B8258 - PROFESSIONAL DESIGN LAB

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students are able to: • examine the impact of emerging technologies on the job market; • develop a professional portfolio, including a resume, cover letter, and personal statement; • explain key workplace skills, such as communication, leadership, and teamwork; • uphold integrity, honesty, and fairness in all professional interactions; • collaborate effectively in team settings, developing communication and teamwork skills relevant to professional environments.

Course contents

This course offers an experiential journey designed to help students understand the dynamics of the modern job market while developing a strong professional identity aligned with their values and aspirations. Combining theory and practice, it explores key topics such as employability, organizational culture, and lifelong learning, while providing hands-on tools for career development, including CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and personal branding. Through interactive workshops, teamwork, and guest lectures from leading companies, students enhance their communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. The course also offers guidance on international graduate applications, helping participants craft personal statements and recommendation letters. By the end, students are equipped to navigate recruitment processes with confidence and build long-term professional value.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Readings:
- Slides
Supplementary Readings (Optional):
- Read the material whose link is indicated in the slides

Teaching methods

The main instructional approaches used in the course are:
- Lectures
- Group Work
- Problem-Based learning
- Guest Speakers

Assessment methods

Though not compulsory, class attendance and participation in team-work assignments is strongly encouraged.

Course evaluation will be different depending on the non-compulsory participation in class activities such as lectures, guest speech, individual and team-work, as detailed in the following:

Students participating in class activities:

Component Weight (%)

Final Exam 55

Class activities 45

Students who do not participate at all in class activities:

Component Weight (%)

Final Exam 100

- Exam:

The final exam is a written assessment designed to evaluate students’ understanding of the main course topics. Each question is assigned a specific maximum number of points, which can be obtained only through accurate, complete, and thoughtful answers. The theoretical maximum score for a perfect exam is 31 points.

However, since this is a pass/fail learning activity, the final result will be expressed only as pass or fail.

The exam consists of:

11 multiple-choice questions (2 points each)

3 open-ended questions (up to 3 points each)

Evaluation criteria include the correctness, completeness, and depth of each answer.

- Exam policy:

Students can attend only the final exam.

The exam is assessed on a pass/fail basis. To pass, students must achieve a score greater than or equal to 18 out of 31.

Registration for the exam must be completed via AlmaEsami, and the result will be published within two weeks of the exam date. Since the exam is graded as pass/fail, the grade cannot be refused. Students who wish to receive detailed feedback on their performance may contact the professor during office hours.

Grading scale :

< 18: failed

>18: passed

For individual feedback only:

18-23: sufficient

24-27: good

28-30: very good

30 e lode: outstanding

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA) are encouraged to inform the University’s dedicated support office as early as possible, so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged in line with their individual needs.

Teaching tools

Tools, platforms, or resources used during the course:
- Learning platform: Virtuale (virtuale.unibo.it) contains the slides and assignments
- Presentation software: PowerPoint
- Communication tools: Email; Teams; Forum on Virtuale
- Other digital tools/software: Mentimenter

Office hours

See the website of Ludovico Bullini Orlandi