One of the distinguishing factors of an SE+ experience is the connection between the work they are doing and the student’s career development. This is often accomplished through learning objectives.

What are they?

Learning objectives help the student identify what they are learning throughout the SE+ experience by connecting *competencies to specific projects or tasks. Learning objectives also provide supervisors concrete examples for evaluation purposes, both midway through the experience as well as at the conclusion of the experience.

How do you write them?

Learning objectives should be written by the student in conjunction with his/her supervisor. The student should identify three to five key elements they hope to learn while completing their projects. These skills can be specific to the student’s field, or more general skill-sets he/she wants to enhance. It’s important to make sure the learning objectives are measurable and achievable.

The supervisor can then help the student pinpoint what projects or work assignments will help the student achieve his or her objectives. Keep in mind that the learning objectives are not all about the student and should align with goals of the organization/department.

*See NACE Competencies   

These are the career competencies outlined by the  National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  These specific competencies have been identified as key attributes to helping college graduates becoming career ready: 

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
• Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
• Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
• Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
• Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
• Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
• Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

Click on the links below to find out more information. 

NACE Website

NACE Handout 

Learning Objective #1:

Gain an understanding of how to implement new technology within a department

Task/Work Assignment #1:

I will be working with my supervisor on a communication tool that helps recruit potential students to GVSU. This new tool will need to be monitored and assessed throughout implementation.

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Learning Objective #2:

Enhance my written communication- specifically in regards to effective social media posts, public service announcements, and website content

Task/Work Assignment #2:

One of my main tasks will be customizing the communication that comes out of the new tool and department. I will need to ensure similar messages are coming through all platforms of communication