Choose a topic category:
- Current Events & Trends: Recent developments, news, or changes affecting the industry
- Technology & Innovation: New technologies, discoveries, or research breakthroughs
- Workplace Challenges: Issues professionals currently face (work-life balance, burnout, remote work, etc.)
- Schools of Thought: Different approaches or philosophies in your field (e.g., organic vs. conventional agriculture)
- Social Issues: Diversity, equity, accessibility, or ethical concerns
- Future Outlook: Emerging opportunities, threats, or skills in demand
Torn between topics? Compare two during your AI brainstorm, then choose.
Part A: Creative Launch - Conduct an AI-Assisted Brainstorm to choose a topic
- Open an AI tool (ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Gemini, Claude, etc.) & prompt it to generate 3-5 specific, researchable topics in your chosen category.
- Tip: Include your major, career goal, location (region) & a time frame (In the next, 5 yrs).
- Ask one clarifying question to refine your list. (Ex: Ask for academic key words)
- Submit: Screenshot of your AI conversation (ensure your choice is visible) - 20 pts
Part B: Library Research - Find 3 Sources
- Search at least 2 different SAC Library Databases
- Database Suggestions: Academic OneFile, Access World News Research Collection NewsBank, Gale Power Search, O*NET, OOH
- Select 3 credible sources from at least 2 different, 2 sources must be from the past 5 years
- Skim: What impacts (on people, processes, policy, tools, labor market, ethics) are bring discussed?
- Capture citations in APA format as you go! Save links, DOIs & database names.
Part C: Reflection Paper - Summarize findings
- Format: 12 pt font, double spaced, separate Reference page in APA format
- Submit: 1–2 page Reflection (50 pts) + APA Reference page (10 pts) + Statement of Action (10 pts)
Reflection Questions:
1. Field Summary & Key Insights
- Summarize the trending issue/development and its current impact on your field
- Identify 2-3 key insights from your research about new technologies, methods, or perspectives
- Evaluate how these developments might change the profession
2. Personal Perspective & Career Impact
- Reflect on your perspective regarding this trend/issue after completing your research
- Explain how this research strengthened, changed, or clarified your commitment to this field?
- Determine what specific skills or knowledge areas should develop to adapt to adapt to these changes?
3. Professional Identity & Future Role
- Envision how do you might apply these insights in your future professional role?
- Examine what unique experiences or perspective might contribute to addressing this challenge?
- Create a next step you can take (academic, professional, personal) to stay prepared for this emerging trend.
4. Statement of Future Action (Last paragraph) - Customize this starter sentence with specifics:
After researching [topic], I learned [key insights]. This has [strengthened/shifted/clarified] my commitment to [field] because [reason]. My next steps are to [specific action & timeline].
Tip: Book a Librarian!
Reach out to the SAC Library for help with your research. They are familiar with this task & would love to help you. Try the chat! Its an actual SAC Librarian. They are truly masters at all finding. There's a link here in Canvas to reach them as well.
Grading & APA Help
- AI Brainstorm Screenshot (20 pts)
- Statement of Future Action (10 pts): Specific, realistic, time‑bound next step grounded in research.
- Reflection Paper (50 pts): Uses the scaffold; demonstrates analysis and evaluation; connects research to personal/professional application.
- Reference Page (APA) (20 pts): 3 sources; 2 are ≤3 years old; APA formatting (aka Bibliography page or Citations page)
- Check out Scribbr's APA format for academic papers and essays page for guidelines & an example. View this quick video for help!
