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In mid-August, at the direction of Howard Community College’s president, Dr. Daria J. Willis, the college closed for a full day so that all faculty and staff could partake in the organization’s first “Day of Learning.” The event opened with remarks from keynote speaker, Daniel Phelan, Ph.D., president of Jackson College who energized attendees with perspective on Unrelenting Change, Innovation, and Transformation and why it matters in today’s workforce. For the remainder of the day, HCC team members participated in a series of workshops, selecting topics relevant to their jobs, interests, and goals. Some sessions were presented lecture-style. Others were very interactive and aimed to engage participants in creative ways. All emphasized the importance of identifying and using the resources that surround you, every day, to better yourself both personally and professionally.
“Our day of learning was a true investment in our employees, and at the same time, presented innovative and competitive ideas that will help move HCC into the future,” said Zoe Irvin, Executive Director of Planning, Research, and Organizational Development. “From effective project management skills to technology tidbits and ways to make personal health and wellness a priority in the midst of our busy lives, the event was designed to give every attendee some valuable key takeaways.”
HCC’s Day of Learning underscored the importance of concepts exercised every day within the college’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development – and specifically its Training & Development Services (TDS) program. TDS focuses on growing, evolving, and maximizing local professional talent in business, nonprofit, and government agency sectors. In addition to offering a wide range of training opportunities, workshops, and team building exercises, the TDS team is a resource for local employers in need of guidance and assistance when it comes to planning events such as a Day of Learning, in line with an organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
“In many cases, a leader will consult with us first to simply understand what is in the realm of the possible, as they look for new and productive ways to invest in their team, that will generate a positive return,” said Sharrie Hornak, Director of Customized Training. “One of the things we are best known for is our commitment to customizing programs and services based on what our clients are experiencing, and what kinds of shifts need to take place in order to get a team from where they are today to where they need to be, in the future.”
Inspired by the idea? Reach out to the TDS team to express interest in planning your own Day of Learning, with their guidance and support. Start the conversation by calling 443-518-1660 or sending an email to trainingsolutions@howardcc.edu.