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Career Development for General Staff

The career development programme for general staff has two levels: the entry level designed for staff in levels one to six, and the senior level designed for staff at levels six to eight and management band.

Both levels have mentoring and informational sessions but have been structured to met the specific needs of the different groups.

Introductory Programme for General Staff

This programme consists of a suite of short courses linked to an optional mentoring programme

Understanding the career thread in your work history
This course is designed to give new employees an understanding of how the University ‘system’ works in terms of how staff are rewarded and progress, and what career paths are open to you.
What you value most at work
This course will help clarify what motivates you (status? financial reward? making a difference?) and how to harness this knowledge to guide your future career decisions.
Understanding your skills
What are your best skills? Identify them, and find out how well you use them in the workplace.
Understanding your opportunities
Been at the University for a while, but don’t have a clear career direction? This course will help you move up and make the right career choices for you.
Making the most of your opportunities
This course will help you build self-confidence, make the most of the Performance & Development Review process, build professional and peer networks that work for you, and conduct informational interviews.
Your invisible resume
Work performance isn’t the only thing that can impact your career. Find out how social networking, peer impressions, and feedback can be worked to your advantage.
Taking the next step
Find out how to present and manage yourself in a competitive job market. Learn to put your best foot forward in job applications and interviews. This course is especially helpful for those who haven’t applied for a job in some time.

Programme for Senior General Staff

The programme will be based on an eighteen month cycle starting late 2011 and consisting of a series of seminars and forums covering areas of interest to staff at this level. While most of the seminars are open to all staff, some sessions focus on the specific needs of women in the University and so are open to women only.

The proposed seminars are:

Decision making in the University
Strategic planning in the University context
Influencing skills or Women don't ask (women only)
Negotiation skills (women only)
Recognising and evaluating opportunities
How to manage and grown your job
Keeping ahead of change
Your invisible resume

Mentoring Programme

The aim of the mentoring process is to provide staff with an opportunity to reflect on what they have learnt on the courses, and to think through the implications for their own careers with the assistance of an experienced general staff member. Two or three mentoring meetings will be offered between August and November 2011 (a maximum of one hour duration for each meeting), and they will of course be completely confidential to the parties involved. Both mentors and those mentored, will receive training and support.

If you would like to participate complete the attached Mentoring Application Form. You will then be sent further information and will be asked to provide information in order to match you with a suitable mentor.

Senior Women's Mentoring Programme for General Staff

The aim of this programme is to ensure that senior women have the opportunity to network and reflect on their development and the series of seminars and forums can be a starting point for discussion.

Research has shown that the needs of those at this level include topics such as strategic thinking/planning, issues within the workplace and networking with others at a similar level and with similar concerns.

Training is given to both mentors and mentees to ensure that both parties have the skills and the information required.

For further information please contact the HR training advisor.