How do you ask your boss for a raise? Why should you care about state politics? What are the rights and responsibilities of an ethical businessperson?
Wouldn聮t it have been nice if someone would have taught you these things?
That聮s what the University of Colorado at Boulder will try to accomplish as it kicks off its pilot program in workplace readiness. The effort to meet increasing demands in today聮s complex workplace begins February 3.
The idea was born in a meeting of Chancellor Richard Byyny聮s economic advisory council where members of the business community expressed concerns about the level of sophistication new employees bring to the workplace. The 10-week course will examine topics such as business ethics, workplace protocols, types of organizations and how they differ, living on a budget, how and why to get involved in state politics, and interviewing and resume writing.
"The mission of the program is to produce a more educated new employee in facets such as state politics, the working world and business communications," said Bobbi Barrow, director of Institutional Relations at CU.
The pilot program, which begins Feb. 3, will bring 19 student leaders in various disciplines together with business and civic leaders each week. (A list of the curriculum is attached.) The pilot is a joint project between the Chancellor聮s Office and Continuing Education.
"This is a crucial semester for this program," said Anne Colgan, dean of Continuing Education. "We expect to learn a lot from our students in the pilot 聳 their feedback will help shape the future of this course."
Clif Harald, vice president of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, said he is pleased that CU has been so responsive to the business community. "When the idea was raised before the Chamber's Boulder Economic Council, it really seemed to resonate with the business leaders present. We're very happy to see it become a reality and are sure it will benefit students and employers alike."
The course could evolve into a part of CU聮s core curriculum, be an elective for all CU seniors or be a community resource. "It could also turn out to be a combination of those things," Barrow said.
NOTE: Reporters interested in attending a session of workplace readiness, which runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, should call Laurie Van Horn at 303-492-2224.
February 3
"World of Work: The Big Picture"
We will look at the demographics of the working world - national and international labor trends, where college graduates find work, mergers of the 1990s and a look at 2000 and beyond. Presenter: Alice Swanson, president of Staffing Solutions (former Boulder Chamber of Commerce president)
February 10
"Round Pegs in Round Holes: Fitting into Your Organization"
As a follow-up to the first session, a panel of Boulder County professionals will discuss the differences between and vast opportunities within corporations, non-profit organizations, small businesses, associations, government organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. Presenters: Susan Morris, Leanin' Tree; Josie Heath, Community Foundation; Stan Zemler, Boulder Chamber of Commerce president.
February 17
"Law and Order: The Importance of Political Savvy"
Rep. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder, is a young, fiery and energetic public servant who will explain how a bill becomes a law and how to become active in state politics.
February 24
"Getting it Write"
Today's professional needs to be an excellent communicator. In this session, Cynthia Evans, Director of Corporate Communications, Public Service Co. will demonstrate how to write memos, proposals, analyses and in-house correspondence. Students will also learn how to quickly and accurately summarize information under a tight deadline.
March 3
"How to Avoid Corporate Culture Shock"
Finding your way through corporate culture and politics can be difficult. In this session, you will learn the basics - punctuality and professional dress and demeanor - and more sophisticated tactics - working in teams, learning workplace "rules" (from sexual harassment to office politics to asking for a raise) will also be addressed.
Presenter: Leslie Durgin, CU Foundation, former Mayor of Boulder
March 10
"First Impression: A Key to Successful Interviewing"
How should you put together your resume? What questions can you expect to be asked in an interview? Career Services professionals will answer these questions and many more while sharing resume and interview techniques and tricks with students.
Presenter: Neal Lurie, president, Act 1 Personnel in Boulder
March 17
"Money Talks"
Finance professor Michael Goldstein, who recently returned from a yearlong stint as the visiting economist at the NYSE, will teach students how (and why) to live on a budget, invest for the future and manage credit and debt.
March 31
"From Prairies to Peaks: Being Sophisticated 91制片厂 Your State"
A member of the Center of the American West will give a brief lesson on Colorado's history, economy and political climate. They'll demonstrate why this knowledge is important, and how graduates who move away from Colorado can do this research in their new home state.
April 7
"Do the Right Thing: A Discussion in Business Ethics"
Workplaces are becoming increasingly complex. It can be difficult for a new employee to learn and embrace corporate culture. In this session, a vice president from Ball Aerospace has been invited to discuss how employees can be true to organizations, communities and selves.
April 14
"Knights of the Roundtable"
In today's hectic times, business is often conducted during a meal. CU-Boulder聮s Career Services invites all students and former guest speakers to a formal luncheon at the University Club to learn the business dining etiquette needed to impress prospective employers or clients.