This set of modules is for anyone who wishes to enhance their leadership skills. The first module provides you with techniques for executing business strategy. You will learn how to cultivate a culture that supports the active business execution needed in today’s fast-pace world. The second module gives you an understanding of what an innovative culture is and what qualities a leader needs to best foster innovation. You will learn techniques for cultivating and leading innovation. The third module provides you with strategies for leading change within an organization and for dealing with sources of employee resistance to change.

• Leadership Essentials: Leading Business Execution
  Course Number:  lead_05_a05_bs_enus
• Leading Essentials: Leading Innovation     
  Course Number:  lead_05_a06_bs_enus
• Leadership Essentials: Leading Change    
  Course Number:  lead_05_a07_bs_enus

Visit the UMBC SkillSoft website for a Quick Start Guide, FAQ’s, and the link to log in to SkillPort. 

See the attached flyer for more information about the Business Exploration Series courseware.

To schedule a department presentation about using SkillSoft for professional development, call ext. 5-6262 or e-mail hrtraining@umbc.edu. 

• ICAT Logistics, Inc. -- Administrative Assistant -- ID# 9249809
• State Farm Agency -- State Farm Financial Services Specialist -- ID# 9249767
• Frog Tutoring -- Tutor -- ID# 9247469

• UMBC Division of Student Affairs -- Office Assistant -- ID# 9249688
• UMBC Training Centers -- Receptionist -- ID# 9249800

The Missile Defense Agency recently (Feb/Mar 2012) hired 40 entry level engineers into the Missile Defense Career Development Program (MDCDP).  We intend to hire an additional 29 entry level engineers to report to work in July 2012.  That brings our MDCDP to a total of 290 entry level individuals, working toward a career with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) or 10% of our workforce.  The MDCDP is a deliberate, strategic,  plan, implemented by MDA leadership, to “grow” the next generation of Missile Defense leaders.  With all sincerity, we are not offering jobs, we are offering careers!

The opportunity we offer is for graduating engineers (Bachelor, Master and PhD) in all engineering disciplines, to compete for a position within the MDCDP.  This is a two year, rotational, career development program (through three major engineering areas) culminating in the offer of a non-competitive placement within MDA upon an applicant’s successful completion of the program.  The two year program is full of coursework, real Missile Defense engineering on real Missile Defense issues and lots of on the job training.  You will have a supervisor and a mentor throughout the program who will assist you in planning your training and career progression.   The position is fully salaried and has an extensive benefits package.  Of the 29 positions, there will be many positions in Huntsville AL (www.asmartplace.com) and perhaps a very few in other locations.

The USA Jobs announcement for the 29 positions will be published on USA Jobs in March or April of 2012.  We will post it as soon as we are 100% assured of funding for the entire two year program for each selectee.  That means you need to set up a search on USA Jobs now, using the words “Entry Level Engineer”  and / or, “Defense Missile Defense Agency” as your key words.  We will also post a link to the announcement at www.MDACareers.com at the Entry Level/ Career Development tab.

MDA is offering video teleconferencing to colleges and universities who have over five interested and qualified students facilitated by at least one career services officer.  We will make current MDCDP engineers (volunteers) in the program, the program “Champion” (Project Manager) and Human Resource Specialists available to answer your questions during teleconferencing activities.  Simply ask your career services officer to get in touch with me to set up a date in the second week of March through the first or second week in April.

AARP Foundation Announces Sixth Annual Women's Scholarship Program Call for Applicants

The AARP Foundation has announced a call for entries for its sixth annual Women's Scholarship Program. The program provides funds to low-income women age 50 and older who are seeking new job.

After today price = $18.00 per ticket

Come grab your tickets today and party with (seb) during the pre-sale event!

Junior Atom Zerfas is the quintessential UMBC scholarship student: overwhelmingly outgoing and incredibly involved. A double major in psychology and math, Zerfas is no slouch where academics are concerned — but he feels just as much at home on the playing field.

Zerfas came to UMBC following his graduation from Pikesville High School in 2009. Immediately he jumped into the UMBC culture, joining the Student Events Board and Ultimate Frisbee team. In just two years, he became the Ultimate Frisbee president.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m just the president, I’m not the captain,” he explained modestly.

Atom knew one thing leaving high school: he wanted to be a teacher. After looking around at potential schools, he found UMBC and the Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program. The program helped Zerfas set up a five-year plan in which he will earn an accelerated master’s in education.

“The program has high expectations, but it gives such great support,” said Zerfas. “Honestly, I never want to skip class.”

The Sherman program requires its students to participate in a service project every year. Through the program, Atom was placed in Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School, where he realized that he wanted to be a middle school teacher.

“I was able to form close relationships with the students,” he said. “I even went to their basketball games.”

The support he’s received from the Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program— financially, academically, and morally — has shaped Atom’s UMBC experience. He has been a part of a close-knit cohort of nine scholarship students and has even been able to meet the scholarship’s namesakes, George and Betsy Sherman, who are always open to giving great advice and encouragement, he said.

Upon graduation, Atom plans to teach four years in an underprivileged middle school. The support he’s received reminds Atom of advice he was once given: “There’s someone else out there who could be here, working hard, so make sure you work harder.”

— by Jeremy Brickey ’12