The TELOS Program (taken from the Greek, telos, meaning “purpose” or “aim”) is a series of seven 45-minute workshops designed to prepare St. John’s students for success after graduation. Students are encouraged to take one course per semester. They may take any course at any time and may repeat them as often as they like. Brief descriptions of the seven courses in the TELOS Program follow.
Wayfinding 1 introduces students to the tools and techniques for identifying one’s passions, interests, and skills, and then finding careers that are a good match. After completing the workshop, students are encouraged to make an appointment with OPPD to sketch an initial plan for pursuing a career or further studies after graduation.
Writing a Good Resume is the first step in completing the job-finding toolkit, and this workshop explains the elements of a strong resume and the techniques for writing one. Students are encouraged to write a first draft and schedule a review with OPPD within two weeks of completing the workshop.
Effective Interviewing explains the purpose of informational and job interviews, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for success. Students are encouraged to schedule a full-length practice interview with OPPD soon after completing the workshop.
Effective Networking explains techniques for effective networking both online and in person. Students learn how to create a LinkedIn profile and write an elevator pitch, and they practice beginning and ending a conversation at a networking event. Students are encouraged to schedule a review of their LinkedIn profiles and to practice networking with OPPD soon after completing the workshop.
Wayfinding 2 offers a “mid-course correction:” students review their notes from Wayfinding 1 and then adjust their plans in light of their current thinking about graduate school, work, or other options when they graduate. They are encouraged to make an appointment with OPPD for a review of their plans if they have not done so recently.
Understanding Graduate School teaches students how to find programs that align with their career objectives, how to write compelling applications, and how to find funding. Juniors considering graduate school are strongly urged to make an appointment with OPPD right after the workshop to plan for researching programs during the summer and applying in the fall.
Skills for Independent Living covers vital topics such as buying a car, renting an apartment, paying back student loans, buying the right insurance, budgeting, and saving and investing.
Seniors are strongly urged to make appointment with OPPD after the workshop to review their plans for living independently after graduation.
Contact OPPD for more information about our TELOS program.
