CSO3001:

CAREER LAB
INTERACTIVE WORKBOOK

Name Muhammad maaz ali

CC/AM:

Section: B

Major: computer science

SPRING
FALL 2025
2024
Orientation Session
Session Title:
Welcome to Career Lab-CS3001
You have embarked on a journey to transform your life.

About the Course

The goal of this course is to introduce a blended learning model to prepare students for the job market by helping
them internalize professional and business skills. Based on the frameworks of experiential learning and facilitation
techniques, the course aims to build the requisite skills for becoming seasoned professionals, capable of
independent thought and action, who work well with others and are influential in their organizations.

Course Plan
Apply effective professional interpersonal communication skills in business contexts.
Enhance technical writing skills through the development of effective resumes, cover letters, statement of
purpose, and etiquette.
Learn how to make appropriate occupational/educational choices and set realistic occupational/educational
goals.
Develop life-long skills associated with career decision-making and career management.
Recognize the qualities, skills, and abilities that employers are seeking in job candidates.
Comprehend the importance of networking and identify employment leads often overlooked by many job
seekers.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Course Themes
CAREER MANAGEMENT
Career Planning
Career Theories
Self Assessments
Goal Setting

CAREER READINESS
Personal Pitch/Elevator Pitch
Career Assessment
Professional Documentation
Personal Branding: LinkedIn
Interview Strategies
Job Application Process
Networking

CAREER COMPETENCIES
Critical thinking/Problem Solving - Oral/Written Communication - Teamwork/Collaboration - Time Management -
Digital Technology - Leadership - Professionalism/Work Ethic

CAREER PLAN
Personal Marketing Plan (PMP)

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

 WEEK
1
Course Introduction & Career Planning

Course WEEK
2
Knowing Yourself & Time Management

Timeline WEEK
3
Business Communication & Presentation Skills

WEEK
4
Verbal Communication & Resume Writing

WEEK
5
Cover Letters, Job Research and Problem-Solving

WEEK
6
Job Application Process & Interviews

WEEK
7
Interviewing Skills
 WEEK
8
Interview Practice

Course WEEK
9
Mock Interviews

Timeline WEEK
10
Exploring Possibilities:
Entrepreneurship & Further Education

WEEK
11
The Power Of Mindset & Artificial Intelligence

WEEK
12
Final Presentations - Personal Marketing Plan

WEEK
13
Final Presentations - Personal Marketing Plan

WEEK
14
Assessment Center & Wrap Up
Expectations from Career Lab in Career Development
Worksheet
In what ways do you expect the Career Lab to enhance your career development?

I expect the Career Lab to play a significant role in helping me become career-ready by equipping me with essential professional skills and insights. I hope to gain clarity about different career paths aligned with my interests and
academic background, and to receive personalized guidance on setting and achieving my career goals.

Additionally, I look forward to developing job-search skills such as résumé writing, interview preparation, networking, and effective communication. I also expect to connect with industry professionals and mentors through events and
workshops, which can broaden my understanding of the job market and current industry trends.

Overall, I see the Career Lab as a platform to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world employment opportunities.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 1

 Session 1
INTRODUCTION TO CAREER PLANNING & KNOWING YOURSELF

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Career Theories
Key Takeaways

Planned Happenstance Theory Trait & Factor Theory

Krumboltz Frank Parsons
Several factors have been highlighted as being helpful in career Frank Parsons developed the idea of matching careers to talents,
management, including: skills & personalities.
Parsons states that occupational decision making occurs when
The commitment to ongoing learning and skill development people have achieved:

Ongoing self-assessment An accurate understanding of their individual traits (aptitudes,

interests & personal abilities).
Assessment and feedback from others
A knowledge of jobs & labor market
Effective networking
Rational & objective judgment about the relationships between
Achieving work-life balance their individual traits, & the labor market.

Financial planning to incorporate periods of unemployment This three part theory still governs most current practices. First,
examine the personality traits of the person. Second, inventory the
These attributes and tasks enable you to turn chance encounters character traits of the job. Third, measure the personality traits of
and occurrences into career opportunities. the individual against the traits of the job.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 02

.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Key Takeaways
Being able to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses is a key part of being a good leader, and essential to continuing your
development. However, making the time, or even knowing where to start when it comes to reflecting on areas you could improve
upon, can be difficult.
There are two general processes through which we can identify our strengths & weaknesses:

Self Reflection Self Assessment

Immerse in reflective exercises: Evaluating your personality through tests/assessments:

Asking yourself targeted questions MBTI Test

Analyzing experiences EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Assessment

Asking others (taking feedback from peers) VIA Character Strengths Assessments

Total SDI

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 03

Strengths & Weaknesses
Worksheet
From the BINGO activity conducted during the session, you were able to identify your strengths and
weaknesses. In the space below, list down your strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths Weaknesses

if i have a deadline i work really hard lazy

i relate to other people by putting myself in their shoes think emotionally
care for others think alotoot of others feelings
im good in sports hard to say no to others
i keep my environment clean not consistent

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 04

MBTI Personality Test
Worksheet
Advocate INFJ-T
My MBTI Personality is: __________________________
martin luther king
A famous person who shares my personality type is: _____________________________

Ideal careers/job roles as per my

Qualities of my personality type:
personality type:

Insightful & Introspective Counselor / Therapist / Psychologist

Empathetic & Compassionate
Creative & Idealistic Writer / Editor / Content Strategist
Organized & Goal-Oriented
Independent & Visionary Teacher / Educator

Human Resources Specialist

NGO or Social Services Work

Career Coach / Life Coach

Researcher or Analyst

UX Designer / Creative Director

Environmental / Sustainability Consultant

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 05

A Letter To My Future Self
Worksheet
Write a letter to your future self, to be opened and read by you at the completion of this course. You may answer questions
related to how prepared are you for the future, what have you planned after you graduate, how do you feel about your future
planning, what do you expect from the course, or if you have any tip/advice for your current self. When you finally open and
read the letter, you will look back to see how much you have grown throughout the course

Dear Future Me,

I hope as you read this, you are smiling — not because everything went perfectly, but because you remained true to who you are.

You’ve always had a quiet strength within you — the ability to listen deeply, care immensely, and dream boldly. You’ve never been one to chase attention, but your actions, your kindness, and your vision have always spoken
volumes. I hope you never lost that light.

Remember those days when you felt uncertain, when your sensitivity felt like a burden instead of a gift? You made it through. You learned that it’s okay to feel deeply — in fact, it’s your superpower. Your empathy is not a weakness;
it’s what sets you apart in a world that sometimes forgets to care.

You’ve come far, not just in what you’ve achieved, but in how you’ve grown. You’ve learned to set boundaries while still being generous. You’ve chosen purpose over convenience. And you’ve continued to fight for things that matter
— for truth, for people, for change, for yourself.

I hope your career brings you fulfillment — not just a title or a paycheck, but the sense that what you do aligns with who you are. Whether you're writing, mentoring, designing, healing, or leading change — I hope you’ve found your
way to contribute meaningfully.

But more than anything, I hope you’ve stayed kind. To others, yes — but also to yourself. You deserve grace, just as much as anyone you’ve given it to.

Keep listening to that quiet voice inside you. It’s led you well so far. And no matter where life has taken you, remember: the world is better with you in it.

With hope, pride, and love,

Past You

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 06

 Session 2
Knowing Yourself & Time Management

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Recalling Strengths & Weaknesses
Key Takeaways

It is important to know both your strengths and weaknesses in order to self-evaluate. Having this
Career Progression knowledge about yourself will also help you narrow down your job search to specific jobs based on
what you’re good at, and it will make employers’ decision to hire you easier

Leveraging Your Your strengths are the skills you can leverage and use to push yourself further to achieve your goals.
Strengths Knowing what you excel in can help you grow and aim higher.

Having a strong self-awareness and ability to highlight your areas of weakness enables you to proactively
work on these, such as taking courses, seeking additional exposure to a task you are less comfortable with,
Developing Skills
or working with a mentor to address a weakness. This process of self-assessment will ultimately
strengthen your skill set so that you can overcome any limitations.

Every weakness has a hidden strength - all students have to do is accept them for what they are.
Corresponding
They should leverage these associated strengths and ask other people for advice to improve
Strengths themselves and fix any gaps they might have.

It is important to understand (if you are in a leadership role/or an entrepreneur) your weaknesses as
Knowing What
it means you know what skill set you need to hire the right skills and build a diverse team that can
Skills to Hire
help you, and your organization, to achieve your goals.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 07

Goal Setting
Key Takeaways

The next skill in career management is goal setting; to have a look at our present opportunities and create a tentative
plan to acquire clarity. Goal-setting is the process of taking active steps to achieve your desired outcome. Maybe your
dream is to become a teacher, lawyer, computer scientist or pharmacist. Each one of these dreams involves setting and
reaching small (and big!) goals.

In this course, we will be practicing two tools for goal-setting:

CAREER MAP S.M.A.R.T GOALS

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 08

Career Map
Key Takeways

You have a purpose. You have work that you want to do in this life, work that is
meaningful to you and to those who benefit from it. And yes, you have a career in
you! Whoever you may be, whatever field of work you may find yourself in, and
whatever your situation right now, you can have a career so long as you have a
desire for one.

A simple but powerful tool helps you identify the opportunities you have right now
to live more purposefully and become the person you want to be. It helps us identify
our desired career and map out possibilities to narrow down our career path.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 09

Creating Your Career Map
Worksheet

Top Strengths My Core Values

Excellent written and verbal communication Authenticity

Creative problem-solving with a strategic mindset Growth and self-awareness

Deep empathy and emotional intelligence Empathy and compassion

Desired Strengths Ideal Client/Company

greater assertiveness in leadership roles Remote-friendly or flexible, with emphasis on
Public speaking and persuasive communication collaboration and purpose
Confidence in decision-making under pressure
CAREER A coaching organization
social enterprise

Education Investment
PURPOSE Professional Role Model
Bs CS
MAP Messi
LLM programs roosevelt
Certifications in coaching, nonprofit leadership, or digital martin luther
tools like Adobe or Canva

Career Goals/Dreams Ideal Professional Self

To write or create content that inspires and helps others A respected thought leader who inspires change with
compassion
launch a purpose-driven initiative or social enterprise Known for authentic leadership, creative vision, and
integrity
To work in a role that makes a real impact on individuals
or communities Deeply fulfilled, working in harmony with core values and
helping others grow

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 10

Goal Setting
Key Takeaways

You need to be clear on what you want to accomplish.

S
SPECIFIC
What do I want to accomplish?

MEASURABLE The goals should be quantifiable e.g., generate one lead per month.
M How will I know when it's accomplished?

The goals should not be too easy or too hard. Set ambitious, but realistic

A ATTAINABLE targets.
How can the goal be accomplished?

The target should align with your personal/ professional goals.

R
RELEVANT
Does this seem worthwhile?

Set a timeframe and/or a clear deadline for achieving your goal.

T TIME-BOUND
When can I accomplish this goal?

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 11

S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting
Worksheet
To become a certified career and life coach and start helping individuals with personal growth and career transitions.
GOAL

I want to complete a recognized coaching certification and start offering one-on-one coaching sessions focused on career development and self-
SPECIFIC discovery.

I will complete a 6-month certification program, build a website portfolio, and coach at least 5 clients within the first year.
MEASURABLE

The certification is part-time and online, fitting my current schedule. I already have strong listening, empathy, and writing skills that support this goal.
ATTAINABLE

This goal aligns with my INFJ personality — helping others, using my intuition, and working in a meaningful field that reflects my values.
RELEVANT

I will enroll in a program by July, complete certification by December, and begin client sessions by January next year.
TIME-BOUND

S.M.A.R.T By December, I will complete a coaching certification and begin offering coaching sessions to at least 5 clients within the first 3 months of launching,
using my skills to support their growth and career development.
GOAL

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 12

Strategizing Strengths & Weaknesses
Worksheet
List any two of the strengths and weaknesses you have identified in the previous activity. For strengths, mention how they could help in
your career progression. For your weaknesses, state how they could be a hurdle and the steps you would take to overcome them.

Strengths Weaknesses
Strength 1: ________________________________
Empathy Weakness 1: __________________________
Sensitivity to Criticism

Explanation: Explanation:
Due to my idealistic and introspective nature, I may take criticism personally. This can hinder my growth or slow down decision-maki
____________________________________________________________
I naturally empathize with others, allowing me to connect deeply and understand their emotions and needs.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
This quality helps in roles such as counseling, coaching, HR, and community engagement
____________________________________________________________
Steps to overcome: Reframe criticism as constructive feedback.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
It builds trust and promotes collaboration, which can make me a strong leader and mentor in team environments. Practice mindfulness and emotional regulation.

____________________________ ____________________________________________________
Seek mentorship to help me build resilience and perspective.

Strengths Weaknesses
Strength 1: ________________________________
Strategic Thinking & Vision
Weakness 1: __________________________
Over committing to Help Others

Explanation: Explanation:
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
I tend to think long-term and see the bigger picture. This is helpful in career planning, innovation, and creating meaningfulI solutions.
often prioritize others' needs over my own, which can lead to burnout or a lack of boundaries.

It supports leadership roles and makes me a natural fit for strategy, policy work, or creative direction in purpose-driven organizations.
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
Steps to overcome: Learn to say no and set clear boundaries.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
Use time management tools to balance responsibilities.

____________________________ ____________________________________________________
Schedule regular self-care and reflection to maintain energy and clarity.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 13

Career Competency - Time Management
Key Takeaways

Planning Your Time & Prioritizing Your Tasks

Time management—how we choose to use and organize our time—is something many of us struggle with. Effective time
management allows us to make the most of our day, accomplishing tasks more quickly and prioritizing those that will make
the most impact.

Figuring out a process that works for you, whatever that may be, is key to creating your most efficient life. To help you
improve poor time management, we’ll explore two popular techniques to help us plan our time for effective management.
Time boxing helps us organize our time better, whereas Eisenhower helps us prioritize our tasks. Once we have prioritized
our tasks using Eisenhower, we may use timeboxing for the completion of each task.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 14

Career Competency - Time Management
Key Takeaways

Timeboxing Eisenhower Matrix

How it works: How it works:

From the moment you wake up, assign each time block in Organize your task list into four separate quadrants, sorting
your day to a task. These tasks can be anything from eating them by important vs. unimportant and urgent vs. not
breakfast to studying for a test. urgent.

Divide a piece of paper into two columns. On the left, write Urgent tasks are those we feel need to get done
down each hour of the day and create blocks of time such immediately. Important tasks are those that contribute to
as half-hour or hour chunks. Estimate the time it’s going to your long-term goals or values. Ideally, you should only
take to complete each of your tasks and fit them into your work on tasks in the top two quadrants—the other tasks,
time blocks. Add buffer times in between each time block you should delegate or delete.
to allow for adjustments during the day.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 15

Career Competency - Time Management
Visual Aid

Urgent Not Urgent

Important
Do Schedule
Tasks with deadlines or Tasks with unclear
consequences deadlines that contribute to
long-term success.
Not Important

Delegate
Delete
Tasks that must get
Distractions and unnecessary
done but don't require your
tasks.
skill-set.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 16

Time Management
Using the list of tasks created during discussion, arrange the tasks based on the Timeboxing technique.
Worksheet 1

List of Tasks Timeboxing Technique

Review lecture notes

00:00 00:30
Do assignment

Take a break
Check emails/messages Attend class
Study for quiz

Attend online class

Organize files Attend class Take a break

Check emails/messages

Plan tomorrow
Review lecture notes Do assignment

Do assignment Study for quiz

Organize files Plan tomorrow

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 17

Time Management
Using the list of tasks created during discussion, arrange the tasks based on the Eisenhower Matrix:
Worksheet 2

List of Tasks Eisenhower Matrix

Review lecture notes Urgent & Important (Do First) Not Urgent but Important (Schedule)
- Attend online class - Review lecture notes
- Do assignment - Study for quiz

Do assignment

Take a break

Study for quiz

Urgent but Not Important (Delegate) Not Urgent & Not Important (Eliminate)
- Check emails/messages - Take a break
- Organize files
Attend online class - Plan tomorrow

Organize files

Plan tomorrow

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 18

 Session 3
Business Communication & Presentation Skills

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Communication Skills - Verbal
Key Takeaways

4 Ps of Vocal Delivery - Speaking with Impact

Voice is a powerful tool for presenters. Voice can make all the difference between success and failure when you’re
aiming to engage your audience. The use of 4 Ps is particularly important for prepared speech for more formal settings,
where you are addressing an audience. For example: giving a presentation, reading aloud reports and minutes for
board meetings, debating,
telling a story, broadcasting etc.

Voice modulation is achieved by changing the pitch and power of your voice and pace of your speech. Voice
modulation can be improved by practicing phrases, amusing sentences, dialogues, prose passages, tongue twisters
and poetry.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 19

Communication Skills-Verbal
Key Takeaways
POWER

Power stands for the loudness of your voice, and all voices are breath, in order to increase the power of your voice,
you need to enlarge your lung capacity with breathing exercises.

PITCH
Pitch
Pitch refers to the ups and downs of your notes when you speak. Then you can variate your pitch from high to
low. For example, you use high pitch when you talk about something exciting and positive, and low pitched voice
when you talk about something serious or sad. We all have the ability to speak from a vocal range – which
includes higher notes and lower notes. However, it takes great awareness and practice to notice your own pitch
and to change it consciously.

PACE
Pace
Pace refers to the speed at which you speak. A good speaker knows the value of changing the pace as they
speak. You can also play with your pace, at times it could be slower, and at times faster. For example, when you
are introducing a topic that is exciting you can speed up the pace of your voice. On the other hand, when you
want people to focus their attention you may slow down for emphasis.

PAUSE
Pause
Pause involves stopping momentarily for effect in the middle of your remarks. It is a tool that is used hand in
hand with variations of Pace. There is a pause for effect, pause between paragraphs, etc. With pauses, you can
bring an emphasis to a certain word or idea, separate ideas, etc.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 20

Communication Skills- Verbal
Key Takeaways
We talk a lot about communication but are never told about how to communicate and what to communicate. EPIC framework is a
holistic approach to communication that is applicable to a wide range of interactions. EPIC helps to communicate those ideas in a
way that inspires people to act and to implement meaningful change.
The four elements that make up the EPIC framework are:

Empathy means putting yourself in other person’s shoes to understand their

EMPATHY perspective. For example, take the perspective of your audience in order to build a
strong foundation for your communications.

While communicating, define the purpose to include their needs and yours. This
PURPOSE question “What is the overall purpose of the project, and how does this
interaction help us to move us towards it?” can help you build your response.

EPIC FRAMEWORK

Your message/ideas should be supported by insights and facts. You may use
INSIGHT research, statistics and case studies.

In order to have a great conversation you need to plan and arrange the flow of an
CONVERSATION effective two way conversation. Use storytelling techniques to build memorable
connection with your audience.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 21

Application of EPIC Framework
Worksheet
How would you conduct a conversation with a friend who was withdrawn from a course, utilizing the EPIC
(Empathy, Perspective, Impact, Compassion) framework?

Empathy:
"I'm really sorry to hear you were withdrawn from the course. That must have been really upsetting and stressful for you."

Perspective:
"Sometimes things happen beyond our control—whether it’s personal challenges, stress, or academic pressure. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable or smart."

Impact:
"I know how much effort you were putting in, and it sucks that this happened. But this doesn't define your future—you still have so many chances to do great things."

Compassion:
"I'm here for you, not just as a classmate but as a friend. Let me know how I can help—whether it’s talking things through, studying together, or just hanging out to clear your mind."

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 22

Communication Skills - Non-Verbal
Key Takeaways
Non-verbal communication is as important as verbal communication to make an impact. Below are a few
elements of non-verbal communication:

Eye Contact Gesture

Sitting Posture
Dressing Style

Facial Expression Body Language

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 23

Communication Skills- Non-Verbal
In the picture below, identify areas where non-verbal communication is not up to par Worksheet

1. Avoiding eye contact.(Lack of confidence)

2. Leaning toward the person next to them.(Invading personal space)
3. Looking down.(Displays nervousness)
4. looking away.(looks bored)
5. Checking watch.(seems impatient)
6. anxious body language(Shows nervousness)
7. Sitting too stiffly with serious expression(Overly tense)

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 24

Business Communication - Email Etiquette
Key Takeaways

Why is Email Etiquette Important?

Show that you are ready for your future career.

Professionalism

Look efficient sending to-the-point message.

Efficiency

Respect Avoid unnecessary embellishments and small talk.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 25

Business Communication - Email Etiquette
Key Takeaways
Tips to Write a Professional Email

Use a Professional Email Address

Using an unprofessional email address tends to be a common mistake among students.
Make sure to make a professional email ID before sending important emails.
A professional email would ideally only include your name or some number if need be.

Use a Direct Subject line

The email's subject line informs the recipient of what they can expect to find in the email's body. It may help them
sort their emails or begin finding information for a response before reading the full message. Make email subject
lines clear and straightforward.

Use Professional Greetings

Easy rule of thumb is to stick to modifying them according to the time of the day, such as: Good morning, Good
afternoon or Good evening.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 26

Business Communication - Email Etiquette
Key Takeaways
Tips to Write a Professional Email

Avoid Using Unprofessional Language

Do not write (Roman Urdu) Urdu using English alphabets in your email. Stick to using English and avoid slang
words.

Closing of Email
Conclude your email with a short closing, such as “Thank you,” “Best regards” or “Sincerely.” Include your full name
to the bottom along with your title and essential contact information, such as your phone number. This closing
gives your recipient all the details they need to respond.

Review
It is always a good idea to take another look before pressing send. Spellcheck can catch many errors but be sure
to check for typos on your own, too.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 27

 Session 4
Verbal Communication & Resume Writing

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Career Readiness - Elevator Pitch
Key Takeaways

An elevator pitch is a short yet impressive introduction of yourself designed to market your experiences and skill sets. You can
also use it to create interest in a project, idea or product – or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a
short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name." Here are some key reasons why an elevator pitch is important:

An elevator pitch helps you make a strong first impression. It’s often the first opportunity you have to
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
engage someone, and a well-crafted pitch can grab their attention quickly.

People’s time is valuable, and an elevator pitch allows you to communicate your value proposition
TIME EFFICIENCY
concisely.

Crafting an elevator pitch forces you to distill your ideas into their essence. It helps you articulate what
VALUE PROPOSITION
you do, why it matters, and how it’s different from others in a clear and compelling way.

PERSUASION AND A good pitch can persuade and influence others, whether you're seeking investment, support, or
INFLUENCE collaboration. It's a critical tool for convincing others of the value you bring.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 28

Career Readiness - Elevator Pitch
Key Takeaways

Start by thinking about the objective of your pitch. For instance, are you a current student looking to
Identify Your Goal get an internship over the summers? A fresh graduate applying for jobs or an entrepreneur looking for
investors?

It is important for the listener to have an idea of the person/product/idea they are being informed
about. If you are a student, your pitch will include your semester and major. If you are a fresh graduate,
Explain What You Do
you will talk about your major and field of interest. In case you are pitching a business idea, you will talk
about your product.

A Unique Selling Proposition is any skill, idea or characteristic that makes you or your product stand out
USP
from the rest.

After you communicate your USP, you need to engage your audience. To do this, ask questions to
Engage With a Question
involve them in the conversation.

When you've completed each section of your pitch, put it all together. Then, read it aloud and time how
long it takes. It should be no longer than 20-30 seconds. Otherwise, you risk losing the person's interest,
Put It All Together
or monopolizing the conversation. Try to cut out anything that doesn't absolutely need to be there.
Remember, your pitch needs to be snappy and compelling, so the shorter it is, the better!

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 29

Elevator Pitch- Sell a Product
Worksheet
To promote Notion as the all-in-one workspace for students to manage notes, tasks, projects, and more.

IDENTIFY YOUR GOAL

Notion helps you organize everything in one place—whether it’s class notes, to-do lists, calendars, or group projects.
EXPLAIN WHAT YOU
DO

Unlike other productivity apps, Notion combines note-taking, task management, and database functions in one fully customizable interface.

USP

Do you ever feel overwhelmed juggling between multiple apps to manage your classes, assignments, and personal tasks?
ENGAGE WITH A
QUESTION

Hey! Let me introduce you to Notion—your ultimate digital workspace. Whether you're a student keeping track of lectures, planning group projects, or organizing your
PUT IT ALL semester, Notion does it all in one place. You can take notes, set deadlines, build a study tracker, and even collaborate with your classmates. Would you like to see
how it can organize your academic life in just a few clicks?
TOGETHER

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 30

Career Readiness - Resume Writing
Key Takeaways

Resume CV

One to two pages long No length limit

For Jobs in industries For jobs in Academia
Tailored to specific job A comprehensive overview
Emphasize skills Emphasizes academic accomplishments
Used when applying for a position in industry, non-profit, and Used when applying for positions in academia, fellowships and
public sector grants
After 1 year of industry experience, lead with work experience Always begins with education and can include name of advisor
and place education section at the or near the end, depending and dissertation title or summary (see examples). Also used for
upon qualifications merit/tenure review and sabbatical leave

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 31

Career Readiness - Resume Writing
Key Takeaways

Resume CV

Contact Information Contact Information

(Email, Contact Number, LinkedIn, City Name) Research Objective, Professional Profile, or Personal Statement
Resume Summary or Resume Objective (Research objectives describe what your research is trying to
(A one- to two sentence overview of your short-term achieve. A personal statement is a brief personal summary
professional goals with an explanation of why you’re seeking given to prospective employers or Universities.)
employment.) Education
Work Experience Teaching Experience
(Relevant work experience tailored accordingly) (includes volunteer ship/internship or TA/RA ship) OR Research
Education Experience / Lab Experience / Graduate Fieldwork
(2-3 recent educational degree/courses) Languages and Skills
Skills Additional Sections:
Additional Sections (Peer-Reviewed Publications, Awards and Honors, Grants and
(Awards, Courses, Publications, Certificates, Conferences, etc.) Fellowships, Books)

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 32

Career Readiness - Resume Writing
Key Takeaways

REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

1
In all the sections, focus on the latest thing first. For example, in education, mention the degree you are
currently pursuing.

ACTION VERBS
Action verbs are essential in defining roles and responsibilities on a resume because they clearly outline
what tasks were performed, highlight the level of involvement, and communicate accountability. For
HOW TO ORGANIZE
AND WRITE A 2
example: Created new training material and supervised a team of 30 employees.
- Bold words are action verbs -
RESUME

QUANTIFICATION

Quantification plays a significant role in defining roles and responsibilities on a resume by adding
context and demonstrating the scale, impact, and value of your work. It provides specific evidence of
your accomplishments, making your claims more credible and impressive to potential employers.
For example: mentored a class of 40 students on leadership and growth mindset skills'
- Bold numbers are quantification -

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 33 3

Action Verbs & Quantification
Worksheet
Using action verbs and quantification, revise the statements given below:

Conducted monthly training sessions for a team of 15, improving departmental efficiency by 25%.

Trained my department

Completed a 6-month professional development fellowship, enhancing leadership and project management skills through 5+ workshops and seminars.
Did a fellowship on professional
development

Created and scheduled over 30 pieces of social media content during a 3-month internship at a digital agency, increasing engagement by 40%.
Did an internship at a digital agency and
made social media content for them

Led the debating society as President, organizing 10+ inter-university competitions and boosting member participation by 60%.
President of debating society and
organized many competitions

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 34

Career Competency - Critical Thinking
Key Takeaways

Are you looking to land the perfect job? Or an employee aiming to climb the next rung on the career ladder? Developing
your critical problem-solving skills will make you a better candidate for that new job or promotion.
The word “critical thinking” frequently pops up in job descriptions and on adjective lists for resume writing, so it’s clearly a
desirable characteristic. It’s such an important skill that some employers even require candidates to pass a critical
thinking test for employment with the company.

Here are some ways to improve and utilize your critical thinking skills:
Keep the goal in mind
Know your biases and try to look past them
Ask questions and gather information
Evaluate the facts of the situation and all available data
Collaborate and get feedback from others—especially people with different backgrounds than your own
Generate possible solutions, particularly out-of-the-box ideas
Consider the short- and long-term consequences of implementing each solution
Make a decision or come to a conclusion
Present and communicate the decision or conclusion

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 35

 Session 5
Cover Letters, Job Research and Problem-Solving

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Job Description
Key Takeaways
A job description contains the following components: job title, job purpose, job duties and responsibilities, required qualifications,
preferred qualifications, and working conditions.
When you find a job posting you like, look for these factors while you revise your professional documentation:

Your "target job title" should match the title that is being advertised and go toward the top of your
Role Match resume to catch the eye of the hiring manager and any applicant tracking system (ATS) that's searching
for a match.

Find overlap between your previous responsibilities and qualifications to show what value you can bring
to this organization. Look beyond tangible skills and highlight your work ethic or personality traits that
Value Match
make you a great candidate.

Identify the hard and soft skills from the job ad and mirror the same language in your resume. Include
your educational background, work experiences and transferable skills that show you are equipped to
Skill Match
perform the job with the skills you have acquired through your career.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 36

Career Readiness: Cover Letter
Key Takeaways
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). Its
purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. A good cover letter can spark the HR
manager’s interest and get them to read your resume.

Tips to Write an Effective Cover Letter

Step 1 Make it Personal

Step 2 Tell Them Why You Picked Them

Step 3 Tell Them Why They Should Pick You

Step 4 Show Passion

Step 5 Show Kindness

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 37

Career Readiness - Cover Letter
Key Takeaways

Paragraph 1 - Make it Personal

1
Address the hiring manager with their name and designation. Start by your introduction and write
about the job you are applying for. You can mention your qualifications here.

Paragraph 2- Why you picked them

Talk about the company here, do your research, find out which specific projects the company is doing
4 and what strikes your interest.

PARAGRAPHS OF A
COVER LETTER 2 Paragraph 3 - Why they should pick you + Show passion

Now, talk about yourself. Talk about all your relevant job experiences or anything you have done to
learn the skills the JD has mentioned.

Paragraph 4 - Show kindness

End on a good note - talk about how you are looking forward to meeting them and how thankful you
are to them for taking out the time.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 38 3

Sample Cover Letter
Key Takeaways

Dear Zara Nadeem,

Hope this message finds you in good health, I am writing to express my profound desire to apply for the intern Pharmacist position at Shaukat Khanum
Cancer Hospital. With a strong academic background in pharmacy and an interest in cancer care, I am thrilled to be able to contribute to your facility and
gain knowledge and experience in cancer disease treatment.

The fact that Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital is renowned for providing excellent cancer care and the hospital has continued to treat more than 75% of all
cancer patients completely free of charge attracts me a lot. I am motivated by your institution's creative strategies and collaborative teamwork to improve
patient outcomes and their quality of life Furthermore; I am a proactive learner who keeps up with the most recent developments in cancer medication.

I am currently finishing my Doctor of Pharmacy at Lahore Pharmacy College, LMDC during my studies and clinical rotations at the GHURKI Trust Teaching
Hospital I have had the opportunity to become more proficient in pharmacology, medication therapy management, and patient care.

I know you are overwhelmed with the recruitment process, but I thought it would be worth a shot. I would love to join your prestigious institution and
become a valuable team member of your pharmacy department, and I would live this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regard,
Farhan Tahir
farhan109xxxx@gmail.com
031307xxxx
Linkedin.com/farhan20xx

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 39

Career Readiness: Cover Letter
Worksheet

Examine the sample cover letter and locate the relevant paragraphs for each component. Write these paragraphs
in the corresponding rows of the table.

Dear Zara Nadeem,

Hope this message finds you in good health, I am writing to express my profound desire to apply for the intern Pharmacist position at Shaukat Khanum
Make it Personal Cancer Hospital

The fact that Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital is renowned for providing excellent cancer care and the hospital has continued to treat more than 75% of all
Tell Them Why You cancer patients completely free of charge attracts me a lot. I am motivated by your institution's creative strategies and collaborative teamwork to improve
patient outcomes and their quality of life Furthermore; I am a proactive learner who keeps up with the most recent developments in cancer medication.
Picked Them

I am currently finishing my Doctor of Pharmacy at Lahore Pharmacy College, LMDC during my studies and clinical rotations at the GHURKI Trust Teaching
Tell Them Why They Hospital I have had the opportunity to become more proficient in pharmacology, medication therapy management, and patient care
Should Pick You

With a strong academic background in pharmacy and an interest in cancer care, I am thrilled to be able to contribute to your facility and
gain knowledge and experience in cancer disease treatment.
Show Passion

I know you are overwhelmed with the recruitment process, but I thought it would be worth a shot. I would love to join your prestigious institution and
become a valuable team member of your pharmacy department, and I would live this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.
Show Kindness

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 40

Career Readiness: Job Database
Worksheet

From the job database create during the session with your facilitators, mention the relevant sources that you plan
to consult in the template below:

Websites Portals Additional Sources

Microsoft Careers Rozee.pk – IT & Software GitHub (for open-source contributions + recruiter discovery)

Google Careers LinkedIn Jobs Meetup.com (Tech meetups, hackathons, startup events)

NetSol Technologies Stack Overflow Jobs (via Stack Overflow Talent) Career services from your university or online bootcamps (e.g., Coursera,
Udemy)
Systems Limited Indeed.com (Software Engineer / Developer)
Referrals from alumni, professors, or internships

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 41

Career Readiness: Job Research
Worksheet
Based on the three companies allotted to you during the session, fill in the job research template below:
Devsinc
Company Name

Mission: To deliver innovative software solutions that empower businesses through cutting-edge technology and exceptional service.
Mission and Values Values: Innovation, collaboration, client-centricity, and continuous learning.

Usman Asif (Founder and CEO)

Key players of the organization Steve Gilmour (Associated Key Figure):
Faisal Waleed (Technical Project Manager):

Devsinc provides web and mobile app development, AI, cybersecurity, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions to over 236 clients across industries like e-
Clients, products & services commerce, healthcare, and finance

HR Manager
HR Team HR Executive
Additional HR Staff

Tech Empowerment Program (April 2024)

Recent press release/Recent event

Devsinc values technical expertise (e.g., Java, Python, AI, web development), communication, collaboration, leadership, and a growth mindset
The skills and experience the company
values

associate software engineer, MERN stack engineer

Current Jobs Available in your field
(Yes/No) In case of yes, please list the
positions.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 42

Career Readiness: Job Research
Worksheet
Based on the three companies allotted to you during the session, fill in the job research template below:
Systems Limited
Company Name

Mission: To provide transformative IT solutions that drive business success through technology and innovation.
Mission and Values Values: Integrity, excellence, teamwork, and innovation.

Asif Peer (CEO), Aezaz Hussain (Chairman), Roohi Ehsan (COO).

Key players of the organization

Offers IT services like cloud solutions, AI, software development, and digital transformation for clients in finance, retail, and telecom (e.g., IBM,
Clients, products & services Microsoft).

HR Manager
HR Team HR Executive
Additional HR Staff

50th anniversary celebration (2025).

Recent press release/Recent event Expanded global offices in UAE, Australia.
Hosted tech webinars on AI and cloud (2024-2025).

Technical skills (Python, Java, AI, cloud computing), teamwork, innovation, problem-solving, adaptability.
The skills and experience the company
values

yes, and mostly are DATA Engineer

Current Jobs Available in your field
(Yes/No) In case of yes, please list the
positions.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 43

Career Readiness: Job Research
Worksheet
Based on the three companies allotted to you during the session, fill in the job research template below:
10 pearls
Company Name

Mission: To accelerate business growth through digital transformation and innovative technology solutions.
Mission and Values Values: Passion, empowerment, transparency, and innovation.

Imran Aftab (CEO), Zeeshan Aftab (Co-Founder), Carrie Kerpen (Managing Director, 10Pearls Studio).
Key players of the organization

Provides AI, software development, digital marketing, and cloud solutions for clients like Coca-Cola, PayPal, and Johnson & Johnson across healthcare,
Clients, products & services finance, and education.

HR Manager
HR Team HR Executive
Additional HR Staff

Launched 10Pearls Studio for digital marketing (Feb 2024).

Recent press release/Recent event Named to Inc. 5000 list for 6th year (Aug 2024).
Hosted Women Tech Quest in Pakistan (2024).
First AI-driven internship program (Nov 2024).
AI/ML, Python, cloud computing, UX/UI design, teamwork, innovation, social responsibility.
The skills and experience the company
values

no mostly are consultancy

Current Jobs Available in your field
(Yes/No) In case of yes, please list the
positions.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 44

Career Competency - Problem Solving & Team Building
Key Takeaways

The Desert Survival Problem provides a unique opportunity to quickly and objectively measure
whether your groups are achieving synergy—as well as demonstrate this otherwise elusive
concept. Synergy occurs when the interactive efforts of two or more people produce a solution
that is superior to their independent solutions.
By measuring the quality of both individual and team performance on a single task, this
simulation allows groups to quickly calculate the extent to which they are fully utilizing their
resources—and doing so in a way that achieves synergy.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 45

 Session 6
Application Process & Interviews

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Career Readiness: Job Application Process
Key Takeaways

General Process For Private Jobs

In order to increase the chances of being successful at any task, it is crucial to know the steps involved in that task. A thorough
understanding of the hiring process will set you on the right track and equip you to prepare for the job that they want.

Panel
Online
Recruitment Gaming Interview/ Assessment
Application HR Test Job Offer
Drive Test Technical Center
Form
Interview

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 46

Career Readiness: Job Application Process
Key Takeaways

General Process For Government Jobs

Test
Online Application
[English/
[PPSC, FPSC, NTS, Medical
Analytical, Interview Job Offer
National Job Examination
Quantitative/
Portal]
Technical]

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 47

Career Readiness: Job Application Process
Worksheet
How would you redesign the job application process within your field of study to enhance its effectiveness, fairness, and
relevance to the specific requirements of the industry?

Tailor Resume and Cover Letter: Customize my resume to highlight my computer science coursework, projects in machine learning (e.g., predictive models or neural networks), and relevant skills like Python, TensorFlow, and data
analysis. Write a cover letter addressing the hiring manager, emphasizing my passion for AI innovation and how Devsinc’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions inspires me.

Leverage LinkedIn: Update my LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a headline like “Aspiring Machine Learning Engineer | BS Computer Science,” and a summary detailing my academic projects and interest in AI. Connect with
Devsinc employees and engage with their posts to build visibility.

Network: Attend industry events or webinars hosted by Devsinc to connect with their team. Reach out to alumni or contacts working at Devsinc for informational interviews to gain insights into their hiring process.

Apply Online: Submit my application through Devsinc’s career portal, ensuring all required documents (resume, cover letter, portfolio) are uploaded. Follow up with a polite email to the HR team after one week to express continued
interest.

Prepare for Interview: Research Devsinc’s recent AI projects and prepare to discuss how my skills can contribute. Practice technical questions on machine learning algorithms and behavioral questions to demonstrate teamwork and
problem-solving.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 48

Interview: 6 Categories of Interview Questions
Key Takeaways

Personal Assessment Question

Tell me about yourself.
What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you handle stressful situations?

Behavioral Question
Describe a time when you disagreed with a team member.
Tell me about a time when you failed.
Give me an example of when you had to assume leadership for a team.
What is the most difficult/ challenging situation you've ever had to resolved in the workplace?

Personal Goal Question

Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you plan to achieve your goals in life?
What is your objective in life? (Or “What is your aim in life?”)

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 49

Career Readiness: LinkedIn Profile
Key Takeaways
LinkedIn will help you find a job faster because most hiring managers and recruiters are already using it. A whopping 87% of recruiters
find LinkedIn to be the most effective when vetting candidates during the hiring process. Having an active and well put together
LinkedIn profile will, thus, significantly increase the chances of your discovery by various companies looking to hire people based on
your skills and experience.
Here is checklist that you can refer to while updating your LinkedIn profiles:

Professional Photo Headline Profile Summary Work & Experience

Recommendations
(From teachers and any Customize your public
Contact Details Skills & Endorsements
managers you have worked profile URL
with)

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 50

Career Readiness: Interview Preparation
Key Takeaways
By now, you have prepared your professional documentation, understood the job description and conducted company research.
What comes next? The interview process! The interview process can be divided into 3 stages. These 3 stages are:

During the Interview

Professional Dressing
Verbal communication - how they answer the interview
questions
Non-verbal communication - how confident and

1 comfortable do they appear

3
Pre-Interview
Understanding the hiring process and job requirements
2 Post Interview

Doing company research Thank-you email

Tailoring documents - resume and cover letter Reflection on interview performance
Applying and appearing for the interview on time - Follow-up in 1 week
punctuality can make or break the deal

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 51

 Career Readiness: Interview Preparation
Worksheet

Unwritten Rules of Interviewing

formal dress shirt and dress pants
What do I wear to an Interview? At a corporate firm? At a start-up
firm?

my documents/
What should I bring to an interview?

a bag or a a friend
What should I NOT bring to an interview?

30 min before tha interview and if im late then apologise

When should I arrive for my interview? What if I am running late

yes i should ask how much im getting paid and ask when this topic is discussed and politely tell them your goal salary
Should I ask how much I’d be getting paid? If so, how/when should I
ask?

yes, about the opportunities they are going to provide me in order to grow.
Should I ask other questions (not related to pay)? What could those
be?

yes by asking questions

Is following up necessary? If so, how/when do I follow up?

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 52

Career Competency: Critical Thinking
Key Takeaways
Critical thinking is one of the most highly sought-after skills in the workplace. Critical thinking skills allow a person to analyze
information, arrive at conclusions and make sound decisions. Applying critical thinking in the workplace is an essential skill everyone
should be trying to improve. It can set you apart as a leader, improve the quality of your work, and the perception those higher up the
chain have of you.

Critical thinking in the workplace is a deeper level of thinking where we question, analyze and draw conclusions about information
and evidence.

Critical thinking skills are valuable in all roles in an organization. These skills enhance communication, creativity and problem-solving.
Thinking critically in the workplace allows you to connect ideas, evaluate arguments, find errors and solve complex issues. The
workplace is packed with situations that require teams and individuals to approach complex problems and solve them using new and
innovative approaches. Employees who can communicate and relate with coworkers, develop strategies and overcome issues are
more likely to succeed.

Critical thinking is especially important in three areas of business:

Leadership Problem-solving Communication

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 53

Session 7
Interviewing Skills

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Interview: Question Behind Questions
Key Takeaways

Three Core Themes

Includes the right qualification and prowess essential to perform a job. The
Skills qualifications, necessary technical skills, soft skills and practical expertise all
some under the umbrella of skills.

Seeks to explore if a candidate is actually ambitious about the role and the work
Passion that comes with it.

Indicates how well a person will integrate within a company. A company seeks to
Fit
have a team that empowers others and create a strong support system.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 54

Interview: Question Behind Questions
Key Takeaways

Three Core Themes

An interviewer will assess a candidate’s skills in the following ways:

Degree Courses/Certifications
Skills Internships Communication
Extracurricular and leadership activities

An interviewer will assess a candidate’s passion in the following ways:

Manner in which a person talks about the role and the work deeper knowledge and understanding
of the job, that which surpassed surface-level knowledge
Passion
Knowledge of recent developments in related fields Volunteer/internship experience Ideas and
visions to contribute to the discipline

Compatibility can be assessed in a number of ways:

General behavior and demeanor before, during, and even after the interview
Fit Companies can also look up a person’s social media handles to Questions related to social issues can
be asked to assess if a person possesses extreme or moderate ideas Questions related to past
conflicts indicate how a person reacts in face of an unfavorable situation

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 55

Interview: 6 Categories of Interview Questions
Key Takeaways

Experience Based Questions

Why are you switching your job?
What are the two most significant achievements you had in your last job?
Can you share more about the XYZ task in ABC project you listed on your resume?
What about your last job did you like least and most?

Fit for Company/ Position

Why should we hire you?
What do you know about the role?

Tricky/ Difficult Question

How many golf balls can fit into a bus?
What word is spelled incorrectly in every single
dictionary?
What goes up but never ever comes down?

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 56

Interview Questions As Technical HR
Worksheet

Design five technical questions specific to your field as an HR professional.

Question: Can you explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning? Provide an example of a real-world application for each.
Purpose: Assesses foundational knowledge of machine learning concepts and ability to contextualize them.

Question: How would you handle a situation where your machine learning model is overfitting? Describe the steps you would take to diagnose and address it.
Purpose: Evaluates problem-solving skills and understanding of model optimization techniques.

Question: Walk me through the process of building a recommendation system. What algorithms and evaluation metrics would you consider?
Purpose: Tests practical application of machine learning in a common industry use case and knowledge of evaluation methods.

Question: Suppose you’re working with a dataset that has missing values. What strategies would you use to handle them, and how would you decide which approach is best?
Purpose: Assesses data preprocessing skills and decision-making in data handling.

Question: Describe a machine learning project you’ve worked on. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Purpose: Gauges hands-on experience, problem-solving, and ability to reflect on past work.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 57

 Session 10
Exploring Possibilities: Entrepreneurship & Further Education

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Herd Mentality
Key Takeaways
Following actions of a bigger group, without any critical thinking or self-awareness.

When it comes to planning our future, we tend to have the herd mentality; doing what the majority of the people are doing. Social factors
lead us towards herding and making career and educational choices regardless of knowing our personal interests and faculties. Find your
own career path that’s right for you; think of what you’re good at, where your skills best lie and what exactly you enjoy doing.
The key aspects of herd mentality are:

People often follow what others are doing, assuming that the majority must be right or that they should
GROUP BEHAVIOR
act similarly to fit in, even if they wouldn't normally act that way.

The fear of being the odd one out or facing social rejection can drive individuals to adopt the actions or
FEAR OF STANDING OUT
opinions of the group, even if they internally disagree.

INDIVIDUAL DECISION- In group settings, individuals may suppress their critical thinking or personal judgments, deferring to the
MAKING perceived consensus of the group.

Herd mentality is often driven by emotions rather than logic. For example, during financial bubbles or
EMOTIONAL INFLUENCE
crises, fear and greed can spread quickly, leading to irrational decision-making.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 58

Career Readiness: Further Education
Key Takeaways
Why Should You Pursue Higher Education?

INCREASED By earning a master’s degree, you can significantly increase your income by landing into specialized roles.
EARNING POTENTIAL

SPECIALIZED Earning a master’s degree helps you gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field.
KNOWLEDGE

CAREER A master’s degree can make it easier to transition into more senior positions, such as management and
leadership. SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
ADVANCEMENT

ENHANCED As a graduate student, you are connected to numerous professional, many of whom are successful in their
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK careers.

CULTURAL As you go around the globe you will be able to engage on multiple platforms with a great number of
EXPERIENCES & EXPOSURE people while being exposed to multicultural growth for professional and personal grooming.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 59

Career Readiness: Further Education
Key Takeaways

The Steps Involved In Applying For a Higher Education Degree Are Mentioned Below:

Finding the Right Finding the Right Choosing the Relevant The Application
Country University Program Process

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 60

Design Your Graduate Plan
Worksheet
Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence

Undergraduate Major

Pakistan

Preferable Country/Countries

Lums, Fast

Preferable
University/Universities

Masters, 2 years
Preferable Program(s) (For
each program, mention the
duration of degree.)

Eligibility Check: Ensure I meet LUMS’s requirements (e.g., minimum CGPA of 3.0, BS in Computer Science).

Criteria (Please list down the

general application process) Standardized Tests: Take the LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) or GRE (if required).

Application Documents: Prepare a statement of purpose outlining my passion for machine learning, academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation from professors, and a
resume highlighting ML projects.
Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 61
Career Readiness: Entrepreneurship
Key Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is starting and developing a company, delivering something new to the market, or organizing the means of
production superiorly." "Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond the resources you currently control” - (Stevenson,
Business School- Harvard).
Here are the key reasons why entrepreneurship is important:

Entrepreneurs drive economic growth by creating new businesses, which leads to increased productivity,
ECONOMIC GROWTH job creation, and overall economic development. They introduce new goods and services, which can
improve standards of living and boost consumer spending.

New businesses are one of the largest sources of employment, providing jobs that range from entry-level
JOB CREATION positions to high-skill opportunities. This helps reduce unemployment and offers individuals a chance to
develop skills and careers.

Entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of innovation, bringing new ideas, technologies, and processes to
TECHNOLOGICAL
the market. This not only addresses existing problems but also paves the way for technological progress
ADVANCEMENT
that can transform industries.

Entrepreneurship allows individuals to take control of their economic destiny, fostering self-reliance and
ECONOMIC
financial independence. It provides opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, including
INDEPENDENCE
marginalized groups, to participate in the economy.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 62

Career Readiness: Entrepreneurial Mindset
Key Takeaways

People With an Entrepreneurial Mindset tend to:

1. Take ownership 4. Be lifelong learners

5. Create value for

2. Be action-oriented
others

3. Be highly resilient and 6. Have high-level

resourceful reliability

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 63

Entrepreneurship: Business Model Canvas
Key Takeaways
"A tool for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. A pre-structured canvas of 9 building blocks to help you map,
discuss, design the new business model/idea." The 9 building blocks of the business model canvas are mentioned below:

Customer Segments Who are the customers? What do they think? See? Feel? Do?

Value Propositions What’s compelling about the proposition? Why do customers buy, use?

Channels How are these propositions promoted, sold and delivered? Why? Is it working?

Customer Relationships How do you interact with the customer through their journey?

Revenue Streams How does the business earn revenue from the value propositions?

Key Activities What uniquely strategic things does the business do to deliver its proposition?

Key Resources What unique strategic assets must the business have to compete?

Key Partnerships What can the company not do so it can focus on its Key Activities?

Cost structure What are the business major cost drivers? How are they linked to revenue?

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 64

Entrepreneurship: Business Model Canvas
Worksheet
Key Partners Key Activities Value Propositions Customer Relationships Customer Segments
Cloud providers (AWS, Google Cloud) for ML - Develop ML algorithms for - Personalized career advice tailored to - Automated onboarding via platform - University students (CS majors)
infrastructure personalized recommendations skills and goals - Community forums for peer support - Recent graduates seeking jobs
- Universities for user acquisition - Build user-friendly platform - AI-driven skill gap analysis - 24/7 chatbot for queries - Young professionals upskilling
- Job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) for data - Analyze job market trends - Affordable and accessible coaching - Optional human coaching sessions - Career counselors
partnerships - Market platform to students - Real-time job market insights
- Career coaches for content

Key Resources Channels

ML engineers and data scientists - University career fairs
- Cloud computing resources - Social media (LinkedIn, Instagram)
- User data for training models - Online ads (Google Ads)
- Brand reputation - Partnerships with job boards

Cost Structure Revenue Streams

- Cloud computing costs - Freemium model (basic features free, premium for advanced tools)
- Salaries for engineers and coaches - Subscription for human coaching
- Marketing and advertising - Affiliate revenue from job boards
- Platform maintenance - Data licensing to recruiters

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 65

Mash-Up Innovation
Worksheet

Brainstorming Mashup!

Global
Technologies Human Needs
Challenges An AI-powered mobile app that combines machine Details:
learning and NLP to provide personalized career
counseling and mental health support for unemployed
youth, addressing skill gaps and promoting lifelong
learning.
Machine learning, natural Career development, mental Unemployment, skill gaps in the
language processing, cloud health support, lifelong learning workforce, access to education.
How It Works: Users input their academic background,
computing.
skills, and career goals. The app uses ML to analyze
job market trends and recommend personalized
learning paths (e.g., online courses). NLP-powered
chatbots offer mental health support and motivational
coaching.

Impact: Reduces unemployment by equipping users

with relevant skills, improves mental well-being, and
promotes equitable access to career resources.

Feasibility: Leverages existing cloud platforms (e.g.,

AWS) for scalability and open-source ML frameworks
(e.g., TensorFlow) to reduce costs. Partnerships with
NGOs and universities ensure outreach to underserved
communities.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 66

Session 11
The Power Of Mindset

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | Page no

Mindset Overview
Key Takeaways

“A set of attitudes or beliefs that you hold which shapes how you make sense of the world and yourself. It affects how you
think, feel and react in a specific situation"

How we react in the face of adversity or in a challenging situation has a lot to do with our mindset. Our mindset can
reinforce our beliefs related to ourselves and our surroundings. Having the right mindset can increase our likelihood of
realizing our potential and achieving long-term success.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 67

Mindset Overview
Key Takeaways

This theory was developed by renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck. It argues that it's not intelligence,
talent or education that makes people successful. It's their mindset or the way that they approach life's challenges.
She has divided mindset into two distinct types, growth mindset and fixed mindset.

FIXED MINDSET GROWTH MINDSET

Intelligence is Intelligence is
malleable and can be something you are
developed over time born with, and you
through hard work and cannot do much to
persistence. change it.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 68

Mindset Quiz
Worksheet

As part of your class activity, you attempted a mindset quiz. Based on the result of the quiz, please fill in the following information.

I thought I had a growth mindset because I enjoy learning new skills, like machine learning, and believe I can improve through effort.
Before the quiz, what mindset did you think you have? ___________________________________

What were the results of your mindset quiz?

80% 20%%
_____________ _____________
Growth Mindset Fixed Mindset

To improve your results and achieve a greater percentage of growth mindset, what strategies do you plan to take?

Embrace Challenges: Actively seek out complex machine learning projects (e.g., Kaggle competitions) to push my limits and view difficulties as learning opportunities.

Seek Feedback: Regularly ask professors and peers for constructive feedback on my coding and problem-solving to identify areas for improvement.

Reframe Failures: Treat errors in ML models or failed experiments as chances to learn, documenting what went wrong and how to adjust.

Continuous Learning: Enroll in online courses (e.g., Coursera’s Deep Learning Specialization) to stay updated on AI advancements and reinforce my belief in lifelong growth.

Positive Self-Talk: Replace thoughts like “I’m not good at this” with “I’m not good at this yet, but I can improve with practice.”

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 69

Mindset Statements
Worksheet
As part of your group activity, you converted statements representing a fixed mindset into growth mindset.
Re-write the statements below:

Fixed Mindset Reflection Question Growth Mindset

Example: Failure is a part of the process and

Example: Could I try a different strategy or
Example: “I tried; I failed. It’s just beyond me." in fact a learning point. I should try a new
approach?
technique and hopefully it will work

What can I learn from this experience? “Not achieving my goal is a chance to learn. I’ll analyze what went wrong
“I didn’t achieve what I set out to do; I failed.” and try a new approach.”

How can I develop my intelligence? “Not achieving my goal is a chance to learn. I’ll analyze what went wrong
“I just wasn’t born smart:" and try a new approach.”

What steps can I take to improve? “I can’t do it yet, but with practice and guidance, I’ll get better.”
“I can’t do it; I’ll never be able to do it.”

What resources or support can help me? “I’m unsure of the path, but I’ll explore resources and seek mentors to
“I don’t know how or if I’ll get there… ever.” guide me.”

How can I break this down into manageable steps? “This course is tough, but I’ll tackle it one step at a time and seek help
“This course is way too challenging for me” when needed.”

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 70

Session 14
Assessment Center

Career Services & Corporate Linkages

Assessment Centre
Key Takeaways

An assessment center is a selection process in which individuals are evaluated through various exercises and selection
techniques. Often referred to as an assessment day, this HR tool is used to assess candidates, particularly for hiring purposes.
While assessment centers are typically used for senior management roles, they have become increasingly popular due to the
rising number of applicants for single positions. Employers use this method to gauge a candidate's suitability for a specific
job.
During an assessment center, candidates complete a range of tasks and activities designed to reflect the responsibilities of
the role they are applying for.
The duration and format of an assessment center can differ depending on the role, lasting from a single day to multiple days,
sometimes including an overnight stay.
These assessment centers can be held in a variety of locations, such as office spaces or hotels.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 71

Assessment Center
Key Takeaways
The HR department employs assessment centers to evaluate job applicants by conducting a variety of tasks and activities to assess their
competencies. This process aids in selecting the most suitable candidate for the role.
HR utilizes assessment centers for the following purposes:

Assessment centers are highly effective for succession planning, reducing the chance of errors and
SUCCESSION PLANNING
helping to identify the right candidates for future leadership roles.

They highlight the talent within the company, making it easier to identify individuals suited for specific job
IDENTIFICATION OF
positions.
POTENTIAL

Primarily used for selection, assessment centers assist in finding candidates with the appropriate skills,
SELECTION ensuring the right person is chosen for the job.

CANDIDATE They significantly contribute to the development of candidates. The tasks and exercises conducted
DEVELOPMENT enhance the candidates' skill sets.

Assessment centers help pinpoint areas where candidates can improve, providing insight into their
TRAINING NEEDS
training and development requirement.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 72

Components of Assessment Center
Key Takeaways
APTITUDE TEST

An aptitude test is designed to evaluate a candidate's mental ability. Since aptitude reflects an individual's natural,
learned, or acquired capacity to perform specific tasks, these tests gauge an applicant's skills by requiring them to use
logic to solve complex problems.

CASE STUDY

In this approach, candidates are provided with a case study along with supporting documents for analysis. They are
expected to thoroughly review the materials, draw conclusions, and then present a concise report. Evaluation is based
on their problem-solving abilities and presentation skills.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS/ACTIVITIES

In this method, a group of candidates engages in an in-depth discussion on a given topic. The purpose of the group
discussion is to assess various skills, including communication abilities, leadership qualities, confidence, industry
knowledge, and the ability to present logical arguments

IN-TRAY EXERCISE

An in-tray exercise simulates a real workplace scenario used in the selection process for specific job roles. Typically
conducted during an assessment center, it assesses a candidate's work behavior and attitudes, focusing on skills like
time management and communication.
Components of Assessment Center
Key Takeaways
PRESENTATIONS

Presentations are used to assess candidates' communication skills, ability to structure information, and confidence.
Candidates are typically asked to prepare and deliver presentations on assigned topics or case studies. This method
allows evaluators to observe how well candidates can convey information, engage an audience, and articulate their
thoughts clearly and persuasively.

PSYCHOMETRIC TEST

Psychometric tests provide insights into candidates' mental processes, decision-making styles, and behavioral
tendencies, helping organizations understand how a candidate may fit into a role and organizational culture. These
standardized tests include aptitude tests that assess logical reasoning, numerical ability, and verbal skills, as well as
personality assessments that evaluate behavioral tendencies, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal styles.

ROLE PLAY

Role-Playing exercises involve candidates acting out specific roles in simulated scenarios, such as handling conflicts,
negotiating, or providing customer service. These exercises are designed to evaluate interpersonal skills, problem-
solving abilities, and behavior in specific situations.

Career Services & Corporate Linkages | 74