Whether you’re exploring your next move or sharpening the skills you already have, our virtual career development programs are here to help you grow. Join live, online workshops and webinars led by industry professionals and career experts. From best practices and leadership training to insider knowledge and practical strategies, we offer the tools and support you need to take your next step with confidence—wherever life has taken you.
Careers in Education: Exploring Trends, Opportunities, and Pathways
Wednesday, May 14, 12-1:00 pm (PST) via Zoom
Explore the many pathways to a fulfilling career in education with insights from our panel of accomplished UC alumni. These experienced education professionals and leaders are here to share their career journeys—spanning teaching, leadership, research, and advocacy. Discover how they have successfully launched and advanced their careers, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at industry trends, career opportunities, and diverse pathways in education.
How to Be Simply Irresistible: Personal Branding Strategies to Get Highly Paid Doing Work You Love
Tuesday, June 3, 5 – 6:00pm (PST) via Zoom
Whether you’re itching to change roles, start a business or simply elevate your leadership, the market’s perception of your brand will be a tipping point to your success. In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to add a little “sizzle” to your personal brand, opening doors to greater promotion, influence, revenue and opportunities to create work you love.
You will learn:
Why driving your personal brand is the most important “marketing” job of your career.
8 fundamental truths of communicating your value so that people want to know, like, trust…and pay you!
Why your skills, title, talent and degrees might be your #1 roadblock to getting highly paid doing work you love.
Why the qualities you take for granted are the most value-add to your personal brand…and how to leverage them to set yourself apart!
Giving and receiving feedback can be a challenge in the workplace, yet they are essential skills to master if you want to succeed in your career. Join us for this fast-paced and engaging live webinar as we learn to develop the ability to offer and internalize feedback in ways that maximize outcomes and build more productive, positive relationships with colleagues and clients in your workplace. We will use video clips, self-reflection exercises, and research-based skills to build these crucial professional competencies, and you’ll leave with practical ideas that you can implement immediately to ensure successful workplace communication.
You will learn:
How to give clear, constructive feedback that motivates and builds trust
Strategies for receiving feedback with openness and professionalism
Techniques to navigate difficult feedback conversations with confidence
The role of self-awareness and reflection in feedback exchanges
Researched methods for creating a feedback-friendly workplace culture
Practical communication tools you can start using right away
Holly Hoeksema is a Career Engagement Specialist at UC Santa Cruz and the Owner and Lead Facilitator of Ignite Consulting. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership development, team building, and executive coaching. She has worked with thousands nationwide, from large group trainings to one-on-one sessions, helping individuals connect with their “why” to ignite purpose and excellence.
Holly is certified in life coaching, course management, and servant leadership, and is skilled in personality assessments and vocational inventories. She also brings a unique perspective as a former culinary instructor and wellness advisor, specializing in plant-based nutrition and holistic growth.
Refresh, Refocus and Chart What’s Next: Résumé Insights for Experienced Professionals
Wednesday, July 9, 12-1:00 pm (PST) via Zoom
The career landscape has evolved over the years, but one thing remains essential to success: a strong résumé. Whether you’re pursuing full-time or part-time roles, or considering consulting, volunteering or board service, your résumé should reflect your unique value and evolving goals.
Join us for a dynamic panel of expert career coaches who will share actionable tips on updating your résumé, showcasing your transferable skills and positioning your experience for new opportunities. You’ll leave with tools and insights to help you navigate your next chapter with clarity and confidence.
You will learn:
How to frame gaps in employment in a positive light
How to highlight transferrable skills
When and how to include consulting, volunteering or part-time work in your listed experience
When to omit early career details
Courtesy of our fellow UC, UCLA, through their 2nd Act program supporting alumni over 50.
Managing Your Time and Increasing Your Productivity
Tuesday, September 9, 12-1:30 pm (PST) via Zoom
It seems we always have too much to do at work in too little time. Join us as we explore innovative approaches to thinking and operating, while also engaging with proven best practices in time management and productivity. You’ll come away from this knowing how to prioritize competing tasks, minimize interruptions, communicate boundaries to colleagues, and maintain your sanity. Be ready to share your winning strategies with others and learn new ones in this fast-paced, practical course.
About the Speaker:
Holly Hoeksema is a Career Engagement Specialist at UC Santa Cruz and the Owner of Ignite Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in leadership development, team building, and executive coaching, she has guided thousands nationwide—from extensive training sessions to one-on-one coaching—in helping them find their “why” to ignite purpose and excellence. Certified in life coaching, course management, and servant leadership, Holly is also skilled in personality assessments and vocational tools. Her background as a culinary instructor and wellness advisor adds a unique lens rooted in plant-based nutrition and holistic growth.
