Workforce Development
Are you interested in being more competitive in your job search and advancing your career? Do you want career-focused training that builds valuable connections? FDU has a variety of courses designed to teach in-demand skills and enhance your success!
Interested in bringing one of our WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT offerings to your workplace?
Write to us at continuinged@fdu.edu or call 201-692-6507
Current available courses include:
CEWD_0601 Introduction to Professional Writing
Students will learn the communication skills to effectively address their audiences in professional contexts. Participants will analyze a range of workplace writing scenarios and will receive instruction on best practices for effectively addressing both internal and external stakeholders.
CEWD_0602 Introduction to Technical Writing
Students will develop essential communication skills to clearly deliver complex ideas. Designed for a range of professionals in engineering, healthcare, business, or anyone working in environments that demand complex problem-solving, the course topics include usability, document design, and digital accessibility. Participants leave the course with writing samples applicable to real-world situations.
CEWD_0603 Technology and Writing in the Workplace
Students will analyze the affordances and limitations of technology in professional settings. The course covers a range of practical and theoretical approaches to technology and writing, such as ethics, career-advancing skills, and digital discourse at work.
Note: Complete the three courses above (Professional Writing, Technical Writing, Technology & Writing in the Workplace) to be awarded a CERTIFICATE in Professional and Technical Writing!
CEWD_0501 Speak Easy: Learning about Presentations, Persuasion, and Public Speaking
Since the times of antiquity, people have known the power of effective oral communication. In order to present, persuade, inform, and entertain, human beings have often relied on speaking to others in a group setting. However, while this can be a useful method for communicating ideas of all sorts, for many the idea of public speaking produces feelings of doubt and anxiety. Come join our workshop to learn about effective speaking methods, ways for dealing with speaking anxiety, and fun and interesting tips for conveying your ideas in the most persuasive, interesting, and impactful ways! We’ll explore types of presentations, ways of organizing our thoughts, and how to master the art of captivating an audience!
CEWD_0503 Leveraging Your Workplace Experience
A clear understanding of a company’s culture and insight as to whether it aligns with one’s personal values and abilities to contribute is essential to workplace satisfaction and advancement. Against this foundation, students will identify the strengths that set them apart from others, both separately and especially in combination, to assess how their individual talents fit into a current or potential workplace. Using the test that is included in StrengthsFinder 2.0, by Tom Rath as a guide, hands-on activities and workshops will supplement group discussion. Individual meetings will be held with the instructor to address specific questions and concerns. Students will leave with insight regarding the importance of person-job and person-organization fit, how to differentiate themselves from other candidates seeking to be hired or promoted, how to optimize their contributions to an organization, enhanced resume content, and improved ability to position themselves when interviewing.
CEWD_0604 Introduction to Grant Writing
In turbulent local and global economies, finding that lucky $20 in a jacket you haven’t worn since last year is all the more exciting, and winning a grant for even more is even better. This class was created for grant writing newbies, novices, and individuals interested in developing their professional writing skills. Students will learn about the proposal writing process by responding to a real-world opportunity of their choosing. Perfect for parents navigating scholarship opportunities, small business owners looking to expand, and community leaders searching for funding; all are welcome.
CEWD_0502 Intercultural Communication Skills: A Workshop
Intercultural communication skills are important now more than ever as society continues to globalize through face-to-face and digital connections in our personal and professional lives. Students will learn fundamentals of intercultural communication, consider different perspectives and norms across cultures, and develop ways to identify and respond to cultural biases. This class centers on intercultural communicative competence as an act of kindness, understanding, and peace.
CEWD_0701 Wicked Problems: Navigating Today’s Difficult Leadership Issues Through Film
Dr. Bruce Peabody shares a novel and engaging theory to address today’s most perplexing leadership challenges, also known as “wicked problems.” These problems present leaders with entrenched, and far-reaching political and social challenges (such as climate change or mental illness) that resist ordinary policies and problem-solving. Join Dr. Peabody as he explores “wicked problems” through cinematic case studies—including “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Dr. Peabody has authored or contributed to five books and dozens of scholarly articles and book chapters since joining the FDU faculty in 2000. In addition to having been a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, Dr. Peabody has also published more than fifty op-ed and general audience pieces in such media outlets as The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal
CEWD_0702 Communications Toolkit for Managers
Ineffective communication generates employee dissatisfaction, reduces productivity, and is frequently cited as a managerial shortcoming at all levels within an organization. This hands-on course helps students diagnose root causes of personal and organizational communication obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them. Mini-case studies, whiteboard exercises, and discussion will be used to provide insight. Opportunities to practice will help develop skill improvement. Topics include defining communication objectives; adapting to the audience; clarity and need to know; impact of role model body language and word choice; empathy and the role of emotional intelligence; root cause analysis [i.e., use of the Five Whys Technique]; giving and receiving feedback; listening to learn; effective use of email, text, phone, and in-person options; inspection, follow-up, and reinforcement of key messages.
Looking for something that you don’t see here? Let us know!
And be sure to check out our Personal Enrichment offerings too.