Rites of passage: Developing work-ready grduates

Abstract

Field Project B is a final semester course in the three year Bachelor of Exercise Science that provides both career development learning and work-integrated learning in order to produce successful, work-ready graduates. The course provides a practical model for university academics and career development practitioners to work collaboratively by engaging students in active and personalised learning experiences. This course, in conjunction with Field Project A which is offered as a second-year summer semester course, is based upon the SOAR model and assists teachers to operationalise and contextualise the ideals of career development learning. SOAR stands for Self-awareness, Opportunity-awareness, Aspirations and Results. Students develop realistic aspirations based on sound information that can help them achieve the outcomes they desire as they move into the workforce. Field Project B has been recognised as an outstanding example of a capstone course, providing students with a competitive advantage and enabling them to become more proactive, confident and motivated in making the most of opportunities to manage their careers and lifelong learning.