Welcome to Counseling 101 Career/Life Planning

Course Introduction

This course is for students who are undecided about their major or career path, are in career transition, and/or are looking for ways to achieve academic and career success. This includes an in-depth analysis of one's values, interests, abilities and personality; including goal setting, career research and taking responsibility for one's academic, career, and personal success. Students may choose the Pass/No Pass grading option.

In this class, we will take some career and interests assessments to help us better understand our strengths, skills and possible interests. For undecided students, this can be helpful in narrowing down our career/major choices. For those who are decided, these activities can serve to solidify the career/major. All students will learn ways to set goals, overcome fixed mindsets, develop and/or increase time management strategies, identify decision making style and ways to overcome decision making anxiety, and complete a personal statement that you can use to apply for scholarships and/or college applications.

Lastly, we will learn the importance of resumes, cover letters, and interview strategies. By the end of this class you will have developed a resume, cover letter, and be given the opportunity to answer common interview questions.

About the Instructor

Headshot of Heather Basye

My name is Heather Basye and I have been a full time counselor at College of the Desert since January 2023. Prior to my full time position, I have worked at COD since 2019 as a part time counselor. Additionally, I have worked at 3 other California Community Colleges since 2016. My passion to serve and support students began in 2013. Prior to that I earned my Bachelors degree from Chapman University and my Associates degree from College of the Desert.

I enjoy teaching this class because I remember taking it when I was a student at COD. I was undecided on my major and remained undecided until after I received my bachelor's degree. Looking back, being a counselor popped up on my assessments, but I dismissed the idea because of my own pre-conceived ideas and myths about what a counselor does. I encourage you to be open and dedicate time to the career exploration process. I can also relate to those of us who experience stress or anxiety or worry around the idea of making a life decision. I have come full circle and am grateful to walk alongside you on this journey.

I have taught Career and Life Planning along with other student success courses since 2019. I have really enjoyed getting to know my students both in person and virtually. I have lived in the desert since 2000 and I love to cook, travel, spend time with loved ones and spend time with my local church community.

Contact Me

Please send me an email via Canvas Inbox
I will reply within 48 hours (weekends included).

Getting Started

To begin the course, please go to Modules and then click on Week 1 Orientation and Growth Mindset Module Due dates are posted within the assignment and are also located on the course syllabus timeline.

Please download and review the course basye Coun 101 syllabus Spring 2024.docx (2).pdf