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The Interworking Course

Interworkers complete this reflective online course alongside their placement. The course culminates in our Certificate in International Professional Practice.

How to use this course: 

Although you can complete the course during your placement, we recommend starting the course before you leave the UK. 

Each module has lessons which introduce the topic, outline some theory using engaging formats like video and podcasts, and bring the learning into context using case studies. Some modules send you out on some external hands-on learning to develop skills using specific software in relation to the module.

The final section of each module must be completed during your placement as it involves reflection on your placement experience and applying it to the theory from the previous sections. This final section recaps the earlier content and prompts you to reflect on situations you’ve experienced during your placement.

You can complete modules in the order that makes most sense to you based on your priorities and interests, they do not need to be completed in order.  

We designed the course to serve 3 purposes:

  1. Prepare you for your placement.
  2. Help you reflect upon your learning during the placement.
  3. A means to clearly articulate your learning and skills development to future employers.


Course Outcome:

The objective of the course is to provide future employers with a clear and validated signal that you have developed key skills for the modern workplace and applied knowledge during your placement.

Course Structure:

The course has 7 Modules covering the following subject areas, many of which are identified as key skills for 2030 by the World Economic Forum:

  1. Building connections and developing your professional network
  2. Working Across Cultures: Intercultural competency as a professional foundation
  3. Commercial awareness: Understanding organisations, structure, and how businesses actually work
  4. Critical thinking and problem solving – Structured reasoning for the workplace
  5. Data literacy – Reading, questioning, and communicating with data
  6. Project and Task Management: Getting things done in complex environments
  7. Digital Tools, Automation, and AI at Work

Module 1 - Building connections and developing your professional network

Module Overview: So much of your future career will be built on the professional relationships you build. Actively networking can be daunting and many people see it as a transactional, necessary evil in order to promote your current project or product. At Interworking we believe that strategically and actively building connections outside of your workplace will help contextualise your day-to-day work, develop your knowledge and crucial skills such as confidence, communication skills, intercultural fluency and public speaking. The people you meet may open up immediate or future opportunities.  This module covers the basics of building your professional network. This includes LinkedIn profile optimisation (especially leveraging international experience), how to build a network deliberately rather than passively and how to navigate in-person networking opportunities. Key outcome: Interworkers have a polished professional profile and the skills to grow and use their network actively.

Lessons

Give, Take or Match - Effectively build connections by choosing your approach Confidence in the Room: The Geometry of Networking Guanxi and Non-Linear Connections in Asia Quiz & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 2 - Working Across Cultures: Intercultural competency as a professional foundation

Module Overview: Navigating modern workplaces requires more than passive cultural awareness—it demands active adaptability. This module examines how cultural context shapes communication styles, decision-making dynamics, and workplace expectations. Learners reflect on their own implicit assumptions while developing strategies to build genuine trust, navigate nuance, and collaborate seamlessly across diverse teams. Key Outcome: Develop authentic intercultural agility to communicate effectively, build cross-cultural trust, and navigate global workplace dynamics with confidence.

Lessons

Working Across Cultures Quiz & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 3 - Commercial awareness: Understanding organisations, structure, and how businesses actually work

Module Overview: To make a meaningful impact, professionals must understand the business behind their work. This module demystifies organizational mechanics: How value is generated, how priorities are set, and how financial and operational drivers influence everyday decisions. Learners gain the perspective needed to connect their individual roles to the broader strategic goals of their organization. Key Outcome: Build a clear mental model of business operations and value drivers, enabling you to align your daily work with high-level organizational goals.

Lessons

Introduction to Commercial Awareness Quiz & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 4 - Critical thinking and problem solving: Structured reasoning for the workplace

Module Overview: Reactive firefighting often obscures root causes. This module equips learners with structured analytical frameworks to break down complex, ambiguous problems, challenge underlying assumptions, and evaluate evidence objectively. Through reflective exercises, learners build the discipline to move from impulsive reactions to sound, well-reasoned workplace solutions. Key Outcome: Master structured reasoning frameworks to diagnose complex workplace challenges, eliminate bias, and deliver well-justified solutions under ambiguity.

Lessons

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Quiz & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 5 - Data literacy: Reading, questioning, and communicating with data

Module Overview: After covering some data literacy fundamentals, we’ll get hands on with an introduction to using functions, formulas, and charts in Google Sheets. You'll then learn how to use AI to manage data using the example of Gemini in Google Sheets. You'll gain two Google Badges on the way to completing this module. Key outcome: Interworkers can engage confidently with data at work, without needing a technical background.

Lessons

Let's talk about data Badge Upload & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 6 - Project and Task Management: Getting things done in complex environments

Module Overview: After covering some project management fundamentals, we'll get hands on with an introduction to Asana. You'll head to Asana's academy site to complete their Foundations Skills Badge to gain some practical experience using a common project management tool. Key outcome: Interworkers can manage their own workload reliably and contribute effectively to team-based projects using common project management tools.

Lessons

Introduction and Core Theoretical Foundations Project Management Tools/Software Badge Upload & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections

Module 7 - Digital Tools, Automation, and AI at Work

Module Overview: Technology should expand human capability, not dictate it. This module explores how to strategically integrate AI, digital workflows, and automation into daily routines while maintaining critical human judgment. Learners reflect on where tech adds genuine value, learning to streamline low-friction tasks so they can focus on high-impact strategic work. Key Outcome: Confidently leverage AI and digital automation to streamline routine workflows, elevate output quality, and amplify your strategic value.

Lessons

Automation 101 Badge Upload & Further Resources Module Recap & Your Reflections