Manager's Message
Summer Career Corner
The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us! Does that make you smile with delight, remembering past or planned summer fun, or does it make you laugh at even the idea of long-gone lazy days? Most of us don’t get to experience as much of that laid-back, without-a-care-in-the-world time as we would like. With longer daylight hours and use of vacation and flex time, however, many do find creative and resourceful ways to make time to enjoy summer activities with children, spouses, partners and pets even while working part- or full-time at the University.
Being labeled by some of my friends and colleagues as a bonafide, certified, career-nerd (I truly love my job and think work should be as fun as fun!), I offer the following ideas with hopes you will manage to sneak a little ‘Career R & R’ into your summer months.
Vocation Vacations®
Consider using some of your vacation to try out a dream career. A novel idea for this summer, or any season, is to become a ‘vocationer.’ Find out how to use some time off from your current job to improve the time on your next job at VocationVacations®: “Enabling you to test-drive your dream job; empowering you to turn your passions into your career.” Visit their website: http://www.vocationvacations.com/ to learn more. If you’re not sure what dream job you might like to try out, stir up some dreams by reading descriptions of current dream job mentorships http://vocationvacations.com/StaticDreamJobs/current-dream-jobs.php
Staycation
According to the Urban Dictionary, the definition of a staycation is “a vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer; a vacation spent close to home.” If the state of the economy is keeping you a little closer to home than normal, why not plan your own ‘career camp’ of sorts right here in central Kentucky? Consider making an appointment with a career specialist in our office to discuss your current UK position and/or opportunities that are calling you. Together you will plan "next steps’ which may include identifying your skills utilizing SKILLSCAN™; participating in a practice interview for that next opportunity that might come when you least expect it; or discovering more about your personality and work preferences through EDAP™ (Employee Development and Productivity), another online tool.
If you’d prefer to do some career work in the comfort of your home or back yard, your staycation could also include taking advantage of the online resources available at www.uky.edu/hr/cd. You might begin by writing or revising your resume with OptimalResume™, and getting tips on improving your interviewing style through Interview Mastery™ which will not only prepare you for job interviews, but also help you be a better communicator in any meeting. Career Innovation™ will lead you through identifying career goals and planning action steps to meet them, and will guide you in preparing for career conversations with your supervisor or employees, among many other features.
‘Make-Hay’cation
You may have heard the old expression, “Make hay while the sun shines”? This is my way of saying ‘bloom where you are planted!’ Put some ‘life in your time in order to have the time of your life.’ Whatever your summer holds, please find a way to enjoy and renew yourself. And if your work pace slows down some, don’t rule out the idea of a quick career check-up in the Career Development office, 123 Scovell Hall. Please call 257-9416 to schedule a time or email us at CareerDevelopment@uky.edu.
All the best for a wonderful summer,
Diane Kohler
To make an appointment :
call: (859) 257-9416
or e-mail: CareerDevelopment@uky.edu
Prior to your meeting, please complete this Intake Form.
