Good-bye to blogspot.com

We've migrated!

The UExplore Blog has now migrated to a new location on Sharepoint, accessible to UExplorers 08-09 via single sign on.

Enjoy the new site.

Hoorah for Student Affairs!

UExplore Student Affairs Career Panel Facilitator, Rafael Acevedo, has rolled out the details on the first-ever UCSD Graduate Staff Mini-conference!

If you work with Student Affairs and you haven't yet received your EVITE, please contact Erin Burgoon.

*****

Surfing the Waves of Change
Monday, August 31, 20098:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Light lunch and refreshments provided!
Institute of the Americas: Weaver Conference Room

As Graduate Staff, we have cultivated some informal relationships with each other, but the opportunities are scarce and brief -- often the result of chance, divisional memberships, OGS sponsored meetings, etc. -- and sometimes we don't get a chance to talk to each other for months. Who do you call at 4:15 when you are suddenly faced with a new (to you) and critical student or administrative crisis? Who do you trust with the stupid questions?

Our goal is to create a venue that not only facilitates information sharing and networking, but also empowers UCSD Graduate Staff to better manage "more with less" as we start an academic year filled with unknown challenges in graduate student affairs. With a strong sense of support from our peers, and an organized network of resources, we will truly be able to meet every crisis as an opportunity.A program will be specifically developed and presented by Human Recourses Staff Member Dr. Bernadette Han and small group discussion sessions will be conducted to address your top concerns.
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Student Affairs Networking & Learning Opportunity

Surfing the Waves of Change
Monday, August 31, 2009
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Light lunch and refreshments provided!
Institute of the Americas: Weaver Conference Room

Please join us for the inaugural UCSD Graduate Staff Mini-conference. Our goal is to create a venue that not only facilitates information sharing and networking, but also empowers UCSD Graduate Staff to better manage “more with less” as we start an academic year filled with unknown challenges in graduate student affairs. A program will be specifically developed and presented by Human Recourses Staff Member Dr. Bernadette Han and small group discussion sessions will be conducted to address your top concerns.

Please respond with your top 4 discussion topics for the afternoon break-out sessions ASAP and no later than August 14, 2009; the top most requested topics will be discussed. Examples: 1. Graduate Travel and Research Grants and 2. Developing Graduate Enrichment Programs.

RSVP’s will be collected via EVITE (link sent in a follow-up email, so stay tuned). We’re looking forward to seeing you there- PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS. Let us know if you have any questions.

Warmest regards,

Rafael Acevedo, Economics
Theresa Aitchison, Ethnic Studies
Erin Burgoon, Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies
Emmanuel de la Paz, Sociology
Corie Gochicoa, Linguistics
Betty Gunderson, Bioengineering
Gennie Miranda, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Leanne Nordeman, Biomedical Sciences
Cathy Pugh, Biological Sciences
Diana Platero-Lopez, Music

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Staff Equal Opportunity Enrichment Program - Notifications

Did you get your notification letter?

The Staff Equal Opportunity Enrichment Program (SEOEP) sent out notices at the beginning of this month to those who applied for funding.

Congratulations to all those who put your professional goals on paper and took a leap of faith with the application!
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Thank you for submitting final evaluations

Thank you for filling out the UExplore final evaluations!

It was definitely meant to be a comprehensive survey, and I really appreciate the time you invested in answering the questions and submitting comments too.

Your honest feedback really does help, and I am taking it all in to consideration in programming next year's curriculum.

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Applications for 2009-2010

Woo hoo!

The online application for 2009-2010 will be up-and-running by the beginning of August.

In the meantime, I've let folks know that this year's application will be similar to the one that you filled out.

Message on UExplore website:

Interested individuals must complete and submit an online application - no paper applications will be accepted. The online application for the 2009-2010 program year will be open August 2009. As you fill out the online application, please save your work every 15 minutes to protect your work-in-progress answers.

This year's application will be similar to the previous year's application (08-09 Application).
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Appppllaaauuussseeee

It should probably not come as any surprise to you that I have a special pair of plastic hands that can clap really loud. If I could clap for all of you over the internet, then you would all be treated to a really great, big round of applause.

Since I lack the ability to project myself over the wireless networks, I can only reiterate how truly proud I am of all of you.

And remember the celebration we had Wednesday...

Marble cake with rasperry filling and whipped cream frosting!

And cutting the cake! Oh my goodness, I cut really big pieces.
And, I still had about 1/3 of the cake left.

And, oooh, your Certificates of Completion.

So prettty...

And then you all surprised me!

I was so nervous.

I didn't know what to do with myself.

So, i just tugged on my shirt and smiled awkwardly.

I couldn't search for the right words of appreciation in my head.

I tried to go into my brain, but my heart was thumping.

I was speechless.

THANK YOU!

is not enough
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Congratulations to KESHA!!!!

Congratulations to our very own Kesha Miller!

She will be new Student Affairs Advisor

at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology!
This is a brand new position, and

we are so proud of you!

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Good-bye to Alexis!

Alexis O'Banion said her farewells to her department at UC San Diego Medical Center Marketing on last Friday, and she mentioned how she would not have "traded a minute of [her four years at UCSD] for all of the money in the world." She resigned from the position, and she' welcomes anyone to reach her anytime at alexis.obanion@gmail.com.

Farewell, Alexis!
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Final Survey Evaluation -- Postponed until early next week

Instead of rolling out the final survey evaluation out today, I'll be sending it out early next week instead. In conjunction with this final survey, you will receive a PDF copy of your original application of the program.

Many of the questions ask you to reflect on your original expectations of the program and compare those to what you actually experienced and learned.

Thanks for being patient about this last survey.

U Rock!
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MBTI Revisited Slides

Are you ready?

Here you go...

To check out the slides from Grace Balch's MBTI Revisited presentation, you'll be directed to the Sharepoint site.

Sharepoint is the wave of the future. You'll see that this site has been set up for all the Staff Ed classes. I poked around, and it looks like Staff Ed hasn't put any on there yet, but I bet they're coming.

If the link does not work, then visit the site the old-fashioned way:
Click on: https://hrpartners.ucsd.edu/Training/CourseMaterials/default.aspx
Click on "Course Materials" (located on the left side bar)
Click on "Professional Skills and Course Development" (see middle of the page)
Click on "Academic Affairs UExplore" (first folder in the middle of the page)

Enjoy!
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Final Program Evaluation Coming Soon!

On Friday, I'll send you the Final Program Evaluation!

Thanks in advance for sharing your feedback!
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Survey Monkey is calling!

What did you think?

Please let us know what you thought about today's presentations.

Your opinions count--we use your feedback to improve the Program and better meet your professional needs.

And…would you please consider filling them out by Friday, June 26th?

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Revisited (June 17, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=a0QlNXyuCHhQPb89XMtMpQ_3d_3d

Information Technology Career Overview (June 17, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZgmbdJgq8f_2fQfxK7TL0Hgw_3d_3d

Facilities Management Career Overview (June 17, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=NihzizFpDnCPLUEHWTsa8w_3d_3d

Laboratory Research Career Overview (June 17, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=iMApR9KO5ezeN2YIumJBlw_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!

If you have questions, just give me a bzzzz at ext 2-7990.

Congratulations on completing UExplore!

Summer get-together

You asked for it!

You're getting it!

This summer, we'll make a date for a lollapalooza* of Q&A.

At this summer UExplore session, you are invited to participate in a panel discussion with Academic Affairs human resource managers. At this session, you can bring all the questions you haven't had answered yet, and these hiring authorities will share all their pearls of wisdom.

Don't know what I'm talking about?

Well, I'm thinking of questions I've heard, read, (and overheard) like:
1) What do I need to say in an interview to get the job?
2) When is it appropriate to break out my professional portfolio?
3) How do I make a great first impression?
4) What do I write in a "thank you" note?
5) How can I present myself as the best candidate for the job?
6) At what point in time can I negotiate salary?
7) Is it a good idea for me to send my resume and cover letter to the HR manager even before my application has been referred?
8) What are the prospects for my hire in this field?
9) What are the biggest "no-no's" in a job interview?
10) What can I ask in an interview to figure out if this is the right job and department for me?

More details to come....

**lol⋅la⋅pa⋅loo⋅za 
[lol-uh-puh-loo-zuh]
–noun
Slang
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
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Certificates of Completion

When you look in the mirror each morning, you know what you see?

I'll tell you what: a UExplorer!

And, next month, we'll be celebrating your completion of the UExplore program. Woo hoo!

UExplorers scheduled to receive their certificates of completion are those whose total pre-approved Program absences will not have exceeded two (2) by June 17, 2009.

For UExplorers with more than 2 pre-approved absences, you may receive your Certificate of Completion if you make-up the missed classes at next year's program.

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MBTI Homework

Take initiative to make UExplore work for you!

Consider completing the following readings and exercises prior to June 17th that were assigned by John Gates:

• Read the chapter devoted to your type in Do What You Are
• Complete the exercises in Chapter 24

In the chapter devoted to your type:

• 3 profiles of career professionals with that type
• why those careers work for that person
• common threads and themes in their chosen professions
• what career satisfaction means for them
• popular occupations for that type
• customizing your job search
• pathways to success by using your strengths
• possible pitfalls
• the final piece: changing or keeping your job...the key to success for your type

In chapter 24, the idea is to put it all together so that you match your personality to a career that you can looooove. That chapter breaks down that plan into 10 simple-and-easy steps. I've scanned those steps, and we've steadily been working through those steps via UExplore. Now, is your chance to review what you've accomplished through the program and put it all together.

• Step 1: Identify your unique personality strengths and weaknesses (Resource ideas: Do What Your Are chapter devoted to your personality type; handout from Your Listening Profile)
• Step 2: Identify and rank your work-related strengths and weaknesses (Resource ideas: Handout from Assessing Your Transferable Skills; Your Professional Portfolio)
• Step 3: Record and evaluate your criteria for career satisfaction (Resource ideas: Handouts from Career Planning)
• Step 4: Record your observations of specific situations where your current or past jobs met your career satisfacton criteria (Resource ideas: Your Professional Portfolio)
• Step 5: Think about your strongest interests, as in what activities do you enjoy so much that you would do them for free (Resource ideas: Handout from Goal Setting)
• Step 6: Identify your skills (Resource ideas: Checklist inside Do What You Are)
• Step 7: Generate a list of possible careers or jobs that are of interest to you at this point (Resource ideas: Career Field Overviews and Career Panels)
• Step 8: Analyze each career option asking: how well does it make use of your best skills and abilities; how well does it make use of my work-related strengths; and how well does it meet my top five criteria for career satisfaction? (Resource ideas: Career Field Overviews and Career Panels; Your Professional Portfolio;
• Step 9: Research your potential career options (Resource ideas: Career Field Overviews and Career Panels)
• Step 10: Celebrate your successes (Resource ideas: Your Professional Portfolio)

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Questions about MBTI?

We introduced you to the MBTI tool and type theory almost 9 months ago. By assessing your own personality type and knowledge of your preferences for taking in information, making decisions, and attitudes in interacting with your environment, you gained additional tools for understanding and identifying your natural interests and work values.

In June, we'll be revisiting MBTI and type theory. This is another chance for you to evaluate how your type connects to a best‐fit career.

To make this session work for you, what essential questions do you want to be addressed by our guest presenter, Grace Balch?

What is it that you'd like to learn more about in order to help you identify and meet your professional goals?

Email me and call me with what we can do to make this an effective session for you!
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Enroll for credit

And,

drum roll, please!

Enroll for credit for IT, Laboratory Research, and Facilities Management by visiting this link:
https://enrollmentcentral.ucsd.edu/sed_course.cfm?&cdcrs=XUXPLORFAM

NOTICE: There is a current error with this link where you will be placed on "Standby". Enroll anyway. I am working on fixing it.
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What do you want to know about IT, Lab Research, and Facilities Management?

Great news!

For next month's session, we've got three career field overviews.

It will be a jam-packed session and to make the most of our time, our speakers welcome your questions ahead of time.

Do you have questions for:

Debbie Morrow -- System Administrator, Literature

Erica Stein -- Staff Research Associate, Division of Biological Sciences

Erwin Milan -- Asst Dir of Operations and Facilities, Rady School of Management

If so, bring 'em on! Email lindathai@ucsd.edu.
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Training Scholarships from Staff Association

Have you heard of the Staff Association Scholarship Program?

I'd met some award winners at last year's Staff Picnic, but I just saw the call for applications on today's BLINK homepage.

The 2008-2009 application deadline is Monday, June 1, 2009.
Awards will be given at the staff picnic on Friday, August 21, 2009.

The UCSD Staff Association Scholarship Program annually awards scholarships up to $350 each to eligible UCSD Staff Association members for completed training activities that aid in their career development. The scholarship program subcommittee of the UCSD Staff Association executive board shall be responsible for implementing the annual scholarship program in accordance with the guidelines and procedures contained in this document, subject to amendment by the executive board.

The current UCSD Staff Association Scholarship Application submission deadline is Monday, June 1, 2009, 4:30 p.m. The application is available in Word or PDF format.

Procedure:

The scholarship program subcommittee shall consist of the UCSD Staff Association Chair, Chair-elect, and a subcommittee chair chosen annually by the Staff Association Chair.

The subcommittee shall communicate to Staff Association members a call for scholarship applications during the Spring quarter, but not later than the first week of May.

Applications must be returned to the subcommittee chair by close of business on the first working day of June. Late applications will not be accepted.

The subcommittee will review applications to verify eligibility.

During its June meeting, the Staff Association executive board will review the amount of scholarship funds available, the number of scholarships to be awarded, and the scholarship amount for each award. Qualified applications will be presented to the executive board at that same meeting for final approval.

If the number of eligible applications exceeds the funding available, award selection will be based on a lottery process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a UC San Diego career staff employee who has completed the probationary period.
• Applicant must be a current, dues-paying member (Word file) of the UCSD Staff Association as of May 31 of the current year, and at the time of application and award of scholarships.
• Qualified career development training activities include courses, seminars, and conferences. Items not eligible for scholarship funding are travel or other incidental expenses (such as food, parking, lodging, etc.), courses offered through Enrollment Central, courses required to maintain a current license or board certification, and any training paid by or reimbursed from university funds.
• Completion of training activities must occur between June 1 of the prior calendar year and May 31 of the current calendar year.
• Scholarship allocation will be considered only for successfully completed training activities. Proof of completion with a passing grade must accompany applications for courses or seminars (i.e., grade report, transcript, certificate, etc.).
• Original receipts for all expenses eligible for reimbursement must be submitted with the application.
• Applicants are required to utilize UC San Diego employee discounts for UC and Extension courses.

Survey Monkey!

What did you think?
Your Professional Portfolio
Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IFwsBh_2fqxKvxVu74bVJ_2bzQ_3d_3d

Communications & External Relations

Career Field Overview and Career Information Panel
Suzi Sterner, Sarah Andrade, Portia Bibb
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fCXxPoA07ayb9DUsEtNfVg_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!
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Happy Memorial Day!

In honor of those individuals who have served in the military and given their lives in that service, the University will be closed to commemorate Memorial Day.
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Our First Jobs

Oh! I had so much fun learning about your first jobs! I know Rosemarie used it as an exercise to get us thinking about the range and quality of our work experiences, and I look back and think: "Oh, the places we've been!"

I added a sidebar to capture the variety of our beginnings in the work world. I missed out on hearing Kimberly's and Jamie's, though.

So, Jamie and Kimberly, chime in with a comment or an email to us. Let us hear what your first jobs were.
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Congrats to Christina and Crystal

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Congratulations to Christina Knerr and Crystal Warning for being selected as participants to the School of Medicine Human Resources A-Z.

The 13-month program is a robust one featuring sessions about:
* Preparing the Job Description
* Recruitment and Hiring
* Employment
* Salary and Compensation
* Benefits
* Performance Management
* Payroll
* Separations
* Risk and Safety
* Worklife and Wellness
* Records Management
* Employee Development
* Workplace Interaction
* Communication
* Financial Overview
* Academic Personnel Overview
* Academic Compensation
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Program Administration Q & A

Q: Are program administration jobs focused solely in areas of grant and/or self-sustaining programs?

A: The majority of program administration positions support extramurally-funded or self-supporting programs. There is a small number of program representative positions that support state-funded programs, an example of which would be the program representatives that administer interdisciplinary majors such as Chinese Studies and International Studies.

Urban Myths

Well, not really an urban myth, but we debunked a few hiring myths today

Myth #1 Your resume is reviewed by a coomputer program. If your resume contains words from the qualifications section of the online job posting, then you will get referred
NOT TRUE! Your resume is reviewed by a live human being--a professional recruiter from central HR. A professional recruiter is assigned to each Vice Chancellor, and he/she will look at your resume as a whole. If you are minimally qualified for the position, then your resume is referred to the hiring department

Myth #2 There is a limit on how many resumes that Central HR refers to the hiring department
NOT TRUE! There is no limit on how many resumes that Central HR refers to the hiring department.

Myth #3 Central HR ranks the referred applicants when they forward resumes to the hiring department
NOT TRUE! Central HR does not rank the referred applicants. Central HR forwards all applications that are minimally qualified. The hiring department determines the candidate with the highest qualifications and best fit for their organizational needs.

Myth #4 It is better to apply towards the end of the job posting deadline
NOT TRUE! As long as you are minimally qualified for the position, then your resume will be referred. The time at which you submit the application does not affect the quality of your application and your chances of being referred.

Myth #5 Your resume can only be one page
NOT TRUE! Your resume can be longer than one page, though 2-3 pages is generally the accepted norm at UCSD.

Myth #6 A longer resume is better than a shorter resume
NOT TRUE! A long resuemn does not equate to a high-quality resume. Do not submit 10-page, 20-page resumes. Try to keep the resume to 2-3 pages.

How to get to the Science and Engineering Events Room @ Geisel Library

We have a room change! Head on over to the Science and Engineering Events Room at the Geisel Library.

For your enjoyment, I have included written directions and pictures.

Written directions:
Go to Geisel Library
Make a right, walking past the circulation desk
Make a right, walking towards the Science and Engineering Library
Walk downstairs
The Science and Engineering Laborary is on your right

Make a right after these detectors

Make a right at this corner

Go downstairs (stairs on your left)

See room ahead and on your right

ROOM CHANGE FOR MAY 20th! Go to Science and Engineering Room in the Geisel Library

SNEAK PEEK: Personal Commercials make a return!

A STAR IS BORN!

During Rosemarie's presentation on Monday, she'll be asking for a few volunteers to deliver their personal commercials.

You've got them ready already, so now is your chance to SHINE!

Extra points go to all volunteers!

What to expect...

...when we get together on Wednesday....

• 45-minute panel presentation about building a star resume
• 7-10 minutes of one-on-one time with a professional expert to review your portfolio
• 30-minute Open Forum with Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar --ask her anything you want about the recruitment process and how to get hired!

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Be our guests!

We've lined up a great team of UC San Diego professionals to review your portfolios next Wednesday.



Drum roll please.....

• Millicent Daniels
• Ben Haden
• Marcele Maia
• Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar
• Jeannie O'Neil-Ferlito
• Earline Ventura

They are recruitment and outreach experts from central human resources and the Academic Affairs VC area.
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Your Training History--pending...

Many of your training history records may not include all the workshops you've attended through UExplore, so I have been working with Anna Calhoun to correct those records. She is processing the corrections, though no word yet on when they'll be completed.

Meanwhile, thanks for following up and letting me know about the discrepancies in your training histories.

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you to Career Connection for sharing this cartoon!
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Sample Skills Statements

With the power of action verbs, your skills statements will improve at least one degree--I promise!

Check out these sample skills statements:

• Understand and apply organizing principles
• Teach a skill, concept, or principle to others
• Write factual material clearly and concisely
• Identify information sources appropriate to special needs or problems

Find more sample skills statements on the Academic Affairs UExplore website .

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Verbs for your Resume!

• Assist with financial budget
• Knowledge of human resources principles
• Prepare events for staff

Observation: These are samples of skills statements that might appear on a resume.

Opinion: Stay away from these skills statements. Stay away from "assist with", "knowledge of", and "prepare". You can do better. Tell me exactly how you assisted: what tools did you use; who was your audience; what was the result of the work you performed, etc.

To quickly improve your resume, use verbs that accurately and precisely describe your skills and abilities and how you have applied your knowledge.

To help you out, I've included a one-page cheat sheet on our Academic Affairs UExplore website that lists at least 100 great verbs. Check them out!

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Walk for Hope is Saturday, May 9th

I'll be keeping a look at the news this weekend, and looking for our Kimberly!

10th Annual San Diego Walk for Hope

Saturday, May 9th

Start Location:

University of San Diego5998 Alcala' Park San Diego, CA 92110

Walk for Hope is a national breast cancer walk series that raises millions of dollars in support of breast cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.

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Kimberly supports the WALK FOR HOPE!

Rah Rah Rah to Kimberly Bondad!

This weekend, she is participating in the “Walk for Hope” for breast cancer this SATURDAY, MAY 9th!

Check out her team: TEAM BOOGIE! Under Kimberly’s leadership as team captain, Team Boogie has raised $65 and is working their way towards their team goal of $150.

If you have an interest to JOIN TEAM BOOGIE, Kimberly welcomes any or all help and contributions!

"Etiquette for LinkedIn and the Professional Networking World"

Remember how Claire talked about LinkedIn as the online networking resource with the strongest credibility (vs. Facebook or MySpace, for example).

Well, I found this nifty article the etiquette involved in using LinkedIn, and you can read it too.

Key highlights:
1) Create a user-friendly profile
2) Invite true friends - or at least, true acquaintances - to connect
3) When you make a request, be clear about your intentions
4) Reciprocity is a wonderful thing, and gratitude is key
5) Pass along requests promptly, or say why you won't
6) Avoid the boilerplate (see definition 4) text, if you can
7) Don't abuse your network
8) Don't invent history to acquire colleagues
9) Play by the rules
10) Value relationships over transactions

Enjoy!

I used goat toes as a musical instrument

Scott Paulson handed me goat toes, and I used them to play music.

I never thought that'd ever happen but as we've all noted this year, hangin' out with Scott is always filled with adventure.

My favorite instrument of all was this non-electrical musical knocker. Get this: instead of producing a "knock, knock" sound, you'll here this baby chime.

While playing with all the instruments in Scott's eclectic selection, I used my new networking tips so say "hi, how are you" and participate in good old fashioned "F - U - N".

I learned a few more good tips from Scott about networking too, such as making use of an object as a conversation starter. I saw Scott mingle with over 20 strangers, asking them to participate in the show. Within half of hour, Scott made an impression with a large audience as a creative, fun, and talented musician.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.

While Scott and his trio played music, a silent film about a grasshopper and a beetle played just outside The Loft.

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Starring Scott Paulson

Experimental Films (with a Musical Twist)
live music at the loft video gallery

Throughout April (April 1–April 30), ArtPower! Film welcomes Scott Paulson to The Loft Video Gallery (LVG).

Each month, ArtPower! invites a guest curator to choose their own theme and the films or videos that support their interests. Almost anything goes!

Scott's intriguing theme for April is “Experimental Films (with a Musical Twist).” Scott is an award winning local musician, UCSD alumnus, and outreach coordinator of the UCSD Arts Library.

In case you missed Scott's live performance on April 2, he and his Tiny Tiny Pit Orchestra for Silent Films will play a live set again–right in front of the LVG on April 28 at 12 PM–to bring his LVG curatorial debut to a close (until the next time!).

Films
Symphonie Diagonale (l924), 7.5 minutes
Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926), 67 minutes
La Souriante Madame Beudet (1922), 35 minutes
Menilmontant (1926), 37 minutes
Revenge of the Kinematograph Cameraman (1912), 13 minutes
Kiss (1963), 50 minutes

His own performance ensemble, The Teeny-Tiny Pit Orchestra, provides live music for silent film screenings, ballet productions, radio dramas, operas, theatrical productions and experimental avant-vaudeville shows. P

aulson plays oboe in the San Diego Chamber Orchestra and also is the University Carillonneur at UCSD, performing live on Geisel Library's rooftop chimes (yes, he takes song requests!) Scott also serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the UCSD Arts Library for which he founded and directs various festivals: The Short Attention Span Chamber Music Series, the annual Toy Piano Festival, The Not-So-Silent Film Festival, and a Paper Theatre Festival.

Performers
Scott Paulson
Ryoko Amadee Goguen
Christian Hertzog
Matt Swagler

About Scott Paulson and his silent film band:
"An out-of-the-ordinary cinematic experience"–LA Times
"Weird and wonderful"–San Diego CityBeat
"Unique and popular...Scott Paulson's merry band of eccentric nightingales is an inspired notion."–SD Union Tribune
"This madcap ensemble is reinventing an art form."–LA Times
"Classically trained and charmingly twisted"–SD CityBeat
"Madcap and somewhat in the Spike Jones/Dadaist tradition."–SD Union Tribune
"Paulson's brand of G-rated fun, a sort of modern day morphing of Captain Kangaroo and Spike Jones, is always lively and at times wonderfully chaotic"–LA Times

Happy Staff Appreciation Week

Happy Staff Appreciation Week!

As part of this week's celebration, I attended the TIKI ROOM luncheon held at the Price Center ballrooms with my department colleagues.

This year, the entertainment came from local UCSD hula clubs and from UCSD staff. Check out the video below for how one staff member volunteered for the hula dancing competition.

Apply for SEOEP funding by today!

It's today! It's the last day that you can submit your proposal for up to $500 in funding towards your professional development training activity.

New this year: the application is ONLINE.

Great resources to identify the right training opportunity:

• Seek advice from your supervisor in examining your skills — strengths and needs.
• Consider UCSD Staff Education & Development
• or UCSD Extension.

UC Academic Advisors Conference (UCAAC)

Thanks to Cindy and Christina for sharing that UCSD will be hosting the UC Academic Advisors Conference (UCAAC) from April 29 - May 1.

Woo hoo!

And congrats to them for volunteering to serve on planning commitees for the conference. A round of applause to them--Cindy serving on the Prizes and Giveaways Committee and Christina on the Logsistics Committee.

Thanks for sharing and let us know how the networking tips worked out.

Credit for classes

Did you get credit for your UExplore classes?

Altogether, you should have gotten credit for these Career Connection and Staff Ed classes:
Campus Resources/Tools for Success
Career Planning
Assessing Your Transferable Skills

Also, for these Career Field Overview and Career Panel presentations:
Human Resources
Administrative Support
Student Affairs
Financial Administration
Academic Personnel

Please check your enrollment credits and let me know if you did not get credit for these sessions

Tip from Taylor

Thank you to Taylor Haglund for pointing out an additional networking resource via the UCSD JobsList. This list is sent out every Friday to individuals subscribed to the UCSD Campus Employment Opportunities Bulletin.

Please go to http://mailman.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/joblist in order subscribe.

Emjoy!

Survey Monkey's Itchin' For Ya...

Networking Tips

with Claire Solario (April 15, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WDh5m5B4AKDIDZBFVib1YA_3d_3d

Program Administration Career Field Overview and Career Information Panel

with Carol Schrammel, Joyce Short, Lisa Olson (April 15, 2009)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RR7AQ0ynCm9SliLw9hJcTg_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!

If you have questions, just give me a bzzzz at ext 2-7990.

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TIP REVISITED: Online Job Description Libary

At tomorrow's meeting, Carol will revisit an earlier tip posted on this blog: navigating the Online Job Description Library.

By accessing this Library, you can screen job descriptions based on:
* title code
* working title
* incumbent name
* supervisor name
* department name
* Vice Chancellor unit

For an example of how to perform a specific search, review January 30th's Blog post.
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Tomorrow: preview your personal commercial

Seize the opportunity!

At tomorrow's Networking Tips, you'll be sharing your personal commercials with each other.

Woo Hoo!

Are you ready?
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Have you heard about this?

More tools for your toolkit.

My Career at UCSD is a portfolio of resources related to transfer and promotion opportunities, compensation, career development and training.

It's an onine assessment that:
1) assesses your interests and qualifications
2) explore your professional development resources
3) gives you ideas to take action

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Networking and Mentoring

Since November, you've heard from panelists over and again that their mentors have had a valuable impact on their careers and in the strategic decisions they've made to find satisfying and significant work.

At tomorrow's session, you'll learn key networking skills from Claire Solario to utilize your professional and personal connections and how to appropriately leverage them in the workplace. You'll also hear Carol Schrammel reinforce UC San Diego Staff Mentorship Program.

Combine the two resources and you've got a winning combination.

Think about it. The time you've spent in UExplore is time you've used to get insight into what drives you, motivates you, and inspires you. Knowing this, you'll be able to more effectively communicate your professional development goals to your potential mentor(s) and more empowered to improve upon and develop a body of knowledge and hone skills and abilities to move forward in your long-term, best-matching UC San Diego career path.
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A Series Concept for Program Representatives

At tomorrow's Program Representative Career Field Overview presentation, Carol Schrammel will be reviewing the series concept for this classification.

We'll provide copies for everyone to have in class but if you want to get a jump start on the goods, check out the Program Representative Series Concept via this link.

In the 2 pages, you can get a sense of:

• minimum qualifications for each level of classification (i.e. PRI, PRII, PRIII)
• the general responsibilities and scope of complexity for each level of classification

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It works in the movies

In the movie, Working Girl, Tess (played by Melanie Griffith) makes her pitch to the head honcho of the company. She has to convince him of her talent or else she'll be kicked to the curb.

And, of course, I'm telling you this because Tess does this in the elevator. This is her do-or-die pitch, and you can take a look at it via this link.

It's not the kind of elevator speech that you might ever have to give, but what you can key into is this: in 30 seconds or less, you walk away knowing her confidence, assuredness, knowledge, preparedness, and passion. And, she's told her what's in it for you.

Your personal commercial

So, I teased you last week. I know. But, it's worth waiting for.

Seriously.

An elevator speech is your personal commercial. That's right. It's your commercial, and you are director/producer/writer of this commercial called "How do I remember you? What's in it for me?"

In 30 seconds or less, your elevator speech will tell me the highlights of your career, your accomplishments, your professional successes, and why do I want to know you? And, with the Networking Tips class just around the corner, you will all have a chance to pitch them pretty soon.

There'll be some time during the 1.5 hour workshop to work on the elevator speech, but it couldn't hurt to have a head start, right?

So how can you get going? I found this information on google, written by Kip Piper and published at http://ezinearticles.com/?Craft-an-Effective-Elevator-Speech&id=1784355.

For your convenience, I have pasted the information below.

Step 1: Map it out
• Who am I and what do I have to offer?
• What am I looking for and why?
• What can I contribute?
• What would I like?

Step 2: Ask yourself the following questions to help round out your preparations and give depth to your message.
• What is my purpose? What am I trying to accomplish?
• What would be a successful outcome?
• How do I want people to feel?
• What do I want people to remember?

Keep in mind the basic elements of an effective elevator speech:
• Concise: An effective elevator speech is succinct, containing as few words as possible, but no fewer.
• Clear: Rather than being filled with acronyms, jargon, and ten-dollar words, an effective elevator speech can be understood by your grandparents, parents, and the kid next door. Make sure the audience understands what you are talking about and what's in it for them.
• Informative: As much as is possible, an effective elevator speech is specific and tangible. Talk about demonstrable accomplishments and goals.
• Engaging: Your elevator speech is a conversation starter, not a monologue. You want to spark the interest of your audience, not bore them.
• Finish with a Request: At the end of your pitch, you must ask for something. Do you want their business card, to schedule a full presentation, to ask for a referral?Put your plan into action:
• Write out a script.
• Practice in front of the mirror, and with friends, family, or CES. Record it, and listen to it. Do you sound confident? Sincere? Is it engaging?
• Ask for feedback.

Once you get a chance to try out the speech, think about how it worked for you:
• How did you feel?
• How did your audience react?
• Was there something you wish you had said?
• Was there something you wish you had not said?
• Update your speech and get ready for the next time!

Sample Elevator Speech
"I am Kip Piper of MTC Interactive. I work with independent professionals and small business owners to get more customers, get them to spend more and get them to spend more frequently by implementing a systematic marketing strategy that utilizes both printed materials and the Internet."(End with a request, such as for a business card, appointment, or a referral, depending on your audience. For example, "May I have your business card to send you some information?")

Elevator Speech Template
I am _________________ of__________________________. I work with _________________________ to __________________________________ by_________________________.Try it out as often as you can. If the other person immediately responds, you have a winner. If their eyes seem to glaze over, they give you a confused look or if they bob their head with a fake smile on their face, you may consider tweaking it a bit.

Your Elevator Speech

Have you ever ridden up an elevator and someone asks you, "So tell me about yourself"?

Do you already know what you're going to say?
Do you already have your elevator speech?

Or, are you asking..."what's an elevator speech?"

I'll tell you more about it next week...but keep in mind that it's the first thing you'll need to learn in order to be successful with networking.

Nuff said.

What's in it for me?

There are two stations--FM and AM--that we're always tuned into, and knowing what those stations are help make us not just better listers, but EFFECTIVE listeners.

By being effective listeners, we can understand what our customers are really trying to say and adjust our own communication style to get the message across. By being effective listeners, we can move mountains and make the rain fall down.

Well, 2 out of 4 ain't bad.
Grace Balch kicked off the March 18th session with this image, and letting us know the two most important stations on the dial:

• What's In It For Me?
• Make Me Feel Important And More!

But wouldn't you know that the way to communicate on both of these dials varies because the way in which we tune in depends upon on our own individual listening styles.


There a a total of 5 different listening styles:

• Appreciateive
• Empathic
• Comprehensive
• Discerning
• Evaluative

In the pictures above and below, you can see Mark, Rick, and Cheryle taking the Listening Profile instrument in order to determine their own listening styles?

To be an effective listener, Grace encouraged us to match listening approaches to communication needs. You need to focus on your message's intent, determine the motivation for the listener to tune in, and apply behaviors that accommodate to their listening style.

After discovering our own personal listening styles, we formed small groups to discuss these items:

• How would you explain your listening style to the other groups?
• What behaviors in the workplace exemplify your listening style?
• What can others do to get you to tune in?
• What are the challenges in having your listening style?
• What can you do to overcome problems related to your listening style?

Above, you see Kimberly and Maissha share the highlights of their discussion with UExplore colleagues.
Michelle and Cindy take their turn too.

As well, Crystal, Alexis, Tehseen, Josie, and Katrina share similar listening styles.

Listening to the discusions are members of the "evaluative" listening style group: Rick, Taylor, Kesha, Brian, Scott, and Cheryle.

For good measure, we all participated in a test. Grace played 5 audio tape messages, and we guessed the listening style demonstrated in each audio piece.

And, of course, our score was 100%

Build A Star Job Application!

I learned so much this month about resumes, cover letters, and references this month.

And, Wes and I have culled that information together to bring you this one-page handout.

Check out "Build a Star Resume!"

How do you format a cover letter?

And, from Sharecase's resume workshop, I also got tips on how to write a cover letter.

Check it out!
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Sample Star Resumes

You have spoken.

We have answered.

I recently attended two resume writing workshops, and I am here to share the goodies with all of you.

From the March 2009 Career Connection workshop, I received this winning example of a resume for Mary Jane Doe.

From yesterday's presentation, I've got two versions of good resumes: one that's a template and one from Jane Doe.

In general, these resumes can be accessed on the Academic Affairs UExplore website.
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2009 Women's Conference Podcast

Here's your chance to relive the magic of the UC San Diego Women's Conferences. The podcast is now available at: http://blinkcast.ucsd.edu
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Survey Monkey asks "What did you think?"

Please let us know what you thought about today's presentations.

Your opinions count--we use your feedback to improve the Program and better meet your professional needs.

And…would you please consider filling them out by Monday, March 23rd?

Your Listening Profile with Grace Balch (March 18, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fCAkttNdPyqCgEwh2VvH6g_3d_3d

Academic Personnel Career Field Overview & Career Information Panel with Harriet Kounaves, Kelly Maheu, Reid Yeoman, Collette Isachsen (March 18, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=rwguqBvU3BXz8V_2fiknABuQ_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!

If you have questions, just give me a bzzzz at ext 2-7990.

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Academic Personnel...something up their sleeves

One of the UExplore participants asked me a question a couple of weeks ago about how long it takes for each session to be prepared. I had to chuckle a little bit inside because I usually start to prepare for the next session right when the last one ends. I feel like a train engineer running after in-motion cargo and trying to hook them all together. Usually, I can attach the final caboose the Friday before UExplore--but it's not gonna happen this week.

This time around, I'm think I'll still be pulling everything together by Tuesday! And while I haven't seen the whole Academic Personnel presentation yet, I think you'll be in for a treat that spells out "F-U-N".

Get ready for a good time...that's all I'm saying.
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TIP: Blink Buzz

I got a great tip during a meeting of the minds with the Academic Affairs Fiscal Advisory Group. Actually, our very own Adam DiProfio was the one to proffer the information about BLINK BUZZ.

Have you heard of it?

It's the site that'll keep you up-to-speed with all the information that comes and goes on BLINK, with a special emphasis on changes that are occuring with existing and new policies, practices, and procedures.

The site segments the happenin' news according to categories, including:

• people
• facilities
• buying
• safety
• technology
• finance
• travel

Why is it nice to know about this? By checking in on the Blink Buzz, you demonstrate that you are proactive and knowledgeable about the developments in the career fields. You don't have to check all of them, but even just scanning the news could help expand your knowledge base.

Just sayin'...

:)

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Grace Balch hits the stage at 8:30am

I can't tell you how excited I am that Grace Balch, Director of Staff Education and Development, will be visiting our session on Wednesday!!! She's a living legend at UCSD with a class of current and former students safely numbering in the thousands. It's probably a safe bet that your supervisor was trained by Grace in the areas of leadership, communication, diversity, team-building, performance management and appraisals, and the like.

The class that Grace will be bringing to us is Your Listening Profile, and it will be starting promptly at 8:30am. Please come early and grab a good seat!
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Jam-packed March 18th!

Does time really fly when you have a good time?

Well, then I must be experience "E-L-A-T-I-O-N!" I can't believe we're going to back together on Wednesday.

And, boy oh boy, it's a jam-packed schedule....check it out!

1st Annual Women's Conference

Today was the first annual UC San Diego Women's Conference, and UExplore participants were part of a record-breaking number of attendees to listen to successful women share their career stories and advice for work, life, and achieving your personal and professional dreams.

At the event, I saw Taylor Haglund, Jane Peterson, Tehseen Lazzouni, Cindy Hsu, and Jamie Sung.
In this shot, you'll see I caught up with Tehseen, Cindy, and Jamie.

Rah Rah for all of us!
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Daylight Savings is Sunday at 2am!

Turn the clock 1 hour ahead on Sunday at 2am!

Or, do it before you go to bed.

Or, when you wake up.

your choice

And what about a list of references, then?

A list of references is a document separate from your resume, and having good references can be the clincher to getting that new job.

WHO CAN YOU ASK?
You usually give it to the hiring manager after your interviewed for the position. The people listed should be professional associates that can positively comment on your qualities as an employee. It's perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer too. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer, consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.

ASK FOR PERMISSION FIRST?
Before including a reference on your list, make sure that you have requested permission to use that person as a reference. Be sure to include full contact information for each of references.

HOW DO YOU LIST THE REFERENCE?
Full contact information should be:

Name
Working Title
Employer
Business Address
City, State Zip
Phone
Cell Phone
Email
Relationship to each other:
Years known each other:

HOW MIGHT IT BE USED?
On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's important to know your references, to select the right people, and to get their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving, and other details. I've even asked previous referees: "Will you be able to provide a strong recommendation for me?" If they respond with an enthusiastic "YES!", then I know I asked the right person.

MAXIMIZE THE REFERENCE
It's also very important to have a good idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. I've even followed up with my referees after the interview. I've told them how my interview went, what I think the potential employer is looking for, and remind them of projects I accomplished under his/her supervision that demonstrate that I would be an excellent potential hire.

What's in a letter of recommendation?

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, your reference might ask you upon what you want them to comment.

Here's a few quick ideas about what they could address:

• What is your work/professional relationship? (supervisor, co-worker, committee co-member, peer volunteer, teacher, student)
• In total, how long have you known each other?
• How long were you in the position (if applicable)?
• What professional achievements/contributions did you make to the organization or the project?
• How would they evaluate your work with respect to your: quality, productivity, coordination/cooperation, dependability, and public affairs skills

Here's an elaboration of those characteristics, per the UC San Diego performance appraisal guidelines:

• Quality - Accurate and complete command and use of information, materials, equipment, and techniques required for the job
• Productivity - Efficiently plans and organizes for timely completion of assigned work, adhering to appropriate priorities and exhibiting self-starting ability and resourcefulness
• Coordination/Cooperation - Maintains positive relations and clear, consistent and timely communications with staff. Willing to help others accomplish tasks
• Dependability - Punctual and regular attendance. Meets deadlines without close supervision.
• Public Affairs Skills - Consistent, pleasant and courteous treatment of clients; provides clear and helpful information

HOW TO ASK FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Try to avoid asking, "Could you write a letter of reference for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to write about.

Rather, ask "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?" or "Do you feel you could give me a good reference?" That way, your reference writer has an easy "out" if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.

Offer to provide an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.

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Modification: Professional Portfolio

Woo hoo! I am so *excited*.

I have heard from a number of you who are working on your professional portfolios.

...which has prompted a change/modification to one of the basic elements we'd like you to include: flexibility about the letters of reference.

You have a choice: you can submit letters of recommendation and/or a list of at least 5 references.
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Playstation 3: A Discount Supercomputer

Wow! You heard it with Cheryl Hile first.

Over the weekend, I heard a story on the radio about PS3s being bought by academic institutions for research purposes. They take the PS3s and turn them into supercomputers.

If I hadn't heard Cheryl talk about it first, I might have turned the dial. But, because I had the benefit of the Financial Administration Career Panel, this story resonated with me.

Maybe it'll resonate with you too...

Check it out: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100969805

Setting Goals

Setting Goals was the name of the game at Wednesday, February 18th's UExplore session. Claire Solario returned as a featured guest presenter and laid out a few great tips/tricks to help us:

1) lay out short- and long-term goals
2) prioritize those goals
3) be prepared to take action and face road blocksOne of the activities involved a stream-of-consciousness brainstorming session where we wrote down any and all goals we had in the categories: physical/health, family, socially, mental/intellect, financial, vocational, spiritual, other.Jane Peterson, Ricardo Escalante, and Brian Pierini thought critically about their goals.Wow! And what a lot of goals we had. How could we possibly accomplish all of these goals?
One way to prioritize is through "tournamenting". With tournamenting, UExplore participants made forced choices. Pitting one goal against another, the participants had to choose the goal that was more important. After doing this over and over again, the participants would end up with a few of the most important goals.

For some in the session, tournamenting was a useful tool for honing down objectives and taking selective action on the ones that mattered most.

Survey Monkey's Itchin' For Ya...

All of your opinions are important and help shape our program.

Please consider answering both of these surveys by today.

Career Connection: Goal Setting by Claire Solario
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hOUzcrFtGkCEELMuB6ULKw_3d_3d

Financial Administration Overview & Career Panel Presentation http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qLUzu3TSuTBZW3zKAS_2fMuA_3d_3d

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Typical Financial Administration Tasks

Details matters...

And, boy oh boy, did I find a whole lotta them for all of you.

Here's a link that breaks down the major tasks involved in fiscal administration: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/classification/caguide/cataskfiscal.pdf.

And, you can see how the tasks vary in complexity and responsibility at different classification levels (_Asst II, _Asst III, Specialist).

The major task areas are:

• pre-award administration
• intramural fund administration
• post-award administration
• revenue administration
• purchasing administration
• general administration

So, if you want to know more about what "managing funds" and "work on a proposal" means, then enjoy the feast of words that lies behind the click of a button.

Important Note: Keep in mind that one job card can host tasks from various levels of classification. Ultimate classification of a job card depends on the predominance of duties, scope of responsibilities, level of independence, knowledge required, difficulty, purpose, supervision exercised, guidelines used in the performance of duties, and innovation/originality.
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TIP: Get funding for career development training?

I love the Staff Equal Opportunity Enrichment Program (SEOEP)! And, now it can be your best friend too!

The Staff Equal Opportunity Enrichment Program (SEOEP) program provides individual awards up to $500 for training activities to help cover tuition/ book expenses for career development activities.

While the application period is not open yet, I feel it in my bones that it's going to happen really soon. So, why not get a head start by perusing the application requirements and selection criteria....
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We're famous!

On February 16, 2009, This Week@ UCSD published an article about the award winners at the 14th Annual Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Diversity Awards. And, in the article, UExplore is highlighted as a new program that promotes staff diversity across all of Academic Affairs. Through our considerable efforts and hard work in the areas of staff outreach and training and development, we have greatly contributed to the campus' progress in achieving diversity goals.

Woo hoo!

The February 16th article doesn't have this picture, though....

(left to right) Assoc Chancellor/Chief Diversity Officer Sandra P. Daley, Academic Affairs Human Resources staff, and Chancellor Marye Anne Fox.

Survey Monkey!

Please consider answering both of these surveys by Friday, February 20th.

Tell us what you thought
about yesterday’s presentations focusing on
Goal Setting and the
Financial Administration career field.

Career Connection: Goal Setting by Claire Solario
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hOUzcrFtGkCEELMuB6ULKw_3d_3d

Financial Administration Overview & Career Panel Presentation
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qLUzu3TSuTBZW3zKAS_2fMuA_3d_3d

TIP: The S.T.A.R Method

You all have great ideas!

In the evaluations for last month's session, one of you pointed out that using the S.T.A.R. Method would be a good technique for answering questions during an interview.

• SITUATION - give an example of a SITUATION you were involved in that resulted in a positive outcome
• TASK - describe the TASKS involved in that situation
• ACTION - talk about the various ACTIONS involved in the situation's task
• RESULTS - what RESULTS directly followed because of your actions

As an extension of that idea, it's also a good tip to use the S.T.A.R. method for your professional portfolio. For example, start by anticipating a question you might be asked in the interview for that career field. Then, think about an experience that answers that question. Try to describe the experience using the S.T.A.R Method. Write it down using the S.T.A.R method. You don't need to write down a long narrative; just write down enough to help jog your memory.

The S.T.A.R. Method is a way for you to effectively respond to behavioral interviewing.
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