Learning Through the Employee Life Cycle

The SimuEmploy curriculum introduces students to career development through a structured sequence that moves from career exploration and workforce preparation through employment entry, workplace participation, performance, retention, separation, and adulthood transition. Students investigate interests and abilities, develop employment documents, explore workplace rights and responsibilities, and learn how organizations and workplace systems function. Curriculum instruction is connected to simulation activities so students can apply selected concepts after learning them.

Curriculum Modules

Module 1: Introduction to the Workplace
Workplace skills, workplace dynamics, employment landscape, workplace laws and history, diversity and inclusion, and introduction to the Employee Life Cycle.

Module 2: Using Inventories to Prepare for the Workplace
Employment ambitions, nontraditional career paths, career interests, learning preferences, soft skills, and team dynamics.

Module 3: Exploring the Attraction Phase
Résumés, cover letters, e-portfolios, social media etiquette, and interview preparation.

Module 4: Exploring the Recruitment Phase
Income needs, job descriptions, job searching, applicant tracking systems, and employment applications.

Module 5: Exploring the Onboarding Phase
Human resources, employment offers, pre-employment requirements, onboarding paperwork, orientation, organizational governance, compensation, benefits, and employee programs.

Module 6: Exploring the Learning and Development Phase
Learning management systems, career ladders, professional development, employee contributions, and organizational policies.

Module 7: Exploring the Performance Management Phase
Chain of command, communication, goal setting, performance evaluations, improvement plans, discipline, grievances, conflict resolution, and workplace culture.

Module 8: Exploring the Retention Phase
Employee wellness, work-life balance, performance pay, promotions, demotions, recognition, and mentorship.

Module 9: Exploring the Separation Phase
Employment separation, transfers, references, networking, and professionally exiting employment.

Module 10: Transition into Adulthood Planning
Transition planning, school-to-work resource transfer, budgeting and finances, employment, and postsecondary education and training.