Three new online courses at MTSU will allow career-minded students a chance to improve their employability.

Dr. Virginia Hemby

Dr. Virginia Hemby, a professor of business education in the Jones College of Business’s Department of Marketing, created the one-credit-hour courses, which are being offered for the first time in the spring 2018 semester.

Hemby said the courses are appropriate for both traditional students and older adults who might be re-entering the workforce after a number of years.
“They (older adults) haven’t completed a degree,” said Hemby. “They’re not sure what they want to do. They’re not sure … what major would work for them.”

“Career Decision Making” is designed to help students hone the skills they need to create a working action plan. They’ll learn career development theory, understand how personality types affect career decisions and explore resources for career information gathering.

“Employment Communication” will guide students in preparing materials such as resumes and cover letters and developing networking tools and provide job-interview experience.

The goal for “Workplace Etiquette and Protocol” is to give students knowledge of verbal and nonverbal communication skills, explain how to manage one’s personal image and use diplomacy and tact when interacting in the workplace.

There are no prerequisites for any of the courses, which take place during accelerated seven-week terms.

“Career Decision Making” and “Employment Communication” will start in January, and “Workplace Etiquette and Protocol” will start in March. For more information, contact Hemby at 615-898-2369 or virginia.hemby-grubb@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)