Staff Get Help Enhancing Professional Skills

The eighth graduating class of the Professional Development Institute's Office Staff Development Program. Photo by Duke Photography.

Every day, Mary Curtis acts as front-line support for coworkers at Duke's Ambulatory Surgery Center, greeting patients and assisting doctors with their schedule.

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Through various stints over the years, she's worked at Duke for about 15 years, but she's never felt as comfortable and confident in her job as she does now.

"I wasn't always very open about sharing my opinion or sure how things should work," said Curtis, a health unit coordinator. "But I think I've had a stepping stone to feel fit and confident in what I do and how I interact with people."

That catalyst was participating in Duke's Office Staff Development Program, an 11-month course offered by Duke's Professional Development Institute. Along with learning personal skills, Curtis and 11 other Duke employees honed their abilities with a variety of technology and computer programs. The program goal is to provide development in clerical office management skills with the aim of helping employees qualify for a variety of Duke career opportunities.

Last week, Curtis and her program colleagues celebrated their graduation after completing 10 hours of classes each week for nearly a year.

“The Office Staff Development program provides a significant opportunity for participants to develop critical competences that will position them well for the future,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration. “Both participants and their supervisors are to be commended for their dedication and support.”

In exchange for the professional development opportunity, which is offered at no charge, participants agree to remain at Duke for at least 18 months after graduation. During that time, they work actively with Duke Human Resources recruiters and the Professional Development Institute explore opportunities for advancing at Duke.

"Taking the class is a win-win all the way around," said Jackie Dozar, a clerk in Gynecology/Oncology who learned new skills with computer programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. "Employees get to learn all these new things then turn around and not only help their department, but find chances for career growth."

For more information about the Office Staff Development Program and those eligible to participate, visit the program’s website.