The UR Career Pathways program, which launched in December, focuses on professional opportunities for staff within the University community. The program is in its first phase, concentrating on 17 positions which are currently in high demand leading to job paths aimed at cultivating growth, maximizing potential, and deepening job satisfaction. Beyond education and training, the program’s Career Coaching and Career Navigation services assist staff with career exploration, advancing foundational job skills, and peer networking.
“The benefits of Career Coaching and Navigation include improving hard skills like resume writing and interviewing that are great for long-term success, and also a shift in mindset,” said Career Coach Barbara Wilcox. “Participants have a sense of pride upon completion of our workshops, and many have the motivation and confidence to reach higher. We have already seen staff land new roles in these high-demand job paths within the University with increases in pay.”
Following acceptance into the program, an experienced coach begins with personality and career assessments that help staff identify which of the 17 high demand positions would be the best match for their interests. Then, staff complete a series of interactive workshops with fellow participants working toward similar goals.
“Engaging in career conversations is very empowering,” said Wilcox. “We find that program participants learn a great deal from each other—such as what works well for them, and also what can be improved.”
Ultimately, the program supports employees by helping with new job placements in high demand positions within UR, training, and even paid release time and tuition toward a degree program. UR Career Pathways is now accepting applications for the next group of participants. Learn more about the program, see the list of high-demand positions, and submit your application on the HR website by Saturday, April 1.