Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Career Discovery Specialization

Career Discovery Specialization

Empower Yourself to Succeed with New Career Skills. Learn essential career development, planning, and leadership skills that will enable you to take your career to the next level in these changing times.

Instructors: Dan Stotz

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(96 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(96 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

How to analyze your strengths by creating a personal statement
Appropriate elements to make your resume stand out from the crowd
Identifying a mentor to add value to your career
How to identify the elements of a well-structured career plan and evaluate career options by individual fit

Overview

Actively creating a career journey that is fulfilling and integrates the best use of our personal strengths and skills is crucial to deriving value from the work that we do.

This specialization covers career planning, leadership and other essential skills and concepts, and what they mean for individuals in their career development. It starts with career planning as a pathway to employment, developed at the University System of Georgia, which comprises Georgia's public colleges and universities, Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service. It then introduces successful career development, which provides you with the tools to network with intention and get the most value out of LinkedIn.

The specialization then switches gears into what it takes to research a new career and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in it. Finally, you will be asked to reflect on your experiences and critically evaluate what you currently know, what you need to acquire, and how to go about getting it. This is tied together with prior knowledge on how to then leverage your network to connect with people that can serve and support you in exploring a new career.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

43 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Kennesaw State University

Specialization - 3 course series

Learners will go from learning how to practice tasteful self promotion, to identifying key elements to include in their resumes and cover letters to successfully make great first impressions. Specifically, you will learn how to conduct a social media audit, master the interview stage, write thank you notes, and evaluate job offers. Furthermore, you will learn how to build authentic relationships and adjust your career plan when needed. As always, material will be consolidated with quizzes and readings to help the learner better understand and apply new concepts.

Career Options: Exploring a New Career

Course 124 hours4.1 (53 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is for you if you are interested in researching a new career and acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in it. You will be asked to reflect on your experiences and critically evaluate what you currently know, what you need to acquire, and how to go about getting it. You will then identify groups and individuals that can serve and support you in exploring a new career. During this course, you will identify the elements of a well-structured career plan and evaluate career options by individual fit to determine how to effectively engage your network in your career journey.

You will design a tactical career plan and identify pitfalls in behavior, communication and appearance that can derail a new career. You will also develop a targeted cover letter and resume using a proven business format. Your experiential learning can also be a valuable asset, linking your personal experiences with your chosen career. We will help you define your career objective statement and align this with your strengths and goals. Finally, you will be challenged to research and identify your personal values inventory, and evaluate how to best navigate the current job market by using an innovative approach called career rockclimbing.

Skills you'll gain

Personal Development, Goal Setting, Trend Analysis, Self-Awareness, Planning, Professional Networking, Adaptability, Market Analysis, Business Research, Decision Making, Creativity, and Market Research

Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment

Course 224 hours4.7 (193 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is designed to foster creative approaches to launching a new career. You will articulate best ways to make a first impression and analyze your strengths by creating a personal statement. You will identify appropriate elements to make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will also identify the most effective ways a cover letter can answer a job description, and how to best leverage social media in your job search. In short, this course will help you to prepare for a new job. You will learn how to apply, network, leverage social media, interview, follow-up, and evaluate options through research and with the help of experienced faculty and talented professional.

Skills you'll gain

Communication, LinkedIn, Business Writing, Interviewing Skills, Decision Making, Social Media Strategy, Negotiation, Professional Networking, Professionalism, Social Media, and Strategic Communication

Successful Career Development

Course 320 hours4.7 (1,462 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

No matter the professional level, we can all benefit from learning how to succeed in our careers. Whether a well-seasoned professional, a management trainee, or a service level employee, this course will help you enrich your career by honing your professional behavior and networking.

Through industry expert support and resources, this course is designed to prepare you for success in any chosen career. You will develop the habits and attitudes you need to perform effectively in the job market. You will identify a mentor to add value to your career. You will analyze your relationships and develop a practical approach for engaging your LinkedIn network. You will differentiate between networking and networking with intention. You will also discover the most effective ways to ask for help from your peer or professional group. Finally, you will evaluate the best methods of adjusting your career path at various stages of life.

Skills you'll gain

Relationship Building, Professional Networking, Adaptability, LinkedIn, Mentorship, Influencing, Professional Development, Interviewing Skills, Collaboration, and Personal Development

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Dan Stotz

Kennesaw State University

4 Courses163,660 learners

Ana T. Baida, Ed.D.

Kennesaw State University

3 Courses97,125 learners

Offered by

Kennesaw State University

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Frequently asked questions

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Career Discovery Specialization

What you'll learn

Overview

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise