HELP YOUR STUDENTS TAKE THEIR AUBURN ENGINEERING DEGREE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The Next Level Career Development and Reflective Writing Program aims to improve first destination satisfaction and career readiness after college by focusing on formative career development as well as oral and written articulation of a student's academic and experiential achievements. A cross-disciplinary project with faculty, staff, and administrative stakeholders from across the college, this innovative program is supported by the Auburn Achieve Bright Idea Seed Grant in association with the university's quality enhancement plan (QEP).

Next Level aims to seamlessly integrate career readiness competencies and reflective writing assignments within SGCOE, providing an equitable and systemic approach to student career development.

next level

WHY IS THERE A NEED?

  • Research shows engineering students have difficulty appreciating the value of non-technical skills as part of their engineering identities and display attitudes that non-technical concerns are not relevant to "real" engineering.
    • The codes of ethics defined by professional engineering associations (NSPE, ASME, ASCE, AiCHE to name a few) hold social and non-technical skills as paramount to engineering professions.
    • While engineering employers expect entry-level engineers to hold strong technical skills, they consistently indicate a need for engineers with strong essential skills in communication, leadership, professionalism, inclusion, and teamwork.

  • Students often delay preparation of career and professional materials to prioritize the tasks and assignments required of them by their academic experience.
    • The AU Office of Academic Insight reports that students who report successful career outcomes at graduation also exhibit earlier resume activity in the form of resume appointments with a career coach and resume uploads to the online job search platform compared to those who do not report successful career outcomes at graduation.

  • Research shows that students who prioritize and seek career development support are often self-directed learners or beneficiaries of backgrounds that prompt development of professional materials.
    • As a result, career development becomes a matter of equity when the academic experience does not signal the significance of dedicating time to it.

With these trends in mind, the Next Level program will facilitate students to engage with career development early and throughout the curriculum. The aim is to create stepping stones as students progress in their coursework, with the assignments being tailored to where they are in their academic career.

WHAT DOES THE NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM CONSIST OF?

Next Level course materials consist of academic assignments with a focus on career development and reflective writing for incorporation in the classroom. All assignments have defined outcomes with associated career ready competencies and ABET student outcomes. A suite of assignments and accompanying materials are Canvas-ready and customized for courses at the 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000-levels.

Materials include:

  • Written assignments with specific instructions for student deliverables
  • Customized evaluation rubrics
  • Instructional guidance materials
  • Student informational guides to accompany assignments

  • Optional | In-class topic facilitation conducted by a CDCR staff member for topics associated with a Next Level assignment. Available by request.
  • Optional | Grading support provided by the CDCR Next Level Graduate Assistant. Available by request for up to one assignment per fellow.
  • Stipend | $500
    Fellows will receive a stipend after completion of the course and upon submission of post-implementation written feedback.

WHAT TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

1000-level course assignments
Assignment Intended Outcome Associated Career Ready Competency(ies) Associated ABET Outcome Career Artifact Generated
Career ready competencies reflection Identify, assess, and articulate career competencies developed and identify those needed to become a successful engineer Communication;
All competencies		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
Impactful program reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic or career interest Career and
self-development		 Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Informational interview meeting and reflection Explore and learn about possible professional interests Career and
self-development		 Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Major and job description research Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic and career interest Career and
self-development		 Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Personal introduction Develop a personal introduction through collection, synthesis, and communication of academic, personal and career interests in a concise and well-organized manner Communication;
Career and
self-development		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Elevator pitch
Resume worksheet and first year student resume Create a professional document that summarizes your academic, work, and extracurricular experiences. Communication;
Professionalism		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Resume

2000-level course assignments
Assignment Intended Outcome Associated Career Ready Competency(ies) Associated ABET Outcome Career Artifact Generated
Behavioral interview responses Communicate a concrete experience that demonstrates a skill or competency Communication; Career & self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Interview responses using designated response method
Cover letter customized to internship or co-op + thank-you note Communicate in a clear, organized, and customized manner so others can effectively understand; employ influencing skills Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Cover letter
High-impact experience reflection Assume duties or experiences that will help one progress professionally; develop plans and goals for one's future Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Impactful program reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic or career interest Career and self-development Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Informational interview meeting and reflection Explore and learn about possible professional interests Career and self-development Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
LinkedIn profile Develop an online branding presence that clearly and concisely represents your interests and values Professionalism; Communication; Career and self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 4 | an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. Digital profile
Major and job description Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic and career interest Career and self-development Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Personal introduction Develop a personal introduction through collection, synthesis, and communication of academic, personal and career interests in a concise and well-organized manner Communication;
Career and self-development		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Elevator pitch
Resume + references customized to internship or co-op Create a professional document that summarizes your academic, work, and extracurricular experiences. Communication;
Professionalism		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Resume

3000-level course assignments
Assignment Intended Outcome Associated Career Ready Competency(ies) Associated ABET Outcome Career Artifact Generated
Behavioral interview response Communicate a concrete experience that demonstrates a skill or competency Communication; Career & self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Interview responses using designated response method
Cover letter customized to full-time job + thank-you note Communicate in a clear, organized, and customized manner so others can effectively understand; employ influencing skills Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Cover letter
Financial literacy Evaluate and solidify career decisions using sound judgement Career and self-development; Critical thinking Outcome 1 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Budget
High-impact experience reflection Assume duties or experiences that will help one progress professionally; develop plans and goals for one's future Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Impactful program reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic or career interest Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Industry and job function research Seek information from diverse, reliable sources and construct ideas to inform and enhance career Career and self-development; Critical thinking Outcome 1 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Lifelong learning reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic + career interest. Career and Self-Development Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
LinkedIn profile Develop an online branding presence that clearly and concisely represents your interests and values Professionalism; Communication; Career and self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 4 | an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. Digital profile
Personal introduction Develop a personal introduction through collection, synthesis, and communication of academic, personal and career interests in a concise and well-organized manner Communication;
Career and self-development		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Elevator pitch
Personal statement Show an awareness of own career interests; communicate desire to further education that will support career interests in an organized manner Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Personal statement
Resume + references customized to full-time job Create a professional document that summarizes your academic, work, and extracurricular experiences. Communication;
Professionalism		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Resume

4000-level course assignments
Assignment Intended Outcome Associated Career Ready Competency(ies) Associated ABET Outcome Career Artifact Generated
Behavioral interview response Communicate a concrete experience that demonstrates a skill or competency Communication; Career & self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Interview responses using designated response method
Career ready competencies reflection Identify, assess, and articulate career competencies developed and identify those needed to become a successful engineer Communication; all competencies Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
College to career transition Advocate for oneself and others; seek and embrace development opportunities Career and self-development; Equity and inclusion Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Financial literacy Evaluate and solidify career decisions using sound judgement Career and self-development; Critical thinking Outcome 1 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Budget
Impactful program reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic or career interest Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Industry and job function research Seek information from diverse, reliable sources and construct ideas to inform and enhance career Career and self-development; Critical thinking Outcome 1 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Lifelong learning reflection Display curiosity and seek opportunity to learn about an academic + career interest. Career and Self-Development Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
LinkedIn profile Develop an online branding presence that clearly and concisely represents your interests and values Professionalism; Communication; Career and self-development Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 4 | an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. Digital profile
Personal introduction Develop a personal introduction through collection, synthesis, and communication of academic, personal and career interests in a concise and well-organized manner Communication;
Career and self-development		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Elevator pitch
Personal statement Show an awareness of own career interests; communicate desire to further education that will support career interests in an organized manner Career and self-development; Communication Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Personal statement
Resume + references customized to full-time job Create a professional document that summarizes your academic, work, and extracurricular experiences. Communication;
Professionalism		 Outcome 3 | an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Outcome 7 | an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. Resume

1000-Level Interests Worksheet + Resume
2000-Level LinkedIn Profile
3000-Level Financial Literacy Worksheet + Reflection
4000-Level College to Post-Graduation Transition

Congratulations to the 2024-25 Next Level Faculty Fellows

The Career Development and Corporate Relations team in conjunction with the Next Level Program Committee welcomes the inaugural class of Next Level Faculty Fellows.

Fellows will launch one or more Next Level career development and reflective writing assignments in identified courses at levels 1000 - 5000 with a commitment to continue including the assignment(s) in their course(s) beyond their fellowship appointment.

AEROSPACE

BIOSYSTEMS

CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL

CHEMICAL

COMPUTER SCIENCE & SOFTWARE

ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER

INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS

MATERIALS

MECHANICAL

The Career Development and Corporate Relations team in conjunction with the Next Level Program Committee also welcomes the Next Level Program Affiliates. 

Affiliates will launch one or more Next Level career development and reflective writing assignments in identified courses in contribution to providing a systematic approach to career development in the Auburn Engineering curriculum. 

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM?

Faculty Fellow Participant Requirements

  • Participate in a Next Level Launch Meeting
  • Prepare your class(es) to incorporate one or more Next Level assignment(s)
  • Submit an implementation plan to the Next Level program committee
  • Utilize the Next Level branding images in your course syllabus(i), associated assignment(s), and Canvas course(s)
  • Announce, collect, and ensure grading for assignment(s)
  • Provide written feedback to the Next Level program committee regarding assignment implementation
  • Continue implementation of Next Level assignment(s) in future semesters after fellowship completion

Application Requirements

  • Indicate the course(s) you will teach for which you want to implement a Next Level assignment(s)
  • Indicate expected enrollment for your course(s)
  • Indicate if your course(s) is a required class in the curriculum
  • Describe why you are interested in participating in the Next Level program as a Faculty Fellow
  • Given that career services are an auxiliary service for students, please provide a description of your philosophy of career development and how it fits within the engineering academic experience. Why is it important to you?

Timeframe

  • Faculty Fellow applications will open in January 2025
  • Application deadline: March 15, 2025
  • Faculty fellow participation: 2025 - 26 academic year
  • Faculty Fellows will be awarded a $500 stipend upon submission of participant requirements.

NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM CONTACTS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT & CORPORATE RELATIONS
FACULTY
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN & PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
AUBURN ACHIEVE QUALITY ENHANCEMENT PLAN
  • Charlie Wilder | Senior Analyst for Education Research, Office of Academic Insight

NEWS

April 14, 2024 | Next Level program welcomes 20 faculty into inaugural fellows class

January 16, 2024 | Next Level career development program expands access through faculty fellowships

September 28, 2023 | Next Level program aims to develop career skills in students