Open Career Avenues with Duke’s Foundational Skills Program

Deadline to register for the 36-week program is April 7

L&OD graphic

Four years ago, Marquita Mangum was a housekeeper specialist, who, after 18 years in the role at Duke, was ready for something different.

Now a senior housekeeping supervisor with Housing & Residence Life who recently completed an online business degree, Mangum points to her enrollment in Duke’s Foundational Skills program in 2019 as the decision that started her career growth.

“This program opened up so many doors for me,” Mangum said. “I learned a lot. I wanted to grow professionally and become the best version of me.”

The Foundational Skills Program, a professional development offering from Learning & Organization Development (L&OD), a unit in Duke Human Resources, is designed to provide training and first-hand experience on clerical office support skills and capabilities for Duke University and Duke University Health System staff members in service roles.

Registration is now open for 2023-24 edition of the 36-week program. The deadline for applications is April 7, 2023.

The Foundational Skills Program helped Marquita Mangum find new career opportunities at Duke. Photo by Stephen Schramm.

“It can be intimidating to go back to school or learn something new, but with this program, we create a safe and fostering environment where people can learn together,” said Duke Learning & Organization Academy Senior Practitioner Marjorie Siegert, who oversees the program. “There’s no better way to fill needs than to develop people in house who have the skills and the knowledge they can get through this program.”

The 36-week program, which runs from May 2023 until January 2024, requires a commitment of 12 hours per week.

Participants will be paid for the time they devote the program.

The program features three phases. The first phase consists of in-person courses on general office administration skills as well as opportunities to learn about soft skills and leadership. The second phase includes coursework specific to university or medical office settings and time spent shadowing experienced office professionals. The final phase will have participants receive on-the-job training with peer mentors.

“It was very hands-on, we actually got to do the work,” Mangum said. “We got to see people in action and then got to do the actions, too.”

The Foundational Skills Program is open to full-time Duke staff members working in job levels 2-5, B1, B2 or in service areas within Duke University or Duke University Health System. Among the application requirements are a current resume, a guided essay and recommendations from a current manager or supervisor and peer or former manager.

“This program was the foundation of my growth,” Mangum said. “I tell my employees about it whenever I can. If it wasn’t for that program, I wouldn’t have as many doors open.”

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