Interactive Resumes
What is an Interactive Resume?
The program of study within the College of Communication & Information focuses on developing students’ abilities in four key performance areas that are the foundations of most IT careers, namely:
- Applying IT innovatively
- Managing information purposefully
- Communicating effectively
- Working productively with people
All of the courses within the program of study are intended to improve the student’s proficiency in one or more of these areas. In order to document competency in each of the four areas, the student is required to prepare an Interactive Resume as part of the Undergraduate program.
What is an Interactive Resume?
The Interactive Resume (IR) is a website developed by the student, for the student and about the student in order to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired while enrolled in the undergraduate program at Florida State University’s College of Communication & Information. The student begins work on the Interactive Resume during their first semester at CCI. Each course provides the student with an opportunity to create content for their IR. Work samples include technical proposals, information systems design documents, database schema, network diagrams and other artifacts that demonstrate the student’s unique talents and abilities.
“In this era of corporate downsizing and economic uncertainty, we all need to behave more like free agents. And such an online career portfolio can serve “as your storefront — and you’re what’s up for sale,” says Deb Dib, a blogger and president of Medford-based Executive Power Group, a career services company for executives.”
The Interactive Resume is a tool that allows the student to differentiate him/herself from others by highlighting strengths and providing tangible evidence that they are prepared to begin a career in Information Technology. The process of building the IR helps the student:
- Develop short and long-term career goals based on areas of specific interest
- Identify gaps between current knowledge, skills and abilities and those required for a career within the areas of specific interest
- Document projects, internships and extra-curricular activities that provide experiential learning but are not well-represented on a paper resume
The interactive Resume process helps the student document their accomplishments and communicate their potential to others.
Why is the Interactive Resume required?
The IR is intended to be the beginning of a lifelong project that demonstrates the student’s on-going commitment to learning and growth as an Information Technology professional. Used correctly post-graduation, the IR will document the evolution and growth of the student’s skills and will demonstrate that the student is continuing to acquire the skills necessary to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
The Interactive Resume is also a tool that allows employers to evaluate our students for career-readiness and to pre-screen students for internship or employment opportunities. Regular reviews of the Interactive Resumes by stakeholders outside the College help us ensure that our students are graduating with the skills most valued by employers.
How does the student prepare the Interactive Resume?
Each course in the Undergraduate program provides one or more artifacts that may be suitable for use in the student’s IR. These artifacts will be collected and archived using the Blackboard portfolio system. The student works with the instructor in the capstone course LIS4708 to design and produce their IR website using skills acquired from courses such as LIS3706.
Each work sample included in the Interactive Resume (IR)should demonstrate the student’s knowledge, skills and abilities in one or more of these areas:
Technical Communications
Demonstrates effective communication skills for an information technology rich environment. Examples include demonstrating and discussing how to write effective e-mail messages, web pages, technical proposals, technical documentation (such as help pages or instructions) and how to give oral presentations of technical subjects to a non-technical audience.
Teamwork & Team Dynamics
Documents student’s participation in team projects and the ability to work effectively to select, develop and complete a complex project.
Simple and Advanced Web technologies
IR is constructed using simple and advanced web technologies. Demonstrates proficiency with advanced technologies including database design and administration, web, scripting languages, application servers, web services or other advanced web technologies.
Designing Information Systems
Demonstrates competency in the design of information systems that create, collect, secure, deliver and archive information. Examples include system requirements documents, business process diagrams, flowcharts and other artifacts that demonstrate understanding of information systems organization and design.
IT project management
Demonstrates basic project and software project management techniques for project design, development, launch and maintenance.
Information specialization
Documents student’s ability to use several key organizational level information systems. Examples include demonstrating the development, deployment and organization of authenticated web servers, portals, course management systems, content management systems, intranets, telecommunications, or similar information systems.
Applying Information Technologies
Includes examples of the application of current information technologies within information-provision environments (e.g., libraries, digital libraries, information centers, and help desks).
Performing Information Services
Documents DIS and Practicum experience in provision of information services to end-users.
The IR is graded using the following criteria:
- Content is well-organized and adapted to the intended audience
- Student documents a marketable/employable skill set
- Professional tone and presentation
- Demonstrates effective communication skills
- Demonstrates ability to work in teams and complete projects
When does the student prepare the Interactive Resume?
The Interactive Resume project is completed during the student’s senior year.
Getting started
The College provides activities to help the student start planning for their IR as well as guidelines and examples of Interactive Resumes from former students. By participating in the “Outstanding Interactive Resume” contests the student can get an assessment of their IR each semester prior to graduation.
How can stakeholders outside the College particpate?
The College is actively seeking mentors, internship and employment opportunities and IR evaluators. Stakeholder input is a valuable part of the educational process and we welcome your participation. For more information, contact Melissa Raulston.
