myHR: August 3, 2011

Advance to Administrative Excellence

If you're an administrative professional, we can help you master the tools and strategies you need to excel in your job. The Penn Certificate Program in Administrative Excellence can take your professional performance to the next level.

Learn valuables skills that'll help you tackle any project that comes your way—from communication skills and time and stress management to organizing multiple projects and working more effectively with your manager. We'll show you top-notch techniques that can give you an edge in the administrative field. You'll even learn the ins and outs of succeeding in a decentralized environment like Penn's and how to build your professional network.

Plus, you'll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Penn's career coach and get expert advice on how to build your career plan and meet your professional goals.

The Penn Certificate Program in Administrative Excellence is a multi-session program that begins on Oct. 6 and ends in December. Click here for complete details and to register.

Life-Long Learning: The Value of Working at Penn

When Michael Ferraiolo took a job as groundskeeper at Penn in 1975, he didn't know where his career would take him. Now 36 years later, Mike's still at Penn—and he says there's no place he'd rather work than here.

As an area manager for the Operations and Maintenance Department in Facilities and Real Estate Services, Mike supports the University's physical infrastructure by helping to operate and maintain many of the buildings across campus. That means managing everything from outdoor spaces to communications to his area's budget.

"I've always enjoyed working at Penn, especially because of the people here. Penn is a supportive environment, and I'm always encouraged to enroll in classes or pursue training that's relevant to my career. It's a valuable part of working here," Mike said.

That's why he takes advantage of every opportunity at Penn to sharpen his skills and expertise. After using the University's tuition benefit to complete the Wharton Evening School Bachelor in Business Administration program in 2003, Mike continued his commitment to life-long learning by enrolling in a number of professional development programs available to Penn faculty and staff. He completed Essentials of Management in 2008 which honed his customer service skills and allowed him to interact with people from all across campus.

"Essentials of Management is an excellent program. The content of the course is really useful for managers, and it reinforces how important people skills and customer service are," Mike said.

He also enrolled in the Franklin Covey FOCUS workshop to enhance his time management skills and participated in The Penn Perspective—an annual program that teaches you about various Penn departments across campus and what keeps the University running from one day to the next.

"Everyone who works at Penn should enroll in The Penn Perspective. You learn so much about the different departments here and the people who run them. It gives you a perspective on Penn you wouldn't get otherwise," Mike said.

Want to explore opportunities to build your knowledge and skills? Click here to learn about the full array of learning and education resources available at Penn.

Enjoy the Arts While You Exercise

Philadelphia is the perfect place to get outside and get active. It’s also rich with opportunities to explore history, music and art. So why not take advantage of something that allows you to do both? With the Penn Walking Program, you can.

This flexible and fun exercise program can help meet your fitness goals while taking you on a tour of historical landmarks around the city. Kick-start your metabolism with a two-mile cultural walk by art galleries, churches and museums near Penn’s campus. Boost your heart rate while you explore the colonial neighborhoods of West Philadelphia. Or if you’re really up for a challenge, take a 2.5-mile walking tour of the architecture in University City.

All you need to get started are a pair of sneakers and some comfortable clothes. We’ll even provide you with a free pedometer to track your steps and a Penn Walking Program t-shirt. For more information about walking routes and to register for the Penn Walking Program, click here.

Work Out Workplace Issues

Conflict can easily find its way into the workplace. But we’ve got the tools to help you conquer problems before they get out of control. Penn’s Workplace Issue Resolution Program gives you the support you need to confront issues head on and create lasting solutions to your workplace challenges.

Whether you have a disagreement with a fellow colleague or there’s a communication breakdown in your office, the Workplace Issue Resolution Program helps you address problems at an early stage and develop solutions that work for everyone. You have easy access to tools that’ll help you overcome issues and create positive results, from open discussions with managers in your department to facilitated meetings with a number of University resources.

We can even provide you with trained mediators to help you figure out the right solution to your problem. These neutral facilitators will guide you in positive conversations with your fellow colleagues and help everyone involved come to an agreeable solution.

To learn more about Penn’s Workplace Issue Resolution Program, click here.