COMING SOON: New Center for Entreprenuership at the HEC

Early 2013, RCC and Avista Corp, will open the Avista Center for Entrepreneurship at the Higher Education Center in downtown Medford. The center will help those looking to start a business, current business owners, and students launch or grow their businesses.

For more information on this new opportunity, please read RCC's PSA: RCC and Avista Corp. Collaborate on New Center for Entrepreneurship

Enjoy!

Technology in the office...

We live in a fast paced age, where technology has become part of the workplace. We are hardwired to networks, sit behind computers, carry laptops and other mobile devices. How is/has technology impacted the workplace? How has it changed how we communicate in our jobs?

The consulting editors  from Vault have published an article on their blog that takes a look at this change. Is Email a job in itself? Should tech be taken off the table by making some 'sacred spaces' where no tech is allowed to get the creative energies of coworkers/teams flowing? Do we need to practice a little simplification in our work lives?

If this piques your interest, read: Is Technology Ruining the Workplace? Readers can weigh in, ponder, or share your notions here on this blog.

How is technology working for or against you in your daily work lives?

Mapping Your Future: Using Career Assessment Tools as a Compass

At some point in time we’ve all been asked: What do you want to be when you grow up? In fact, some of us have written essays on the topic in school. Now that you’re considering new options and opportunities for your future – What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Life’s an adventure and there are plenty of pathways and trails to explore, but if you’re looking for a final destination once the sight-seeing is through, the use of career self-assessment tools can help steer you in the right direction. So, if you’re looking to draw up a map and set some career option coordinates a great place to gather information is at RCC’s Career Base Camp. On the left hand side of the page you’ll find a list of links, select Career Exploration, near the bottom of the page you’ll discover a section titled: Self Assessment Tools. In here you’ll find:

1. Career-Related Values – This survey sheds light on your work values by placing twenty cards with statements in order of importance to you. This will generate scores for six work values and direct you to occupations that are linked with them. Finding fields that are in line with your work values can lead to greater job satisfaction.

2. Holland Code Quiz – This quiz will look at things you can do, might like to do, or types of actions that best fits you. Once completed, you’ll receive two Holland Codes, by clicking on them you’ll be able to view possible job titles and corresponding degree programs offered on campus.

3. Interest Profiler –The interest profile will organize your interests into six broad categories, after answering 180 items with either like, unsure, or dislike. Once you’re through, you’ll be given your scores, by clicking on various categories you’ll be taken to a page that will list possible jobs, the education level required, wages, and if the positions are considered green.

4. MBTI – The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help illustrate how you like to make decisions, organize your life, and acquire information. It helps give you an idea of where your focus lies, like towards the outer world (people and things) or the inner world (ideas). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is one that must be administered by campus staff. For more information, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

5. Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SII) – The SII, like the MBTI, must be administered by a career development professional who will score it and interpret your results. Your report should include a list of occupations that may be compatible with your interests that you can later explore. To complete this assessment, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

6. Oregon Reality Check – This link gives you an inside look on what to expect in living expenses in various parts of Oregon. This tool can provide an outline for how much money you’ll need to make and possible occupations that could provide it.

7. Skill Competence – This assessment tool can help identify occupations based on skills you like. This may also help you identify transferable skills and allow you to explore occupations, modify your current career direction, and even prepare for an interview.

If you have any questions regarding the seven resources listed above, please drop by the office and ask. Otherwise, unroll those maps and dust off your compass as new career opportunities are waiting to be discovered. Get exploring!

Choosing a Career

You are your own biggest asset when it comes to choosing a career. Consider the following steps:

1. Make a list of both strengths and weaknesses
2. Ask friends and family for insights on the above that you have not considered
3. What kinds of roles do you feel you are best suited for
4. From those roles, which ones do you feel will give you the greatest ability to develop a career over time
5. Determine the kinds of training or education you may need and meet with appropriate sources to discuss
6. If you’re looking for a career research tool, be sure to check out Rogue Community College’s Career Base Camp, which is located on the website at Here you will find a variety of tools and resources to aid you on your career selection path.

Accommodations In The Workplace

Accommodations should be assessed on a case by case basis and take into consideration an individuals limitations. A great resource for both individuals and employers regarding reasonable accommodations can be found online through  the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Listed below, you will find a few suggestions regarding accommodations for individuals with back impairments.

1. Schedule periodic rest breaks away from workstation
2. Allow a work from home schedule
3. Implement ergonomic workstation design (height adjustable desk, chair)
4. Make sure materials and equipment are within reach, at or near waist level
5. Provide parking close to work-site
6. Provide a cart to move files, mail, and supplies
7. Install automatic door openers
8. Provide anti-fatigue mats and stand/lean stools for functions requiring long periods of standing

Defining Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is defined as the modification or adjustment of a job application process or a work environment to enable a qualified individual with a disability to be considered for a job. The three categories for reasonable accommodations cover:

· The modification or adjustment to a job application process that allows a qualified applicant with a disability to be considered.

· A modification or adjustment to an individuals work environment that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential duties of their position.

· Modification or adjustment that allows an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment enjoyed by other employees without disabilities in a similar situation.

Situations where reasonable accommodations are not required include:

· If an employer is unaware of the need.

· If providing the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the employer.

· The employer is free to choose accommodations and may provide those less expensive or easier to obtain.

Military Skills Translator

If you've served in the military and looking for ways to translate your military skills, experience, and training into a business environment The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has developed the  Military Skills Translator site online to assist with this need.

As taken from the site...

To get started:

• Define your military experience by adding your Military Job Title (for example, your MOS, MOSC, Rating, Designator).
• Once this information is selected, you can add your subspecialties and training to further customize the job postings available to you.