Description:

By now, you understand how information technology powers many businesses and that it is part of almost any job description in today's business world. For this assignment, please research and reflect on your desired job(s) and the necessary Information Technology (IT) / Information Systems (IS) skills required or preferred after graduation. Envision yourself graduation this semester and you are now looking for job openings at your preferred companies and looking for positions with your dream titles. When you check these job openings and the descriptions, what skills are companies listing as "required" or "preferred"? For example, if you are a marketing student and see "CRM skills", "Salesforce", or "Business Intelligence," or "Analytics" listed repeatedly, (how) could you fulfill these requirements? Can you identify recurring themes, tools, or brands mentioned, if any? Are there skills or knowledge requirements listed that you have or could strengthen, or some that you don't fulfill (yet). How could you acquire these skills before you graduate? Do you have an idea after this research about what you could maybe add to your toolbox before you graduate that could give you an edge in the job market?

Logistics:

The assignment is to submit a file (of your choice) here on iLearn that elaborates your research about potential jobs in your desired field that you would potentially like to apply to after graduation. Research 3-5 job openings (or more) and see if you can identify required IT or IS skills. Submit either an audio, video or written document. Reflect on what you learned from the exercise about your desired jobs, their requirements, and how well you are positioned for them.

For audio and/or video files, they should be about 3-5 minutes long (>=3min)

For a written document such as Word, aim for 400-600 words (>=400 words)

You can change/edit/resubmit newer versions until the due date

Content:

This is NOT a formal presentation. There are no slides to prepare. I will NOT grade your presentation skills, English writing, grammar, or video editing skills etc. It is also NOT a question about whether you would be the perfect fit for this job or that you may need more experience. It's about identifying if IS/IT skills are part of the future requirements and do a high-level gab analysis to see what you might want to emphasize learning moving forward. Take your smart phone or any free browser-based tool and create your file submission. Do your research, write down some bullets, and see that you can get this done in one or two takes.

Note: this is the first time I include this type of exercises and submission into the class and your valuable feedback about it will be requested at the end of the semester. The purpose is to get you to connect the course content to your life and current or desired career, and to make it more relevant in the long run.

This should be an easy and fun exercise and not take too much time. Check Indeed, Jobvite, LinkedIn, Ladders, or other job sites, think about it during the week, and the actual recording or writing down your thoughts should be quick then.