Career Insights
Extended Campus programs at UT Austin are focused on providing the skills needed for professionals to excel. Explore this curated set of career-focused articles, features and updates by and about continuing & professional education programs from across campus.
![silhouette of longhorn head on university avenue](https://extendedcampus.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/careerinsights_headeredited.png)
Meet Jessica Hughes Wagner
Deputy Director Jessica Hughes Wagner personifies the mission of UT’s Center for Health Communication, calling on 20 years of experience using communication skills in health settings to help lead a team of expert practitioners and scholars dedicated to using communication for better health. Read this article to learn more about her work and influence.
![Headshot of Jessica Hughes Wagner](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-04/Jessica%20Hughes%20Wagner_2.jpeg?itok=6LxCNNE-)
The Art of Business Relationships: Tools and Techniques for Improving External Business Relationships
Whether collaborating with colleagues, engaging external clients and stakeholders, or managing others, there is an art to building and strengthening relationships. Keri Stephens, Ph.D, and Rodney Schlosser discuss how asking questions is a key component to building successful business relationships, and how to plan and prepare so that you're asking the right questions.
![two professional women at networking event](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-02/the-art-of-business-relationships-300x200.jpg?itok=f31WHS3s)
Toughen Up Your Career Outlook with Better Soft Skills
Technical skills are important, but so are soft skills. If you are experiencing a roadblock due to a need for better soft, or “human,” skills, fortunately they can be learned. Read this article for training opportunities that can help you develop these skills and advance your career.
![woman smiling and taking notes in a meeting](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-06/Soft-Skills%20Blog%20Post%20Pic-Final.jpeg?itok=2936YAET)
New Industry Opportunities and More Flexible Programming Mark TxEEE’s Fresh Start
Reflecting on his first year as the Executive Director of Texas Engineering Executive Education, Woodrow W. Winchester III outlines some of the ways in which TxEEE continues to meet the challenges and demands of industries that are constantly growing and evolving.
![Fall 2023 cohort of TxEEE master’s students](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-03/TxEEE%20Industry%20Opportunities.jpg?itok=F-aDRa_H)
How TxEEE Brings Cockrell School Methane Emissions Research to the World
TxEEE plays an important role in helping research centers at the Cockrell School of Engineering bring their innovations into action. Partnering with the Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL), TxEEE launched a new course in 2023 that trains professionals in the energy sector on how to accurately and effectively collect data on methane emissions using methods developed by EEMDL.
![Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab reseachers working](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-03/TxEEE%20Methane%20Emissions%20Research.jpg?itok=VtQ9cTYr)
Engineering Management Degree Becomes Tenth Program Globally to Be Certified by ASEM
In April 2023, TxEEE achieved formal certification by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) for its Engineering Management program. This approval provides graduates of the Cockrell School’s top-10 ranked graduate program a path to professional certification, complementing the prestige of their degree.
![Engineering Management Graduates 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/engineering-management.jpeg?itok=MEdz9Xs1)
How to Thrive as an Introvert (While Still Being Yourself)
As an introvert, it can be hard when you feel like you don’t stand out in an extrovert’s workplace. However, you don’t need a big personality to bring valuable skills to the table. Here are important considerations to help you thrive as an introvert without changing who you are.
![person working alone at a coworking desk](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/thrive-as-introvert.jpeg?itok=mOS7sXl9)
How to Manage and Motivate an Understaffed Team
Managing an understaffed team can be challenging, but it makes promoting employee satisfaction even more important. It’s up to you to foster professional development despite employee vacancies, so read more to learn tangible steps you can take to ease the burden and make working with you a positive experience.
![diverse professional team high-fiving during a meeting](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/manage-understaffed-team.jpeg?itok=iefikzL3)
TxEEE Software Engineer and Entrepreneur Ecleamus Ricks, Jr. Shares Story – from Morehouse College to Shark Tank – and Many Steps In-Between
In honor of Black History Month this year, TxEEE software engineer and entrepreneur Ecleamus Ricks Jr. shared his journey from his days as a college student to pitching Metric Mate, a company he co-founded, on Shark Tank. Read more about Ricks’ story and education that helped him attain his challenging goals.
![Metric Mate Co-founders make their pitch on Shark Tank during the Jan. 13, 2023 episode. L-R: Braxton Davis, M-T Strickland, Ecleamus Ricks, Jr.](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/rickjr_edited2.png?itok=pPVOTAck)
How to Overcome the Top 4 Barriers to Professional Development
Whether you’re a new or experienced professional, it’s necessary to keep developing your skills for career growth and organizational success. Read this blog to learn more about overcoming barriers to professional development and how you and your employer can benefit from investing in your growth.
![graph depecting growth in return on investment (ROI)](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/overcome-top-barriers.jpeg?itok=oQ04PYuj)
Decision Quality: Strategic Decision Making Through Information & Values
Decision quality is dependent on what went into making a decision and can be split into six different functions. The third and fourth functions are “relevant and reliable information” and “clear values and trade-offs.” Learn more about how you can use these two steps to make quality and informed decisions.
![professional colleagues discuss data on tablet](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/decision-quality-2.jpeg?itok=Y_b0DiBi)
How to Establish a Mentorship Program in Your Organization
Mentorship programs provide learning opportunities for everyone involved, cultivating personal and professional development, and can be organized using existing resources and connections. Read this article to learn more about how you can help establish a successful mentorship program in your organization to create a more innovative and collaborative work environment.
![professional woman mentoring younger colleague at computer](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-01/blog_mentorship-practice.jpeg?itok=FPfSSoME)
Break Free From These 3 Workplace Biases
Biases affect our decisions, whether we realize it or not. Preventing the impact of your availability, confirmation and conformity biases is a step in the right direction. Learn more about what you can do to mitigate the biases on your team and make higher-quality decisions for a stronger workplace environment.
![woman video conferencing with colleagues](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/biases-edited.jpeg?itok=JSLOSmKm)
Negotiating Across the Virtual Table: How to Leverage Digital Tools Successfully
Negotiating virtually is a new norm with remote work, so knowing how to use digital channels in these situations is increasingly necessary. These five tips will help you confidently negotiate in a virtual environment and deal with time, budget and physical barriers when a face-to-face alternative is not available.
![laptop at empty desk with microphone and lamp](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/negotiation_edited.jpeg?itok=obk_IcAr)
Deconstructing Rumors in the Workplace
Rumors are a natural part of life and culture in the workplace, but they don’t have to hinder productivity. Great leaders understand the causes of rumors and address any underlying issues that spurred them. Read more about deconstructing rumors and how to fill gaps of uncertainty with facts.
![hands typing on a laptop keyboard](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/rumors_edited.jpeg?itok=ZFJIVI47)
Creating a Common Language Around Workplace Ethics
Ethical workplaces are rooted in a shared language used to address ethics, which impacts decisions and makes tough conversations easier. Read more about how you can normalize and prioritize these conversations and implement clear guidelines to ensure your organization is equipped to handle ethical dilemmas.
![diverse team of professionals meeting in conference room](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2023-11/workplace-ethics_edited.jpeg?itok=pucjti3e)
Make Your Next Career Move with Confidence
Planning for your future is important, and you are more likely to succeed with a comprehensive strategy. Read more about how you can maximize your strategy with introspection, exploration, and evaluation, helping you understand your needs and reach your goals. Also, check out our Career Planning Workbook to get you started.
![Diverse professionals waiting for job interview](/sites/default/files/styles/utexas_image_style_660w_400h/public/2024-01/blog_make-your-next-career-move.jpeg?itok=6lRCLrM2)