UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 19, Page 3
February 11, 1993
Center provides counseling, career guidance

     The welcome mat is out at the Career Development Center for all
professional and salaried staff employees interested in enhancing their
career opportunities.
     "Many employees across campus have used the Career Development Center
since it was established in 1991, and we encourage others to take advantage
of our services," according to Liane Sorenson, who directs the center and
also is director of the Office of Women's Affairs and executive director of
the Commission on the Status of Women. "We offer a broad spectrum of
resources to employees from our collection of books and materials on career
opportunities to counseling and career mapping," she said.
     In March, the center also will offer a series of noontime workshops,
"Fridays with Your Future," designed to be of general interest and require
a minimal time commitment. Sorenson said.
     "Many employees seek our services for career enhancement to determine
what kind of training or experience they need to increase their value as
employees. Others may wish to explore a career change, when a contract is
not renewed, for example. Some employees have specific questions about job
classification and compensation, and we try to help them," Sorenson said.
     Sorenson and Barbara Graham, assistant director of housing and
residence life and an intern in employee services, are counselors for
professionals; and Graham, James Doctson, employee services coordinator,
and Edwina Haring, employee development administrator, advise salaried
staff.
     The center uses a career mapping approach patterned after the Bryn
Mawr Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration. First,
employees assess their current position, skills and experience. They then
determine their career goals and develop a plan of action to achieve them
through further training, schooling or different job experience.
     "There may be gaps in an employee's qualifications, such as working
with a budget, and we work with the employee and supervisor to increase an
individual's expertise and experience. We also will try to help arrange an
internship or externship if possible," she said.
     For other employees, courses through the Division of Continuing
Education's ACCESS may be the answer.
     "Some employees in smaller offices may feel isolated, and we encourage
them to become involved in the University by serving on committees,
attending workshops and networking with other employees," Sorenson said.
     Located in Room 403 floor of the Academy Building, the center is open
during normal office hours when not being used for individual counseling.
Sorenson advises calling 831-6651 to make sure the center is available for
general use.
     For further information about the center or for an appointment for
counseling, call Employee Services at 831-2171.
                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure