HR adds Career Services office

Staff Report

In an effort to encourage professional development among U.Va. employees, Human Resources has created a career services office.

Operating since the fall, the office provides services ranging from conducting career-related assessments for job enrichment and advancement, to career change guidance and preparation for retirement. The office will host a variety of career planning workshops this spring through Human Resources’ Division of Training, as well as a series of lunchtime seminars to be held around Grounds.

“We also offer no-charge career planning appointments, including assessments, to individuals, and are available for group or departmental workshops or meetings,” said Career Services director Emily Bardeen. “The University is committed to helping all of its employees achieve career and job satisfaction. In today’s world, employees need to take charge of their own jobs and careers.”

Bardeen, former director of career services at the Alumni Association, said career services are growing in popularity as a benefit offered by private and public sector employers.

“The third phase of compensation reform for classified staff is the development of career progression models and career development guides,” said Tom Gausvik, chief Human Resources officer. “U.Va. staff have been major participants in this career development phase.”

Employee Career Services has absorbed two programs previously administered by the former Organizational Development and Training group — the Administrative Internship Program, and the administration of the educational benefits program.

AIP is a competitively selected internship for classified staff with leadership potential who apply to work with senior managers. Sponsored by the Office of the President, the competition is announced in early spring, with selections made in early summer and six-month internships starting between November and January.

Educational benefits include the popular U.Va. tuition waiver program and the tuition reimbursement and assistance programs. Career development is even more important in times of tight budgets, according to Gausvik.

“Employees need to know they have career options even in tight budget times. We want to encourage our employees to continue to work on their professional development and career plans because this kind of situation doesn’t last forever.”

Employee Career Services is located at 914 Emmet St., rooms 220A & B and on the Web at www.hrs.virginia.edu/career. For information on these programs, call Emily Bardeen at 924-4343 or e-mail employeecareerservices@virginia.edu. For information on the Administrative Internship Program or to schedule an appointment, call career consultant Rick Benner at 924-7918 or e-mail rsb7g@virginia.edu.