Are you making a New Year’s resolution for 2020? The beginning of the year is a time when many focus on self-improvement and sparking positive change. During the month of January, we will highlight resources around campus that will help faculty, staff and students work toward a better, more fulfilled year.
Some individuals may look at the New Year as a time to focus on professional development. Many resources are available for those in the CWRU community who wish to continue to grow and learn in their careers, whether they’re well-established or just getting started. Below are just a few of the many ways students, faculty and staff can advance their careers in 2020.
Faculty/staff offerings
CWRU’s Professional Development Center (PDC) works with faculty and staff to enhance their professional development. Numerous programs and courses give individuals the chance to develop in different areas of their careers. View upcoming offerings.
In addition to the PDC, the Office of Faculty Development provides opportunities to specifically grow faculty professional development. The office’s offerings include affinity groups for networking and support and other initiatives, such as a mentorship program.
Student opportunities
Professional development for students falls into several categories, including career focus, leadership/mentoring, experiential education and inclusivity.
For students hoping to boost their career prospects, they can stop by the Career Lab through Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education, shadow an alumnus over spring break through the Career Connections program, and network with alumni and identify mentors through Alumni Career Connection.
Students who want to develop their leadership skills can participate in StrengthsQuest, which helps them identify and take advantage of their particular leadership style. There are also leadership opportunities available through the Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER), which includes mentoring, events, programs and more. Interested students also can apply for leadership positions in CWRU community by being an orientation leader or resident assistant.
Experiential education promotes career advancement possibilities. Opportunities at CWRU include Research ShowCASE, during which students can present their research work, and LaunchNET, which aids entrepreneurial individuals in starting up their own companies.