NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM

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.

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 an pintail installment upon submission of their implementation plan. Fellows will receive the remainder of the 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.
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 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.	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.
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 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.	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

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM?

Faculty Fellow Participant Requirements

Participate in a Next Level training session
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 2024
Application deadline: March 15, 2024
Faculty fellow participation: 2024 - 25 academic year
Faculty Fellows will be awarded a $500 stipend upon submission of participant requirements.