Course Introduction
This four-part online series is designed for alumni navigating career questions, transitions, or moments of reassessment. Through practical exercises and guided discussion, participants will reflect on values and strengths, develop career strategies, and build tools for presenting themselves confidently in a changing job market. The series covers career direction, CV and resume development, communication and interviews, and concludes with practical next steps, including freelancing and side projects. Participants will also discuss the growing role of AI in the job search process, its advantages, and potential risks.
About the Speaker
Simon ‘Si’ Norton is a dynamic and empowering Global Educator, Facilitator, Guide, Trainer, Coach & Risk Management Specialist with 34 years of experience directing global education programs, guiding outdoor education projects and leading effective teams. Si has successfully facilitated more than 1,500 experiential programs and workshops with adults and youth from over 175 countries and all 50 U.S. States; and he has worked in 80 countries.
Si is an accomplished facilitator & instructor of many professional, leadership and personal development topics including cross cultural and cross generational teamwork, workplace soft skills, wellness thriving, facilitation skills, project design & delivery, global issues, risk management, conflict transformation & peacebuilding, communication skills, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and outdoor education. He currently works with many non-profit, NGO, United Nations, Educational and Corporate clients, in addition to landscape and building projects.
Si has a Masters in Global Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s in World Issues from the School for International Training. He is also a landscaper, specializing in dry stonework & hardscape. His home base is at Lake Tahoe, Nevada side, and his other interests include skiing, snowshoeing, curling, baking, and designing & building Tiny Homes & Cabins.
Course Schedule
February 12, 19:00 MSK
February 26, 19:00 MSK
March 5, 19:00 MSK
March 11, 19:00 MSK
Session 1 · The Purposeful Path: Tools for Navigating Your Career Journey
• Self-Awareness & Life Assessment exercises to explore how you're doing, and the perception that ‘something needs changing or fixing’
• Aligning personal values and strengths with decision making and choices
• Writing your own ideal job description, and the power of the informational interview
• Developing a 'Crossroads Strategy': where am I now, where have I been, where am I going, and how do I get there?
Session 2 · Creating Your Personal Marketing Plan: The Resume or CV
• The 'Marketing Myself Mindset' - how to approach the daunting task of putting yourself 'out there'
• The effective Resume or CV: examples, formats, strategies, different types, and categories to start writing
• Action language, impact statements, and refining your Resume for distribution
• Get Feedback on your Resume from Si Norton - you'll be able to share your work in the workshop & offline for review
Session 3 · Skills and Practice: Cover Letters, Communication Plan & Interviews
• Career Search and Positioning Skills - practical steps and best practices for developing a winning approach
• What are cover letters, why are they (sometimes) needed, how to write one, and other communications with prospective employers
• Effective Interviewing Skills Part 1: what to say and not to say, physical appearance, typical interview questions
• The advantages and risks of increasing AI usage in the job search process
Session 4 · The Journey Begins: putting it all together and going for what you want
• Using social media tools to advance your profile
• Effective Interviewing Skills Part 2: in-person vs. virtual interview skills; Pace & Lead communication; Questions to ask and answer
• Side Hustles and Becoming a Freelancer/Contractor
• Timeline, Motivation, Next Steps and Resources