Transition Services Program

"Multiple factors drive a job search, including a person’s ability to network, prepare a résumé, and succeed in an interview.  When working directly with a coach the odds of obtaining employment are higher for those job seekers.”  (Harvard Business Review, 2021)

What is this program?

University of California, Berkeley programs and educational offerings are supported by a uniquely talented and dedicated staff. Valuing and retaining that staff is critical to the success of the university. Over the recent past, our work environment has been impacted by major organizational changes, fiscal and operational restructuring, and the enormous re-visioning questions created by the pandemic.

Transition Services, is an award-winning program provided by Berkeley People & Culture that supports staff career transition. Professional development includes learning how to change jobs successfully and how to create an active career path. Whether an individual decision, or an unexpected layoff, managing this change can create opportunity. Our working partners include Talent & Acquisition Advisors and the new learning available in People & Organization Development, Grow Your Career and Technology and Training workshops.

Winding road into a sunrise

Globe icon  The World of Work 

What is career development?

Career development is the lifelong process of learning, finding purpose in your work and advancing along your career path. On average, a 50 year career journey may include more than 12 different jobs and 5-7 career changes.

Two people climbing a staircase.

Growth and success in a career can look quite different depending on your field. Four common descriptors are: 

  1. Traditional - a linear track that assumes long tenure and upward movement in an organization
  2. Expert - becoming recognized as the best in your field
  3. Roamer - someone who thrives with new opportunities and changes jobs often
  4. Spiral - a path that incorporates lateral or related moves that broaden or deepen one's experience

In this video “Advice to the Class of 2020,” Robert Reich gives a presentation about career development and discusses these career paths, especially how the Spiral path is becoming more common. 


Number One Career Management Phase 1: Getting Ready  

Where Are You Now?

Any career transition should start with a review of your skills and interests. Excellent resources are available here at UC Berkeley through individual career counseling, assessment tools, and career development workshops.

What to do next: 

Salary Information

  • Salary.com: Compare salaries by national or local job markets. 
  • UCOP Title Code Web Inquiry System: Contains salary ranges for all UC campuses. The salary range can be found using the four-digit code on job postings after the job title. (EX: Sourcing Advisor, Berkeley Executive Search (7748U), People & Culture - #47101)

Job Postings

  • Job Search: Develop a proactive plan, build your network, and gain insights through research and informational interviewing. 
  • LinkedIn Learning: Sign up with your UC Berkeley email to access the training library. 
  • CALTalent: UCBerkely’s Recruiter and Hiring Manager’s source for finding internal talent. Be findable! Post your skills and expertise here.
  • Retired and interested in returning to work at UC Berkeley? Post your skills and expertise at CALTalent

Start here if you have been impacted by Layoff:

A confident student.

Be a lifelong learner!

Job market shifts are often unpredictable. Stay on top of the changes in your field by being an active learner. What is new in your field? What new technical tool or certification would add value to your qualifications?


Number Two Career Management Phase 2: Career Choice Tools, New Learning, and Resources

Consider refreshing your skills. Take a look at what skills are most in demand:

Skills projected to be in demand for the next 10 years: 

The most needed skills and experiences needed at UC Berkeley:

  • Critical thinking 
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Empathy/Service Orientation
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Data Literacy
  • Time Management
  • Curiosity/Continuous Learning
  • Digital Literacy
  • Customer Service

  • Data Analytics

  • Data Management

  • Project Management

  • Managers and Supervisors

  • Communications: Social Media/Web Development

  • Administration/Operations

  • Finance Professionals

  • Development/Fundraisers

Defining competencies can be the first step in creating growth and motivation in your work.

Review these resources for how to best assess and showcase your sills:

Build Your Job Search Collateral

Anything in writing that represents you in your job search, such as your resume, cover letter, or online profile, should clearly identify and succinctly communicate what makes you a standout match for the jobs you are interested in pursuing.

Here are some tips for how to make your writing stand out:

  • ResumeDevelop a professional resume based on current workplace best practices. 

  • JobSCAN: Upload your resume and cover letter to optimize keyword and technical skill match.
  • LinkedIn Profile: Use conversational and professional writing. Develop your information with up to 50 descriptors of your career field, experience, and expertise. 

Number Three Career Management Phase 3: Job Search

CALTalent promotional flier with clickable links

Navigating the Job Market  

UCB’s internal applicant matching tool: CALTalent

CALTalent is a resource for supporting talent development and retention on campus. Its purpose is to provide hiring managers and advisors with a way to know where our talented staff resides. It offers staff an option to learn about campus opportunities for continuing a career path with the University.

Grow your career by
  • building a professional network on UC Berkeley campus
  • accessing information about opportunities
  • developing a career path
  • discovering new options for your skills
  • opening the door to continuous learning and career development
  • exploring new career directions

Check out the Process Mapif you would like to see exactly how CALTalent is constructed.

Job Search Strategy

Create strategies, discover opportunities, and develop targets. 

  • Create a journal or spreadsheet to document your application submission dates and to note outcomes.

  • Always keep copies of job postings and applications. 

  • Stay in touch with contacts made in your search to build your network including recruiters and interviewers.

Suggestions for job search support:

LinkedIn Logo LinkedIn Learning

Take advantage of this online training resource available to UC Berkeley staff by logging in with your Berkeley email address. Suggested titles to explore:  

Start your online search with Google. To find job postings that match what you have to offer, search by your primary skill set, professional area, or values rather than a job title. For example, rather than Senior Administrator or Executive Assistant, try searching for “customer service,” “project management” or “innovative.'
Tip from a UCB Sr. Recruiter
Informational Interviewing workshop logo