What roles have you had throughout your time at Berkeley?
Two and a half years ago I started at Cal in the Office of the Registrar as a Classroom Management Specialist. In that role my primary function was to manage a program employing ~60 student workers that managed general assignment classroom space on the nights and weekends. I transitioned to my current role as Operations Coordinator for Student Affairs about three months ago.
What factors do you think helped you switch positions successfully within Berkeley?
I would say that the single most important factor was the connections I formed on campus from volunteering for inter-departmental workgroups, taking professional development classes through UC Learning, and just exploring campus and meeting people along the way. I already knew many of the people in the department I was joining so the unit culture I was walking into was expected and reflected my own values.
How would you recommend people seek new projects if they don’t naturally have the opportunity to work on a variety of matters?
Volunteer for as much as you can. Ask your supervisor what opportunities are available to you. I joined so many workgroups in my first year at Cal and it was great to meet people from other parts of campus and get a better understanding of the university as a whole by seeing how all the pieces fit together.
Any final words of wisdom to staff looking to grow their careers at UC Berkeley?
There are plenty of opportunities for professional development at Cal if you go looking for them. They may not always be the traditional classes or fellowships, but there’s something out there for everyone. And if it doesn’t exist, create your own opportunity. Cal very much encourages and embraces those kinds of initiatives.
If you’d like to advance your career with today’s methods read about the corporate lattice model- here.
Know someone (including yourself!) who has changed jobs at Berkeley? E-mail us at wisdomcafe@berkeley.edu to be featured.
