What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This course focuses on developing core competencies rather than traditional rote memorization. Key topics covered include:

• Effective Business Messaging: Principles of clear and audience-oriented written, oral, and visual communication.

• Multimedia Communication: Strategies for delivering persuasive and effective messages across multiple channels.

• Collaborative Skills: Techniques for leveraging diverse perspectives, incorporating feedback, and navigating complex business problems within groups.

• Personal Branding: Methods for curating a professional portfolio and establishing a marketability.

• Professional Presence: Developing the soft skills necessary for confident interactions, including interview preparation.

Unlike some WGU courses that conclude with a multiple-choice Objective Assessment (OA), C716 uses a Performance Assessment (PA). This means you demonstrate competency through specific, practical tasks that are evaluated by a subject matter expert.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

For WGU C716, the "final exam" consists of submitting two distinct Performance Assessment tasks. There is no timed, proctored multiple-choice test in a traditional sense. Instead, you must complete:

• Task 1: Professional Communication Portfolio: You will be required to develop a comprehensive professional portfolio. This includes creating a targeted resume, a tailored cover letter, and a short essay on understanding cultural sensitivity in international business.

• Task 2: Recorded Business Presentation: This task asks you to prepare and deliver a multi-slide presentation, typically functioning as a mock interview. You will record yourself presenting, addressing specific prompts about your background and qualifications, and then provide a follow-up email and an executive summary.

Each task is submitted online via the WGU student portal. Evaluation is based on a detailed rubric, which lists the exact criteria the evaluator will use. To pass, you must meet all the requirements outlined in the rubric with a status of "Competent." There is no single numeric passing score; you must simply demonstrate proficiency across all dimensions of the tasks.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the C716 performance assessments requires practical application and a thorough review of the provided resources.

Actionable Study Strategies:

• Deconstruct the Rubric: Your primary study guide is the assessment rubric for each task. Treat it as a checklist. If you satisfy every line item, you will pass.

• Utilize Provided Templates: WGU provides excellent templates and tip sheets for the resume, cover letter, and presentation structure. Do not create these from scratch. Using the templates ensures you meet the required formatting.

• Watch the Course Videos: A simple search of the course community will reveal essential welcome videos and 'how-to' guides, which break down each task into manageable steps.

• Practice and Review Recordings: For Task 2, use free recording software to practice your presentation multiple times. Watch your recordings critically, focusing on clear speech, eye contact, and smooth transitions. Ask a peer for feedback.

• Leverage WGU Resources: WGU offers access to platforms like "Handshake" and "Big Interview" to help with job-specific preparation, which is invaluable for Task 1.

Exam Centers:

Because WGU C716 uses a Performance Assessment submitted via an online portal, there are no physical testing centers or proctored exam sessions to attend. You will prepare your materials and submit them directly from your student dashboard, making this course fully accessible and flexible.

Job Opportunities from the Course

A strong command of business communication is one of the most transferable and high-demand skills in the corporate world. Completing this course opens doors to numerous career paths, including:

• Marketing Associate

• Communications Assistant

• Public Relations (PR) Specialist

• Content Writer

• Social Media Manager

• Human Resources (HR) Coordinator

• Corporate Trainer

• Executive Assistant

• Project Manager