CSUSM and SDSU Assist Educated and Experienced Professionals Acquire New Skills and Jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Download Release - PDF)
October 19, 2010

San Marcos, California, November 29, 2010 – California State University San Marcos Extended Learning (CSUSM/EL), in partnership with San Diego State University College of Extended Studies and the San Diego Workforce Partnership, is offering a dynamic Career Transition & Development for Professionals program intended for laid-off individuals with at least five years of professional work experience and a bachelor’s degree.

This program includes two weekly in-class sessions over seven weeks.


“CSUSM Extended Learning is pleased to have partnered with the San Diego Workforce Partnership to develop and offer the Career Transition and Development for Professionals program,” said Eric Bullard, Associate Dean, CSUSM Extended Learning. “The program’s goal is to assist dislocated professionals in rethinking their employment options, and to repackage and highlight skills that are relevant and needed in today’s workplace. CSUSM is committed to meeting the region’s needs for workforce development and training, and this program is a positive example of how institutions of higher education have partnered with workforce investment boards to help communities overcome the challenges presented by the current economy.”

The first cohort of participants began the program this last week. Demonstrating the diverse caliber of talent and experience, participants range in experience from recent positions such as Vice President, Senior Project Manager, Editor, IT Director, Regional General Manager, and Project Architect; all have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree; and worked in areas ranging from construction to education to legal practice.

By the end of the seven week program, program participants will have developed an action–oriented career plan; polished and fine tuned their resumes, honed interviewing and networking skills; assessed talents and skills; and identified matches for new job opportunities. Throughout the course of the program, participants will also have opportunities to engage in one-on-one coaching sessions for added assistance in a number of specific job seeking competency areas. Participants will also benefit from online career assessment tools, opportunities to meet with professional organizations, and events to meet with employment recruiters.

Applications are now being accepted for the second cohort of the Career Transition & Development for Professionals Program, slated to run January 30 to March 16, 2011. To be eligible for the program, prospective participants must qualify for program funding offered by the San Diego Workforce Partnership. All applicants must be deemed eligible as a Dislocated Worker through a One-Stop Career Center (visit www.sandiegoatwork.com for a listing of Centers), and must have at least five years professional experience and a bachelor’s degree.

After visiting the One-Stop Career Center for approval and referral authorization, interested parties must complete the CSUSM participant application online at www.csusm.edu/el/careertransitions and send a current resume (e-mail to el@csusm.edu or deliver in person to CSUSM Extended Learning).

For more information about the Career Transition & Development for Professionals Program at CSUSM, please visit www.csusm.edu/el/careertransitions or call (760) 750-4020.