Across the University of Miami, faculty and staff members play an important role, not only in shaping the academic careers of students, but also advising them through the development process. Many University employees have direct daily contact with students, and those staffers become a direct resource for knowledge and guidance along the students’ path as they prepare for life after graduation.
This fall, the Toppel Career Center will be launching the Career Champions Network—a new initiative aimed at preparing faculty and staff members in student-facing roles. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to advise students, whether it’s on how to attain an important first internship or ace an interview. Toppel’s initiative will engage and prepare University faculty and staff members to feel comfortable sharing up-to-date and relevant career development information with students they already interact with on a daily basis.
“The Career Champion workshop series offers the skills needed to communicate with current students,” said Jacklyn A. Collins, lecturer in the department of accounting at the Miami Herbert Business School. Collins participated in the pilot program this spring and noted that the program “gives the faculty insight into the concerns and thought process of the students.”
Designed as a series of online workshops and presentations this fall, the program follows Toppel’s model for supporting students. Faculty and staff members will feel prepared to powerfully and accurately assist students with career development. The network will also introduce faculty and staff participants to the resources and services offered to students through Toppel.
“I have always felt that Toppel is a unique resource at the U,” expressed Collins. “This program gives the faculty members not only the skill set, but a supportive network of the resources that can be shared with and inform the students.”
Register now to attend all four virtual sessions and attain the title of career champion. After successfully completing the program, participants will be given a career champion decal, designed by the Gapingvoid Culture Design Group, which can be displayed in your office to let students know they can talk to you about their career goals.
The sessions are as follows:
Career Education Trends and Frameworks
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Supporting Students in their Experiential Learning
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Using Technology to Navigate Careers
Thursday, Oct. 22, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Explore, Prepare, Connect: Our Model for Supporting Students
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Looking to get involved?
The Toppel Career Center is excited to grow it’s support system for University students. To learn more about the Career Champions Network, email Carly Smith at carly@miami.edu or complete the interest form by September 18.
