This session explores the redevelopment of a 1-credit hybrid course preparing students for professional success. Using an OER textbook and a Six-Step Process, the course integrates AI-driven tools to enhance resumes, cover letters, interviews, and LinkedIn profiles. Attendees will discuss outcomes, revisions, and shared innovations in AI-supported course design.

Prior to the Spring 2025 semester, I “re-developed” a 1-credit hour course designed to help students prepare for the professional world. I utlized an OER textbook for our foundational information and used a "Six Step Process" that the book introduced to organize each of our weeks/modules. I then utilized a software package that utilized AI in order to provide guidance and feedback for each of the following important deliverables from the course: Resume, Cover Letter, Pitch, Interview, and LinkedIn Profile. This session will cover how I incorporated both of these elements into an 8-week Hybrid course (that could also be conducted entirely online). I will share what I gained through the process of developing the course and offering it for the first two sessions. I will then share any adjustments made prior to the current Spring 2026 course offerings. Attendees will be able to share any similar approaches they have taken at their institutions so we can learn from each other's innovations and experiences or discuss concepts/questions around using AI in such a course design.

Expected Learning Outcomes/Key Takeaways:
Brainstorm a clear vision for a career readiness course
Utilize AI tools to create structured, engaging content
Integrate interactive elements and personalized pathways with AI support
Leverage data and feedback from AI to refine course effectiveness
Discuss similar experiences/questions about using AI in a career readiness course

Background and Evidence:
Institutions have been striving for ways to help students be better prepared for the professional world. Many have 1-credit hour courses on helping get ready by developing items such as: Resumes, Cover Letters, Interviews, and LinkedIn profiles. Before AI, this was a lot of work and required a lot of time from a faculty member for a 1-credit hour course (on top of their regular course load). This session will allow me to convey how AI can be utilized in a way to not only make the course not as “heavy of a lift” for the faculty member, but also actually provide more detailed and timely feedback for students. I will discuss key learnings from developing and offering the course and also ask for input from attendees that have either attempted the same course transition or that are considering such a conversion.

Plan for Participant Interaction:
I will have attendees share any similar approaches they have taken at their institutions. I will also have attendees share any interest in creating such a course. Finally, I will ask attendees to share any questions/concerns they have and then, not only offer my insights, but ask other attendees to share their insights as well.

Scott Lail,PhD,MBA,MAC,CPA,CFE

Associate Professor of Accounting at Wingate University

Scott works with Wingate University in the Porter B. Byrum School of Business. Scott teaches courses in Accounting and Business at the Graduate and Undergraduate levels. Scott also serves as the Advisor to Wingate University’s chapter of Delta Mu Delta (School of Business’s Academic Honor Society) and Finance & Accounting Leaders and Professionals (FALP) student organization. In addition to Wingate University, Scott also works with the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) where he: assists in course development and evaluation efforts, mentors fellow faculty and students, and teaches courses in Business, Accounting, Finance, and Management at the Graduate (in their online MBA program) and Undergraduate levels.

Scott owns and operates scoots institutes llc, through which he performs: consulting, course review, program review, continuing education, and speaking services for a variety of clients. Of note, Scott’s course review and program review work are conducted through his relationship with Quality Matters (QM) where he serves as a Certified Master Reviewer/Certified Program Reviewer/Certified CPE Reviewer. Scott conducts professional academic research and has received recognition, including “Best Paper” at professional conferences for his efforts. In addition, Scott serves as a Subject Matter Expert reviewer of article submissions for a professional academic research journal.

Scott holds a PhD in Business Administration degree from Northcentral University. Scott also holds both a Master of Business Administration degree and a Masters in Accounting degree, which were earned at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Scott's certifications include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA- NC# 35803), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Charted Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).