MyExperience Description Writing Guidelines
Guideline Background
As you may be aware, the University recently celebrated the successful integration of the MyExperience Transcript (MET) with the MyCreds.ca platform. During this project, the Career Bridge Centre identified that inconsistent event, workshop, position, etc, descriptions were affecting the professional appearance of student transcripts on the MyCreds platform. Clear, consistent formatting is essential as students share their experiential learning achievements with employers and graduate schools.
In response to these challenges, a comprehensive set of guidelines for creating and editing descriptions on the MyExperience platform is now available for your use. These guidelines have now been crafted for campus-wide applicability to ensure consistency across all university divisions.
Key Changes To Know
- All descriptions, regardless of context, must now adhere to a strict 500-character limit
- Descriptions should focus on purpose, key activities, competencies developed, knowledge gained, and requirements
- Time, date, and registration information should be entered in designated fields only
- Presenter biographies should be linked externally rather than included in descriptions
- Special formatting considerations have been outlined to ensure proper transcript integration
Effective immediately, adherence to these guidelines will be a MANDATORY component of the MyExperience validation process.
Process Map (Recommended)
Pre-Event, Workshop, Etc
Create your event, position, etc., within MyExperience.ca as usual. You may include graphics, images, logos, and longer descriptions if necessary for advertising purposes
Try to adhere to the character limit, as it will reduce the work needed to be completed later.
Post-Event, Workshop, Etc
Once the event, workshop, and position is completed and attendance is updated (if applicable), edit the details, ensuring that you are following all of the writing guidelines as outlined below.
Review
Before saving your edits, please review your work for the character limit, and general adherence to the guidelines.
This is especially important if working with AI. Once reviewed, save your changes.
Although not mandatory, the above is how we suggest your adjust your administrative process
Disclosure
Please Note: The MyExperience Advisor Reserves The Right To Make Any Edits Deemed Necessary To Ensure Compliance With These Guidelines & University Standards
MyExperience Writing Guidelines
The Following Guidelines Were Established in Fall 2024 & Will Remain Valid Until Further Notice
Composition Rules
Technical Requirements & Limitations
CHARACTER LIMIT: All descriptions must adhere to a strict 500-character limit, including spaces. This ensures consistency across all entries and facilitates easy translation to the MyExperience Transcript.
- When working with events & workshops, you MAY post a standard description larger than 500 characters for the sake of advertising, BUT once the event is completed and the attendance is updated, you MUST adjust the description into a 500-character guidelines-influenced write-up.
- Photos, graphics, digital posters, and logos are all acceptable and CAN CONTINUE to be used without adjustments.
- TIP: Adhere to the character limit from the onset to reduce admin time!
TIME & DATE EXCLUSION: Do not include specific time and date information within the description. This information will be reflected separately within the MyExperience system, through its specific date/time information input box. Time and date info can be included on a graphic design/image used to promote the activity, position, event, etc.
Content & Structure
PRESENTER BIOS: When retroactively editing, the presenter biographies should now be externally displayed and not contained within the description of the event. Instead, you may embed this additional information in the form of a link, preferably one that is embedded within the text itself.
CONTENT FOCUS: Descriptions should concisely highlight the purpose, key activities, requirements, potential benefits, and learning outcomes. Use clear, professional language aligning with university standards.
AVOID REDUNDANCY: Do not repeat information that will be captured in other fields of the listing (e.g., location, date, time, event link, registration requirements, etc.).
Competency Documentation
COMPETENCIES: When sharing an event, position, etc, we encourage you to assign the relevant competencies that all students will potentially develop through this activity. However, you may still opt to allow students to self-select some, or all, of the competencies developed during the activity. Regardless of the method of assignment, students will have to have a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 8 competencies attached to any particular event. If the latter is applicable, and students are expected to self-select, please encourage them to do so at the conclusion of the activity.
Quality & Formatting Standards
FORMATTING CONSIDERATIONS: Certain special characters may not transfer correctly when copying and pasting into the MyExperience system. Specifically, hyphens (-) may be converted to question marks (?). Double-check your entries after saving to ensure accuracy. To avoid this, paste the content into a Google document and then to the MyExperience text box. Also, avoid using bullet points, which do not translate well when extracted to the MyExperience Transcript.
PROOFREAD: Carefully review all descriptions for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors before publishing.
OBJECTIVE TONE: Maintain an impartial and informative tone in the description, avoiding overly promotional language. Consider using inclusive, non-gendered language.
CONSISTENCY: Use a consistent style and format, as informed by the aforementioned guidelines, across all descriptions to maintain a professional appearance on the MyExperience platform and transcript
Examples Descriptions
Example Description #1: LinkedIn Workshop
Enhance your online professional presence with Career Bridge's LinkedIn Workshop. Learn to build a strong profile, connect strategically, & leverage LinkedIn for career exploration. Topics include profile optimization, MET integration, networking strategies, content sharing, & understanding recruiter perspectives. Gain valuable insights on LinkedIn etiquette & daily engagement techniques. This workshop will equip you with essential skills for effective personal branding on LinkedIn.
Example Description #2: Accounting Info-Session
MNP Accounting Recruitment Information Session provides insights into career opportunities at MNP. Attendees learn about MNP's corporate culture, various service lines, and potential career paths in accounting and finance. The session covers internship programs, entry-level positions, and professional development opportunities. Participants can engage with MNP representatives, gaining valuable industry knowledge and networking opportunities.
Example Description #3: Python Workshop
Introduces Python programming basics. This beginner-friendly workshop focuses on practical coding skills applicable to academic assignments. Participants learn fundamental Python concepts, syntax, and problem-solving techniques. The session demonstrates how Python can streamline data analysis, automate tasks, and enhance research projects across various disciplines. No prior coding experience required.
Example Description #4: Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides support to individuals experiencing a decline in mental well-being or a mental health crisis. Participants will learn to recognize signs of mental health issues, encourage discussion about mental well-being, be taught MFHA good-practices, and guide individuals to professional and supportive resources. The 8-hour course begins with a self-directed module, followed by two virtual classroom modules.