Career Development Week is November 18-22

Career Development Week

Focusing on the future of our employees and helping them reach their full potential

Learning and Organizational Development in Human Resources hosts the third annual Career Development Week (CDW) for employees at both UC Davis Campus and UC Davis Health. CDW is held during National Career Development Month, November 18-22, 2024

Overview

This conference has an inspiring keynote speaker and panel of UC Davis and UC Davis Health staff, diverse workshop topics, and two in-person connection/resource fairs, with multiple events happening daily. The Learning and Organizational Development team emphasizes skills and resources that employees, regardless of background and employment status, can utilize to support their career development and growth at UC Davis Campus and UC Davis Health. 

Participants can expect to:

  • Increase their ability to plan for and navigate career journeys at UC Davis.
  • Apply new skills and insights as they work on their professional and career goals.
  • Recall and better access resources and opportunities that support their learning and growth at UC Davis.

2024 Itinerary and registration available now!


Career Development Week 2024

All workshops are virtual 

Two in-person events, Tuesday (Davis) and Wednesday (Sacramento)

  • Monday - November 18
  • 9:30-10:30 am - Welcome Address: Kicking Off an Inspiring Week

    We are excited to begin Career Development Week 2024 with a warm welcome and insightful reflections on our journey ahead. Our Chief Human Resources Officer, Tammy Kenber, will provide brief remarks, setting the tone for a week filled with growth, learning, and connection.

    The highlight of our opening session is a keynote address by Mikael Villalobos, Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Campus and Community Relations in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Mikael's leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic campus culture will inspire us as we embark on a week dedicated to career development and personal growth.

    Facilitator: Lisa Laughter, ACC

    Register

    Speakers

    Tammy Kenber, Chief Human Resources Officer
    Blonde woman in suit stands in front of greenery
    Mikael Villalobos, Associate Vice Chancellor
    Mikael Villalobos photo

    11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Strength Driven Career Development

    Discover the power of your natural talents and learn how to use them to achieve your personal and professional goals. Join us for an insightful workshop where you'll gain clarity on your values and explore how CliftonStrengths can be a valuable tool to unlock your full potential. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a deeper dive into your talents and take the first step towards a more fulfilling career.

    Facilitators: Amy Shuman & Jeff Heiser

    Register


    1:00-2:00 pm - Discovering Ikigai: Achieving Fulfillment and Balance in Career and Life

    Discover the profound concept of Ikigai in this interactive session designed to align your career aspirations with personal fulfillment. Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy meaning "reason for being," helps you find the intersection of passion, vocation, mission, and profession. Through engaging discussions, guided exercises, and the exploration of Ikigai’s history and framework, you’ll identify your passions, assess strengths, and craft a personal Ikigai diagram. This visual roadmap will guide you in aligning your career path with your true self, unlocking the keys to a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

    Facilitator: Priya Venkatesan

    Register


    2:30-3:30 pm - Decoding and Demystifying Compensation

    Ever wondered how your salary is determined or how the compensation system at UC Davis and UC Davis Health really works? If so, our upcoming workshop is a must-attend! Led by our expert Lead Compensation Analysts, this session will unravel the mysteries of compensation, giving you a clear understanding of how pay scales are set and what factors influence your earnings.

    In this informative workshop, we’ll debunk common myths, clarify misconceptions, and answer your pressing questions about compensation. Whether you're curious about how your salary is structured or looking to take control of your career trajectory, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your compensation with confidence.

    Don't miss this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how compensation works and learn how to make informed decisions about your career.

    Facilitators: Brian Linhardt & Maria Lucia Gonzalez

    Register

  • Tuesday - November 19
  • 9:00-11:00 am - Perk Up Your Network: Coffee, Connections, and Career Insights

    Start your day with a boost at our Coffee, Connections, and Career Insights event! Mingle with colleagues from UC Davis Health and UC Davis Campus while discovering valuable resources and strategies to enhance your professional network. Whether you're looking to build relationships, explore new opportunities, or simply enjoy some engaging conversation, this event is your chance to connect and grow. Don’t miss out—your next career breakthrough could be just a coffee chat away!

    UC Davis Campus - Student Community Center, Room D
    Facilitator: Lisa Laughter, MA, ACC

    Register 


    12:30-1:30 pm - Fuel Your Future: Discovering Purpose-Driven Work 

    In this workshop, explore how to align your career with your passions and values. Discover strategies to identify what drives you and how to integrate that purpose into your professional life. Gain practical tools for creating a career that not only fulfills you but also contributes meaningfully to the world.

    Facilitator: Kimberly McLennen

    Register


    2:00-3:00 pm - How Does Personality Style Interact with Career?

    We'll use the DiSC personality profile framework to explore differences in how we see the world, how we show up in it, and how we process information. This can all influence our career choices and progressions but also inform pivots as we seek our most fulfilling and energizing paths

    Facilitator: Michael Lorenzen, Ed.D, ACC

    Register  


    3:30-4:30 pm - Finding Success in Your Career as an Introvert

    Often introverts feel they have to change who they are in order to build a successful career. We often either push ourselves to act in an extroverted way, which can lead to mental exhaustion, or we stay true to our quiet natures, which can lead to being overlooked. In this presentation, you'll learn how introverts and extroverts differ and get tips for being true to who you are while also building a successful career. 

    Facilitator: Angela Lindley, MS, ACC

    Register  
     

  • Wednesday - November 20
  • 9:00-10:30 am - Thanks For the Feedback: The Science & Art of Receiving Feedback Well

    Feedback is essential for professional growth and yet most dread receiving it and many dismiss it. Receiving feedback sits at the junction of two conflicting human desires: we want to learn and grow, but we also want to be accepted and respected just as we are now. This workshop incorporates insights from neuroscience and psychology, explaining why getting feedback is so critical yet so challenging. It offers tools to help us take on offhand comments, annual performance evaluations, and unsolicited advice with curiosity and grace. By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: (1) identify 3 triggers that cause us to resist feedback; (2) better ask for feedback you need by recognizing three types of feedback and how to ask for each; and (3) recognize how reframing feedback impacts our acceptance. 

    Facilitator: Gabe Lewall, M.S., M.Ed., CMQUE, LSSB

    Register 


    11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Nosh, Network & Navigate: Savor Connections and Resources 

    Take a midday break and join us for Nosh, Network & Navigate: Savor Connections and Resources, a lively lunch event designed to help you connect with colleagues from UC Davis Health and UC Davis Campus. Enjoy a delicious meal while expanding your professional network, sharing insights, and discovering new resources to advance your career. Whether you're looking to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, or simply engage in meaningful conversations, this event offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for all. Don’t miss this chance to nourish both your body and your professional connections—see you there!

    UC Davis Health Campus - MIND Institute, Auditorium
    Facilitator: Lisa Laughter, MA, ACC

    Register


    3:00-4:00 pm - Overcoming Rejection: Bouncing Back Stronger for First Generation and Early Professionals

    In today's dynamic job market, resilience is a vital skill for navigating career paths effectively. This presentation offers participants practical strategies for bouncing back from rejection, setbacks, and challenges in their professional pursuits. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, set achievable goals, and leverage their strengths and networks to achieve success. 

    Facilitators: Eva Lee and Alejandra Hernandez Corby

    Register  

  • Thursday - November 21
  • 9:00-10:30 am - Building a Career at UC Davis & UC Davis Health

    Colleagues from both Campus and Health will join this panel discussion to share their career journey - challenges, wins, and support. From this discussion, you will gain insight into how you can take advantage of the career management resources available to all staff at UC Davis and UC Davis Health.  

    Facilitator: Leticia Montana, MSOD, ACC, CHIC

    Register 

    Panelists
     

    Rogelio Villagrana
    Photo
    Crystal Babowal
    Photo Babowal
    Martha Kohler
    Photo Kohler
    Kristina Guzman
    Photo Guzman

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Centering Values in Career Exploration

    What matters to you in this world? How much do your values align with your work? How can you utilize your values as a guide for career exploration? At the core of this workshop is an opportunity to come into contact with your values and to explore how you relate to your values in the workplace. Attendees will take a short values assessment and then will dive deep into exploring the questions above. 

    Facilitator: Daniel Moglen, Ph.D.

    Register  



    11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Growing Your Career Organically

    Growing your career organically involves a natural and steady progression based on continuous learning, relationship-building, and seizing opportunities as they arise. This approach emphasizes developing your skills and expertise through hands-on experiences and genuine connections. By focusing on personal growth, networking, and being proactive in your field, you can create a career path that is both sustainable and fulfilling, aligning with your values and long-term goals. This method can lead to meaningful and resilient professional success, built on a strong foundation of authentic growth and development.

    Facilitator: Danielle Schneider

    Register


    12:30-1:30 pm - Navigating Internal Mobility

    Achieve your career aspirations by identifying and bridging your skills gaps through a structured approach. Begin with a detailed skills gap analysis to assess your current job responsibilities and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), leveraging existing resources to understand your professional development trajectory. Identify areas for improvement and reframe your transferable skills to align with your target role, emphasizing continuous learning and growth. Engage in a structured process, including skills gap analysis, resume updates, and crafting an impactful elevator pitch. Finally, explore both internal and external pathways through transparent conversations with your manager and strategic applications and networking, ensuring you are equipped for success in your desired role.

    Facilitators: Alex Reyes, MBA

    Register  


    12:30-1:30 pm - Mission in Motion: Aligning Your Career with Purpose

    Join us for an inspiring session on aligning your career with a mission that resonates deeply with you. Learn how to define and articulate your professional mission, and explore ways to integrate it into your career trajectory. This workshop offers actionable insights to help you create a career path that reflects your core values and drives positive impact.

    Facilitator: Carmen Soriano, M.Ed.

    Register  


    2:00-3:00 pm - Applying for UCD Positions as an Internal Candidate

    Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Join us for a workshop on applying for internal job postings and standing out as an internal candidate. Learn valuable tips and tricks to advance your career, explore new departments, and develop new skills within the UC. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your opportunities for growth! 

    Facilitators: Delmy Torres, Dreya Yin, Jordon Friend, SHRM-CP 

    Register


    2:00-3:00 pm - Supporting Employee Career Paths as Supervisors and Managers

    Career conversations between managers and employees are key to boosting engagement, increasing productivity, and retaining staff. Supporting career development also enhances your reputation as a leader who nurtures growth and development, strengthening your ability to attract top talent. In this session, you will explore practical tools and UC Davis resources to hold effective career discussions. We will also broaden our understanding of retention to include preparing our staff for future roles within our organization. By supporting internal talent mobility, we help create an environment where employees can grow, thrive, and contribute.

    Facilitator: Annalisa Teixeira, Ph.D.

    Register


    3:30-4:30 pm - Boundaries for Success: Elevate Your Career with Healthy Limits


    In this session, we’ll dive into effective strategies for aligning your career goals with your time and energy. Discover practical activities to manage notifications and reduce fatigue, set technology quiet hours, and maintain focus on controllable factors. Learn actionable tips and tricks to enhance your productivity and ensure your career aspirations are supported by intentional boundary-setting.

    Facilitator: Natasha Cevasco, MA

    Register

  • Friday - November 22
  • 9:30-10:30 am - Work should be fun! Fun and humor in the workplace make us more creative, engaged, and productive.

    We spend the majority of our time at work– why shouldn’t it be fun?! We will show through personal examples and research-backed evidence how incorporating fun into the workplace has a positive impact on employee engagement, creativity, and retention. This topic is relevant in today’s context of hybrid work and the new generation of employees who bring different expectations to the workplace. We will also address challenges such as navigating cultural and generational differences and avoiding potential pitfalls. This interactive session will include games and breakout rooms, reinforcing the themes discussed and leaving participants with practical takeaways, including a one-pager of games, energizers, and team builders. 

    Facilitators: Elizabeth Storer, Spencer Atkinson

    Register


    11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Next Steps in your Career Journey: Utilizing Career Development Resources

    Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Join us for an interactive workshop on utilizing career development resources to achieve your professional goals. Learn how to leverage the tools and resources to create a personalized career plan and take actionable steps toward your next career move. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to grow and develop their career. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future!

    Facilitator: Lisa Laughter, MA, ACC

    Register 


    12:30-1:30 pm - Closing Address and Raffle

    Join us as we wrap up the week with more detailed information about Career Development resources for staff and faculty. Whether you aim for a career transition, enhance your current role, or make the most of the abundant career development resources available at UC Davis, this workshop is your gateway to unlocking your full professional potential. Join us and take the next meaningful steps on your career journey. Your success story begins here.

    Presenters: The Learning and Organizational Development Team

    Register 


    2:00-4:00 pm - 1:1 Laser Coaching: Transform Your Insights into Action

    Ready to put what you've learned into practice? Meet with a professional coach for personalized support in turning your Career Development Week insights into concrete actions. Our 1:1 laser coaching sessions are designed to provide focused, career-related assistance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to gain momentum, clarify your goals, or navigate a career transition, our coaches are here to help you make meaningful progress.
    In these sessions, you can explore:

    • Building Momentum: Gain new perspectives that drive forward movement in your career.

      Clarifying Career Goals: Transform your aspirations into actionable plans.

      Managing Career Change: Navigate transitions with confidence and clarity.

      Effective Communication: Enhance how you articulate your career story and skills.

      Balancing the Big Picture: Integrate long-term vision with the concrete steps needed to achieve it.

    Coaches: TBA

    Register 
     

  • Monday - November 25
  • 9:00-11:00 am & 2:00-4:00 pm - 1:1 Laser Coaching: Transform Your Insights into Action


    Ready to put what you've learned into practice? Meet with a professional coach for personalized support in turning your Career Development Week insights into concrete actions. Our 1:1 laser coaching sessions are designed to provide focused, career-related assistance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to gain momentum, clarify your goals, or navigate a career transition, our coaches are here to help you make meaningful progress.
    In these sessions, you can explore:

    • Building Momentum: Gain new perspectives that drive forward movement in your career.

      Clarifying Career Goals: Transform your aspirations into actionable plans.

      Managing Career Change: Navigate transitions with confidence and clarity.

      Effective Communication: Enhance how you articulate your career story and skills.

      Balancing the Big Picture: Integrate long-term vision with the concrete steps needed to achieve it.

    Coaches: TBA

    Register 9:00-11:00     

    Register 2:00-4:00
         


All sessions from the 2022 & 2023 conferences were recorded and are available for access through the buttons below.
 

Archived Recordings (2023) Archived Session Materials (2023) 

Archived Recordings (2022)