Assignment: Application:
Networking and Next Steps
Note: This Assignment has two parts.
Part 1: Building Your Network
When you registered for this course, you may or may not have had a clear understanding of the advanced graduate degree path you planned to pursue. As you reflect on what you have explored in your coursework and from your colleagues this semester, you may have gained additional insight on this important decision. The choice of a degree path is very personal and is based on your passion and the goals you want to reach. Do not worry if you are still not sure which path is the best one for you. Your student advisor can assist you by answering any questions you might have.
As you have engaged in interactions with your Instructor and colleagues, you may have realized how important it is to build a network of individuals to support your degree path and the specialization you select.
Many of you will attend a residency, and this is an excellent way of meeting people and forming relationships. Having a network of colleagues who are traveling an advanced graduate degree path at the same time as you is an excellent support system and may contribute to the success you have in the program. Networking, however, does not have to occur in a face-to-face setting. You might find that using Skype, smartphones, social media, and other methods are useful ways to stay connected and to support one another.
For Part 1, write a brief description of the degree path and specialization you believe you are planning to pursue. Then, explain at least two strategies you are likely to use to build a network with colleagues, and explain why these particular strategies would support a professional collaboration.
Part 2: Next Steps
In this modules Discussion, you assumed a professional role associated with your degree path and specialization. In your post, you explained how you might approach the case study problem from the perspective of this role. In Part 1 of the Assignment, you wrote a brief description of the degree path and specialization you intend to pursue. For this part of the Assignment, you will explain how you might approach a topic that excites you based on the degree path and specialization you are pursuing.
When you began this course, you identified topics that rouse your passion. You also began considering how obtaining an advanced graduate degree might help you make a difference in one of these areas. Address one of these topics for this Assignment.
Be sure to review the Degree Path Road Map to consider how professionals with different degrees address education-related problems. Reflect on how you might approach a problem related to your selected topic from the perspective of the degree path and specialization you are pursuing.
For Part 2, based on this reflection, identify two goalsone personal and one professionalthat will support you as you continue on your chosen degree pathway.Submit a 3- to 4-page paper in which you accomplish the following:
Write a brief description of the degree path and specialization you plan to pursue.
Then, explain at least two strategies you are likely to use to build a network with colleagues and explain why these particular strategies would support a professional collaboration.
Identify two goalsone personal and one professionalthat will support you as you continue on your chosen degree pathway. Explain how these personal and professional goals inform your approach to a problem related to your topic.
Note: If you submit the paper prior to the due date of Day 7 of Module 6, you may receive Instructor feedback early. If your Instructor deems your draft in excellent shape, he or she may not require a revised, final submission.
The final version is due Day 7 of Module 6.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
Please save your Assignment using the naming convention MD6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension) as the name.
Click the Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
Click the Module 6 Assignment link. You will also be able to View Rubric for grading criteria from this area.
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Making Connections
In this module, you identified the benefit of gaining support through networking with colleagues and examined how professionals with different degrees address educational related problems. You have also identified a personal and professional goal that will support you on your chosen degree pathway and aid in addressing problem related topicsabout which you are passionate.
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Forward Thinking
Looking Ahead to Your Advanced Graduate Degree Journey
Leading the Future of Education provided the framework upon which other courses in your selected degree program of study will be built. By interacting and working collaboratively with your colleagues, you have begun to form a support system, to broaden your professional network, and to transform the way you will continue to approach the scholarlypursuit of your advanced graduate degree. During the coming months you will continue to engage in one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys you will ever take.
To support you in successfully selecting your path, completing your degree, and becoming a leader of educational change in the 21st century, a Looking Ahead to Your Advanced Graduate Degree website has been created as a resource for you throughout your journey. The website offers valuable information regarding each of the advanced graduate degree pathways and insights from faculty and former students to help you in the early stages of your journey, resources and potential experiences to aid you throughout your journey, as well as a snapshot of how you may continue your ongoing journey as a lifelong scholar of change.
Click on the following link to explore the Looking Ahead site, and consider bookmarking the link to use as you begin, experience, and continue your journey as a leader of educational and social change!
