Professional D.R.I.V.E.
Professional D.R.I.V.E. (noun). - Empowers staff members to take control of their career. It provides an ongoing series of integrated learning experiences that foster and support the career development of staff members at the University. D.R.I.V.E. is an acronym that stands for Develop, Reflect, Ignite, Venture, and Engage. The goal of the series is to assist individuals to gain knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to manage their life-learning and work in self-directed ways.
Vision
Developing a pipeline of extraordinary talent is a top priority for the University of Chicago. With increased business demands across the institution, it is essential that employee performance is optimized. This program provides staff members specific knowledge and skills needed to add value and improve services and processes at the University.
Do you have D.R.I.V.E.? Professional D.R.I.V.E. will provide learning opportunities that encourage and facilitate the development of career competencies that staff members need to make empowering life-learning and career choices. Professional D.R.I.V.E. is a vehicle for employees to join forces to address key issues in the workplace.
The facilitators share knowledge and engage participants, while simultaneously learning with participants through their experiences. All facilitators share a high-level of knowledge in the subject of discussion.
Each participant is an active learner and is encouraged to bring ideas and knowledge to share with the group to assist with the learning process. This comprehensive program will enhance productivity and empower employees with tools that help them quickly solve problems, adapt to change, and improve performance.
As the driver, map your course and D.R.I.V.E. your career.
Guiding Principles and Philosophy
The development of Project D.R.I.V.E. has been guided by the following principles:
- Learning is both an individual and a group process.
- Participants learn best when they are a part of a learning environment that encourages sharing and reflection.
- Participants learn best when they are treated as active learners with valid opinions, a wealth of knowledge and valuable experiences—not as passive recipients of information.
- Career development is a lifelong journey.
- Individuals need to proactively design and manage their preferred futures.
- Individuals need to be empowered to design and manage their preferred futures.
Each session is facilitated by a subject-matter expert who infuses the leadership competencies expected by University managers and directors. Leadership tools and techniques incorporated in the development sessions include professional communication, business etiquette, project management, and advanced presentation skills. Other topics provided by Professional D.R.I.V.E. include:
- Professional & Career Development
- Networking and Social Development
- Technical Development
- Leadership Development
- Workplace Empowerment
- Hot Topics in Higher Ed
- Hot Topics on Issues in the Workplace