Design Your Future: Career and Life Skills

Course Objectives

• Discover and assess their personal strengths, values, and interests for informed career planning.
• Acquire practical skills for job search, application processes, and career development.
• Develop professional CVs and cover letters adapted to various positions and sectors.
• Build a strong and authentic online presence, including effective use of LinkedIn and personal branding.
• Prepare and perform successfully in job interviews (face-to-face and digital).
• Improve essential life skills such as communication, networking, time management, and adaptability.
• Understand current trends and expectations in the labour market and different career options.
• Learn how to pursue lifelong learning and remain flexible in a changing professional landscape.
• Explore alternative paths such as entrepreneurship, volunteering, and international mobility.

Schedule

MODULE 1 – Self-Discovery and Personal Branding

• Identifying strengths, skills, values, and interests (autoavaliação e testes de perfil)
• Setting career and life goals: vision, mission, and personal action plan
• Building your personal brand: offline and online
• Crafting your “elevator pitch”

MODULE 2 – Exploring the Labour Market and Career Pathways

• Understanding the 21st-century job market and future trends
• Researching sectors, professions, and international opportunities
• Alternative paths: entrepreneurship, volunteering, gap years, Erasmus+ and mobility programs
• Labour market skills: adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning

MODULE 3 – CV and Cover Letter Mastery

• Creating effective, targeted CVs (chronological, skills-based, creative formats)
• Writing impactful cover letters tailored to different jobs/sectors
• Common mistakes and best practices for applications
• Using digital tools to design standout CVs (ex: Canva, Europass)

MODULE 4 – LinkedIn and Digital Presence

• Creating and optimising a professional LinkedIn profile
• Building a digital portfolio (websites, portfolios, social media for professionals)
• Networking strategies on LinkedIn and other platforms
• Managing your online reputation and digital footprint

MODULE 5 – Job Search and Application Strategies

• Finding job and internship opportunities online and offline
• Analysing job descriptions and matching skills to requirements
• Preparing for international applications (cover letters, language, formats)
• Using job search engines, alerts, and digital job fairs

MODULE 6 – Interview Skills and Professional Communication

• Preparing for interviews: research, presentation, and mindset
• Mastering common and behavioural interview questions
• Online interviews: technology, etiquette, and performance
• Communication skills for professional contexts: assertiveness, listening, storytelling

MODULE 7 – Networking and Relationship Building

• The importance of networking in career development
• Expanding your professional network: events, alumni, mentors
• Effective outreach and follow-up strategies
• Building long-term, mutually beneficial professional relationships

MODULE 8 – Essential Life Skills for the Modern Professional

• Time management, productivity, and work–life balance
• Emotional intelligence and resilience at work
• Managing stress, setbacks, and transitions
• Financial literacy basics for young professionals

MODULE 9 – Career Development and Lifelong Learning

• Setting SMART goals and action plans for continuous growth
• Identifying and pursuing learning opportunities (online courses, workshops, certifications)
• Embracing change: upskilling, reskilling, and career shifts
• Reflecting on achievements and planning next steps

OPTIONAL MODULE – Personal/Group Career Project

• Designing and presenting a personal or group career plan or project
• Peer review and feedback sessions
• Showcasing learning, growth, and next steps