IE1020 International Business Communication

See 'Learning Targets' below

• To develop self-awareness, exploring your strengths, weaknesses, core values and motivations from a professional and personal perspective
• To help you define and create a USP statement in line with your competences, values and intended career path
• To learn how to present yourself with clarity, confidence conviction
• To learn how to write a clear, concise, captivating, up-to-date CV
• To write an effective cover letter for a job application or work-experience
• To prepare for and practice a face to face or online job interview

Module I: Developing self-awareness, exploring strengths, weaknesses, values and motivations

• Asking the fundamental questions ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What do I want to do in my life?’ you will be guided through a series of exercises to help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, core values and motivations to create your USP statement.
• You will identify which areas of your self-development you need to work on to achieve your professional goals.

Module II: Presentation Skills (VIDEO)

• You will prepare a present a short self-presentation based on your USP previously defined in module I.
• You will receive feedback on non-verbal and verbal communication including key messages communicated, structure, audience orientation, eye contact, language and delivery.

Module III: Writing a CV

• You will write a CV that highlights your accomplishments, and communicates how you can use your expertise to help someone else or their organization.

Module IV: Writing a cover letter

• Based on sample letters and strictly linked to job descriptions you will learn how to write a cover letter that is clear, concise and focused on selling your unique skills and experiences to a specific reader/organization.

Module V: Interviewing Skills 1: Preparing Q&A

• You will analyse job descriptions to predict and prepare for the kind of questions you could get in an interview for that job.
• You will identify your strengths and weaknesses, competences and experiences for specific job descriptions

Module VI: Interviewing Skills 2: Putting it into practice (VIDEO)

• Through role-play you will discover how you think and feel under pressure
• You will learn to think on your feet and practise so that you feel confident and prepared.

The course is extremely practical and designed to give you the tools you need to feel prepared to present yourself in both writing and face to face in a professional context. You will be expected to make full use of the tools provided and participate in the discussions and role-plays as well as be ready to give feedback to colleagues.

The six modules build on each other in terms of content and structure so it is obligatory to attend all six modules to fulfil the course requirements and produce the papers for evaluation.

Final grades are based on the total number of points earned for assignments and class participation. 18 points is the minimum required to pass the course.

Course grading system:

• Cover letter & CV                            10
• USP statement & presentation         10
• Interview                                         10       TOTAL 30