WirtualneŚrodowiskoNaukiSJO

ProjektStudiumJęzykówObcych

PolitechnikiWrocławskiej

Językangielski

wśrodowiskupracyinżynierów

Właściwościdokumentu:

Język:

angielski

Poziom:

B2+

Wydział:

-

Typ:

Student’sAcademicProfile–Languagepractice

Opracowanie:

mgrAlicjaMazurkiewicz

1

Student’s Academic Profile

B2+

Contents:

I. I can talk about my university and

studies.

II. I can talk about my career plans.

III. I can write a letter of application.

IV. I can write a CV.

2

I can talk about my university and studies.

Introduction

You can find a lot of practical information and useful phrases when consulting the
official Wrocław University of Science and Technology website in English, for example
at

http://pwr.edu.pl/en/university/faculties

you will find some basic information and

the names of all the Faculties in English.

W 5

and

W 8

have their own websites in

English, so you can explore them in order to check more language connected to your
field of study.



Task 1

Read the sentences below and pick at least 10 to complete with your own words.
Sentences number 1, 2, 3 and 4 are obligatory.

(1) I am a student of Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

(2) I study Marketing and Management at the Faculty of Computer Science and

Management.

(3) I am in the 2

nd

year of my BSc studies.

(4) My specialisation is ________________________ .

(5) I’m especially interested in ______________________.

(6) I’m particularly keen on _____________________________ .

(7) My favourite subject(s) on the curriculum is/are _______________________

because ___________________________.

(8) In my studies I focus/would like to focus on _________________________ .

(9) What I really like about studying at WUST is/are __________________________ .

(10) I don’t like ___________________________ because ___________________ .

(11) Doing/studying/preparing _______________________ is not my thing.

(12) I have problems with _____________________ .

(13) Apart from academic activities I am involved in _______________________ .

(14) I’m proud of _________________________ .

(15) My special achievement(s) is/are__________________________ .

(16) I hope to ________________________ .

3

Task 2

Work in pairs and follow the instructions below.

Student A – ask your partner questions in order to complete sentences number 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,
9, 11, 13 and 15 from Task 1.

Student B – ask your partner questions in order to complete sentences number 2, 3, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12, 14 and 16 from Task 1.

Student A and B - discussion
Compare your answers and find out more details. Do you have anything in common? Do you
think you could help one another with any problems at the university? Have you found any
of the answers given surprising or inspiring?

Task 3
In the sentences from Task 1 find synonyms to the following phrases:

a. department - ____________________
b. mainly - __________________, ____________________
c. programme of studies - ____________________
d. except for - ______________________
e. success - _______________________

Task 4
Complete the table with the correct forms of the words given.

Noun

Person

Verb

Adjective

Opposite
Adjective

Adverb

science

a)

b)

c)

d)

Specialisation

(BrE)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

j)

interested

k)

l)

m)

n)

proud

o)

achievement

p)

q)

r)

4

I can talk about my career plans.

Introduction

Whether you have already decided on the career you want to pursue after you graduate or
you are still considering different options, it is worth looking at the WUST Career Office
website (https://biurokarier.pwr.edu.pl/en/aktualnosci). You can find there the most recent
job ads for students and graduates, read about recommended employers or arrange a
meeting with a career advisor. As most of us spend a substantial part of our life at work, it is
vital to find a job that will bring us satisfaction. Have a look at some language useful for
talking about your professional plans.

Task 1

Look at the example answers to the popular job interview question “Where do you see
yourself in 5 years time?”. Then, try to complete the sentences 1 – 12 so that the answer is
true for you. Pick at least 6 sentences.

“My goal right now is to find a position at a company where I can grow and take on new
challenges over time. Ultimately, I’d like to assume more management responsibilities and
get involved in product strategy. But most importantly, I want to work for an organization
where I can build a career.”

“I am driven to be the best at what I do and I want to work somewhere where I’ll have
opportunities to develop my skills, take on interesting projects, and work with people I can
really learn from. Some of the most innovative thinkers in the industry work here and that’s
a big reason why I would love to build a career here.”

Taken from

https://biginterview.com/blog/2013/02/where-do-you-see-yourself-five-years.html

“Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position to
management. I know this is a common path for many people in this position. However, for
now, I am excited about focusing on and applying my technical skills in this job.”

Taken from

https://www.thebalance.com/interview-questions-about-your-goals-for-the-future-2061244

(1)As far as my career is concerned, I am planning to ___________________________ .
(2) I hope my studies will help me achieve the goal of ________________________ .
(3) I would like to work at/for ____________________ because ____________________.
(4) I strongly believe ____________________ is/are my biggest strength(s), therefore the
position of a/an ____________________ would be perfect for me.
(5) I am a ____________________ and ________________ person, so I would prefer to
work as a________________________.
(6)

Hopefully,

I

will

be

able

to

start

my

own

business

in

the

____________________________ sector.

5

(7) I would like to stay at university and do PhD degree in ________________________ .

(8) Academic research sounds ____________________ to me.

(9) Salary and job benefits are _______________________ for me, but/however
______________________ is my priority.
(10) I’m planning to go abroad, preferably to ___________________, in order to
_____________________.
(11) I am looking forward to ______________________________.
(12) I feel a little anxious about ________________________________.

Task 2

SMARTER is a system which may help you plan your career goals. Read the words in
column A and join them with their explanations from column B in order to understand the
system better. Discuss in pairs or small groups whether this advice is useful for you or not
and why.

A

B

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Timely

Empowering

Reviewable

1. provide motivation, but also keep your goals

reachable

2. create timeframes for completing steps

3. make sure your goals feel right for you and help you

make the changes you want

4. set your goals in such a way that you can see what

you have achieved

5. do not set your goals in concrete; be flexible

6. be as clear as you can and avoid ambiguous

statements

7. be reasonable and avoid the realms of fantasy

Adapted from

http://careers.vic.gov.au/exploration/a-fair-workplace

6

Task 3

Complete the questions below with right prepositions (to, on, in, etc.). Discuss the
questions in pairs or small groups.

1. Do you prefer to work ________ other people or to work ________ your own space

and ________ your own speed?

2. What could discourage you _________ a career path connected with the profile of

your studies?

3. Is money the deciding factor _________ choosing a career path for you?
4. Do you know anyone who is ideally matched _________ their job?
5. Why are many people dissatisfied _________ their career choice when there are so

many career opportunities?

7

I can write a letter of application.

Introduction

As a letter of application (or a covering letter) is a formal text, you should follow all the rules
applying to formal writing in English. Make sure you follow the guidelines of your potential
employer and check if the letter is to be sent as an attachment or included in the email. If it
is supposed to be an attachment, keep the layout of a traditional formal letter. Here are
some links to useful articles about preparing such documents:

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-letter-of-application-2062031

https://www.thebalance.com/job-application-letter-examples-a-z-list-2059514

https://www.thebalance.com/writing-a-letter-of-application-for-employment-2061570

.

Example

Magdalena Kowalska

12 Tajemnicza Street

12-345 Wrocław

[e-mail]

2 October 2016

Mr Andrew Smith
Recruitment Manager
123 Company
67 Lotus Way
78-900 Warsaw

Dear Mr Smith,

I am a final-year student at Wrocław University of Science and Technology doing MSc studies
in Civil Engineering and I would like to apply for Site Engineer Assistant position, as
advertised on

www.jobsinengineering.pl

.

During my time at WUST I have learnt a lot about the science and technology of
construction. I am also familiar with the rules of running a project through to successful
completion, on time, within budget and to the highest standards. I am competent in the use
of GPS Data-Loggers, EDM’s, Total Stations, laser and dumpy levels and since Civil
Engineering is my real passion I keep up to date in Engineering Software. Last summer I had
the opportunity to test my knowledge and skills in practice when I was working for SKANSKA
at one of their biggest investments in Wrocław.

8

I am also constantly working on my personal development. Since I am already fluent in
English, I started to learn German and Russian two years ago and I believe I can
communicate successfully in these languages. I enjoy collaborating with a group of people,
so I regularly play basketball and take part in volunteer projects for the local community;
thus, improving my organizational and interpersonal skills.

I am very impressed with the fast development of 123 Company and have heard a lot of
positive comments about the high standards of the structures you have built. My professors
at the Faculty also share this opinion and show us the process and results of your work as an
example of good building practice. Therefore, I would be honored to start my professional
career as a member of your team.

I enclose a copy of my CV and a letter of recommendation from SKANSKA and hope very
much to be invited for interview. I would be happy to answer any questions and provide
more information regarding my application.

Yours sincerely

Magdalena Kowalska

Task 1

Read the texts about writing a successful letter of application. Under each section, there
are some practical tips missing. Choose from points A-G to complete the text. Does the
example above follow the tips? Would you change or add anything? Discuss in pairs.

Covering letter essentials for graduate vacancies

A convincing covering letter (or cover letter, as it’s more commonly known in the US)
typically accompanies a CV for a graduate vacancy. It’s your opportunity to show recruiters
your most relevant skills and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the job and the
employer. However, a covering letter shouldn’t be longer than one side of A4. Here's our
four-part failsafe guide to using this limited space to sell your skills.

Four steps to write a graduate cover letter:

The opening
Tell the graduate recruiter which job you are applying for, where you saw the advert and why
you are applying. If the job has a reference number, it is always good to include this.
Tip: (1)………………………………………………………………………………………..

Why you?
The first paragraph or two are about you. Tell the employer why you are well suited to the
role you are applying for, referring directly to the job description and concentrating on how
you have the skills, abilities and/or knowledge to excel in the job. Mix evidence of specific
skills and knowledge related to the job with work experience examples and personal skills.
At graduate level remember that it’s fine to refer to work experience that isn’t directly related
to the profession you are applying to. You need to show how your current experience
‘transfers’ into the job. Examples from part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities and academic

9

work will all help to demonstrate how you have used and developed skills such as
communication, teamwork, problem solving, organisation, time management, etc.
Tip: (2)………………………………………………………………………………………....
Why them?
The next paragraph explains why you are interested in the job and the organisation. What is it
about the employer and job role that made you apply? This is your opportunity to target your
covering letter so that the recruiter knows you are interested in their graduate job and you’re
not batch emailing standard CVs and covering letters to everyone. Re-read the job description
and make sure you have done some background research into the organisation. This will help
you tell the recruiter what attracts you to working for them and why you are interested in the
particular job.
Tip: (3) ……………………………………………………………………………………….…

The ending
The closing paragraph should be strong and clear. Reaffirm your suitability for the role and
your enthusiasm about the prospect of working for the employer. State that you look forward
to hearing from them and are happy to provide any further information they need.
Don’t forget to sign the letter if you are sending it through the post, or to print your name if
you are sending your covering letter by e-mail.
Tip: (4) …………………………………………………………………………………………

You could turn steps two and three around and write about why you’re applying to the
employer first if you'd find that more comfortable. As long as you cover both ‘why you’ and
‘why them’ in the letter, the exact order doesn’t matter.

When to write a covering letter
You must write a covering letter for a job when you are invited to submit a CV via an email
or (more rare nowadays) through the post. There are two ways to send your covering letter via
email, and both are usually acceptable, though you should check the job advert carefully to
see if you have been given any specific instructions.

Attach both the CV and the covering letter to your email. Make the email a brief message
saying that your application for the vacancy (give the relevant details) is attached.

Write the covering letter directly into the email. You could include your contact details as a
signature at the end. Attach your CV.

If you are uploading a CV as part of an application form, you don’t usually have to upload a
covering letter as well (unless the employer requests one).
Otherwise, you should never opt out of sending a covering letter with your CV. Don’t go for
the ‘Please find attached my CV for your consideration’ one liner. It's a missed opportunity.
Tip: (5) …………………………………………………………………………………………

Make your covering letter memorable and to the point
You’ll stand out if you:

Don’t waffle

Match your skills and experience to the requirements in the job description

Avoid generalised statements and clichés

Express yourself clearly.

Keep sentences straightforward and fairly simple. Using action verbs will help. Keep your
writing professional and err on the side of formality rather than being too chatty.
Tip: (6) ………………………………………………………………………………………….

10

Check spelling, grammar and sense very carefully
Before you send out a covering letter check it for spelling, grammar and sense. Elegant
formatting won’t make up for poor spelling and grammar. Graduate recruiters will be
reviewing your attention to detail and your ability to communicate in writing, so your
covering letter is your first chance to impress. Get a trusted friend or careers adviser to give it
a look before you send it out.
Tip: (7) ………………………………………………………………………………………….

Adapted from

https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/applications-and-cvs/271393-covering-letter-essentials-

for-graduate-vacancies

A

avoid copying statements direct from your CV. Think about how you can rephrase the
information or expand on particular skills and achievements you have that are right for
the role.

B

brush up on how to write a business letter and current format practices. For letters
addressed to a named contact, finish: Yours sincerely. Dear Sir/Madam letters finish:
Yours faithfully – but it’s better to get a named contact.

C

when proofreading your covering letter for a graduate job, read it forwards and read it
backwards. No joke. You’re more likely to spot a spelling mistake if you read word by
word back from the end. If not, get someone else to proofread your letter for you.

D

read through your covering letter out loud. This will help you identify verbose
sentences that can be rewritten and will help you check the sense of your writing.

E

always address your covering letter to a named contact. Give the organisation a call to
find you should address your job application if a name isn’t given on the advert. Get
the person’s title out to whom right: Mr, Miss, Mrs or Ms? Or would another title be
appropriate: Dr, for example? People may feel quite strongly about how they are
addressed, and it would be a shame to fall at the first hurdle.

F

use sensible filenames for your attachments, eg Joe Bloggs_covering letter.doc and use
a subject line that will make sense to the recipient and looks professional, for example,
use the job reference: Vacancy – ED123_PT trainee accountant.

G

provide specific reasons for applying, such as the work they do or the training they
provide. Avoid anything that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as
‘… because you’re a prestigious and dynamic employer’.

11

Task 2

Group the phrases given below into three categories: opening paragraph, main body, final
paragraph.

1. I am writing to enquire about possible employment opportunities with…
2. I am writing regarding the research assistant vacancy…
3. As part of my degree course in Mechanical Engineering, I am currently working on…
4. I believe I can apply the knowledge gained during the studies to this position.
5. I would like to apply for the post of…
6. As you can see from my CV I have…
7. I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of…
8. I look forward to hearing from you.
9. I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
10. I am a recent graduate from WUST university with a BSc in Civil Engineering writing to

apply…

11. Should you require any further information regarding my application, please do not

hesitate to contact me.

12. This experience has enabled me to…
13. Please find enclosed a copy of my curriculum vitae, which gives further details of my

education and career to date.

14. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you to discuss my professional

experience and capabilities at your earliest convenience.

15. At present I am responsible for…

Adapted from “Cambridge English for Job-hunting”

opening paragraph

main body

final paragraph

12

I can write a CV.

Introduction

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which in Latin means “the course of one’s life”. Another term
often used is re

’sume’. Generally, there are two main types of CV: chronological one and a

skill-based CV. There are many ways to write a CV but very often big employers require the
candidates to complete an application form instead of preparing a personalized CV.
However, if you have a chance to prepare a CV, make sure that it includes all the relevant
information, no mistakes and creates a positive first impression on the reader.

You will find science and engineering related examples and online tools to help you write an
impressive CV, for example here

https://www.visualcv.com/resume-samples/engineering-

cv-examples

, here

https://www.livecareer.com/resume-examples/engineering

or here

https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/sciencecv.htm

.

And

here

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/cv+template

you may find some inspiration for an

original but clear layout.

Task 1

Read the text “10 Tips on Writing a Successful CV” and choose a heading for each
paragraph from phrases A-J, there is one phrase you do not need to use.

10 tips on writing a successful CV

by Katy Cowan

When it comes to applying for a new job, your CV could be just the ticket to get you that
initial foot in the door and secure an interview – but how do you ensure your CV is added to
the interview pile rather than thrown straight in the bin?
Putting together a successful CV is easy once you know how. It's a case of taking all your
skills and experience and tailoring them to the job you're applying for. But what if you don't
meet the right criteria? Well, I've put together the following tips to help you get started in
creating a successful CV.

(1) ………………………
There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but there are some common sections you should
cover. These include: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; work
history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job in question; own interests, achievements
or hobbies; and some references.

(2) ………………………
A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented, and printed on clean, crisp white
paper. The layout should always be clean and well structured and CVs should never be
crumpled or folded, so use an A4 envelope to post your applications.

13

Always remember the CV hotspot – the upper middle area of the first page is where the
recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so make sure you include your most important information
there.

(3) ……………………..
A good CV is clear, concise and makes every point necessary without waffling. You don't
need pages and pages of paper – you just keep things short. A CV is a reassurance to a
potential employer, it's a chance to tick the right boxes. And if everything is satisfied, there's a
better chance of a job interview. Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so it's
unlikely they'll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within
seconds, so stick to a maximum of two pages of A4 paper.

(4) …………………….
The clues are in the job application, so read the details from start to finish. Take notes and
create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can't. With the
areas where you're lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have. For example,
if the job in question requires someone with sales experience, there's nothing stopping you
from using any retail work you've undertaken – even if it was something to help pay the bills
through university. It will demonstrate the skills you do have and show how they're
transferable.

(5) ……………………...
When you've established what the job entails and how you can match each requirement,
create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a universal CV.
Every CV you send to a potential employee should be tailored to that role so don't be lazy and
hope that a general CV will work because it won't. Create a unique CV for every job you
apply for. You don't have to re-write the whole thing, just adapt the details so they're relevant.

(6) ……………………….
Under the skills section of your CV don't forget to mention key skills that can help you to
stand out from the crowd. These could include: communication skills; computer skills; team
working; problem solving or even speaking a foreign language. Skills can come out of the
most unlikely places, so really think about what you've done to grow your own skills, even if
you take examples from being in a local sports team or joining a voluntary group – it's all
relevant.

(7) …………………………
Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you've gained and employers look
for. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or anything that
shows you can use your own initiative. For example, if you ran your university's newspaper or
if you started a weekend league football team that became a success. Include anything that
shows how diverse, interested and skilled you are. Don't include passive interests like
watching TV, solitary hobbies that can be perceived as you lacking in people skills. Make
yourself sound really interesting.

(8) ……………………………
Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as
"developed", "organised" or "achieved". Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job
role you're applying for. For example: "The work experience involved working in a team," or

14

"This position involved planning, organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team
of people".
Really get to grips with the valuable skills and experience you have gained from past work
positions, even if it was just working in a restaurant – every little helps.



(9) ……………………………
References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can confirm your
skills and experience. If you've never worked before you may ask a teacher or tutor to act as a
referee. Try to include two if you can.

(10) ………………………………..
It's crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add any new skills or experience that's
missing. For example, if you've just done some volunteering or worked on a new project,
make sure they're included – potential employers are always impressed with candidates who
go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.

Adapted from

https://www.theguardian.com/culture-professionals-network/culture-professionals-

blog/2012/mar/15/cv-tips-first-arts-job

A

Tailor the CV to the role

B

Keep your CV updated

C

Get the basics right

D

Making the most of interests

E

Including references

F

Understand the job description

G

Presentation is key

H

Making the most of experience

I

Stick to no more than two pages of A4

J

Making the most of skills

Task 2
Transferable skills are those talents and abilities that can be applied in various jobs and
situations. Look at the list below and together with a partner try to complete each group
with one more example. Discuss which of these skills you possess and give examples from
your life.

1) analytical skills – analyse data, conduct a survey, …………………………………..
2) communication skills – explain an idea, write a report, ………………………………
3) interpersonal skills – work with ‘difficult’ people, resolve a dispute, …………………………

15

4) negotiation skills – change someone’s mind, ………………………………….
5) leadership skills – chair a meeting, delegate tasks, …………………………………
6) organizational skills – decide on priorities, implement a plan, ………………………………
7) teamworking skills – discuss an issue, contribute to a meeting, …………………………………
8) creativity – invent a machine, suggest an alternative, ………………………………………………

Adapted from “Cambridge English for Job-hunting”

Task 3
Look at the list of action verbs commonly used for describing professional
experience. Choose six of them and write sentences that are true for you and
would suit your CV, e.g. I created a tool that simplified the production process.

achieve
arrange
budget
calculate
chair
clarify
collaborate
consult
convince
coordinate

create
delegate
demonstrate
design
develop
edit
evaluate
examine
formulate
identify

implement
improve
increase
investigate
lead
motivate
negotiate
operate
organise
persuade

plan
present
recommend
repair
represent
research
resolve
schedule
supervise
train

Adapted from “Cambridge English for Job-hunting”

1) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Talk to your partner, compare your experience and ask for details.