals to understand how to effectively represent themselves to stand out among their peers. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a strong professional brand that aligns with their career goals and resonates with employers in the ever-changing job market.
Professional Communiation for MA Students acknowledges the dynamic nature of the job market impacted by advances in technology and prepares students to navigate the challenges it presents. By understanding the changing landscape, students will gain insights into the skills, qualities, and attributes employers value in the current job market.
Because effective communication is a cornerstone of professional success, the course places emphasis on developing strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey ideas, present oneself confidently in interviews, and build relationships with employers. Students will learn how to tailor their communication style to different audiences and contexts, enhancing their ability to articulate their unique value proposition.
The course will also emphasize the development of an authentic personal brand that communicates one's unique value proposition to potential employers. Students will learn how to assess their strengths, values, and career aspirations, and how to effectively convey these through various channels, including CVs, cover letters, and social media platforms.
Professional Communiation for MA Students explores the importance of maintaining a positive and professional online presence, including strategies for managing social media accounts, creating a professional LinkedIn profile, and leveraging other relevant online platforms. Students will gain practical skills to enhance their digital footprint and project a consistent and appealing professional image.
In addition, this course provides students with strategies for effective networking and relationship building, both in person and online. Students will learn how to identify and engage with industry professionals, leverage informational interviews, and participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on activities, which will allow students to apply the concepts and strategies learned in real-world scenarios, preparing them for success in the job market.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
22–26 January 2024
9–10.30; 10:50–12.20; and 13.30–15.00
The 5-day course aims to be practical and seeks to facilitate the acquiring and development of professional communication skills among participants. The entire course respects the principles of active learning with a stress on critical reading and thinking, group work, peer-learning, and process writing. Participants’ contribution to class work is essential for their successful learning.
Each of the five course days consists of three 90-minute sessions (two before lunch and one after), for a total of 22,5 contact hours. Also included are short afternoon writing assignments to be completed either individually or in groups.
The Comenius University Moodle is used for online course management, with assignments and resources posted by the course instructors, completed assignments uploaded by participants, and feedback provided in AIS.
The course is open for 20 participants, 10 each from the faculties of arts at Comenius University and Masaryk University. Participants from MU will receive an individual grant (290 EUR) and travel grant (210 EUR).
Faculty of Arts, University of Ostrava (Czech Republic)
Jan Beneš is an assistant professor at the University of Ostrava (CZ), where he teaches survey courses in American and British literature and an academic writing course for doctoral students. He received his M.A. from Texas A&M University and his Ph.D. from Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic.
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia)
Lucia Grauzľová is an assistant professor at the Department of British and American Studies at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University in Bratislava (SK), where she teaches survey courses in British and Canadian literature and academic writing skills.
Central European University (Austria)
Jamie Hoversen is a career advisor at Central European University (AT) and has 15 years of experience supporting students in their academic and career development, with particular focus on supporting self-reflection, developing job search strategies, preparing compelling application materials, and interview preparation.
Nottingham Trent University (UK)
Ross Huffen is a careers consultant at Nottingham Trent University (UK) where he supports students to source and secure internship and graduate roles by developing effective, tailored application materials, including CVs and cover letters; he also coaches them in appropriate professional articulation, behaviour and interview technique. With 17 years' experience, he has developed an understanding of recruiters’ needs and attitudes.
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia)
Lyn Steyne is a lecturer at the Department of British and American Studies at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University in Bratislava (SK), where she teaches English language teaching methodology, English-language academic writing skills, and English as a foreign language.
All students (with B2 English) currently studying in an MA program at the faculties of arts at Comenius University and Masaryk University are eligible to apply for the course.
The course is recommended for first-year MA students.
10 December 2023
22 December 2023
Applications must be in English.
A two- to three-minute video of the applicant answering the following questions:
Applications must be made through this form:
Admitted students can subsequently register this course in IS MUNI.
Applications will be evaluated on the following:
| Assignment | Criteria | Weight | Day due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Active participation | 25% | Every day |
| Find 2 potential jobs/internships; research both organizations; list most important traits | Thorough notes and links | 6.25% | Tuesday |
| Set up professional LinkedIn account with online CV, create 2 CVs (tailored to each job) | Clean, clear, differentiated | 6.25% | Wednesday |
| Write 2 cover letters, one for each position | Organizationally and content correct | 6.25% | Thursday |
| Elevator pitch of 60 seconds or less | Fits the time limit; clarity | 6.25% | Friday |
| Portfolio comprised of final drafts of all assignments above plus a video of your improved elevator pitch/grant proposal | All the above, edited and ready to submit for a job | 25% | The following Friday |
| Quality (i.e., Would it get the job?) | 25% |
This course is supported by a generous grant from the European Union’s Erasmus+ program BELONG: Better Education through Long-term Investment into Inclusiveness and Student and Staff Wellbeing, project number 2021-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000023528.
Do you have any questions? Ask Jitka.
