CAMPUS, HOMEPAGE NEWS
For over a year now, we’ve been compiling career resources, news and info while also highlighting some of the Jayhawks who really rock their 9-to-5. The Water Cooler is a monthly email newsletter for alumni, students and friends of the University. If you’re interested, be sure to subscribe here.
In this month’s Water Cooler we introduce new programs focused on providing professional development opportunities for Jayhawks. We also continue our commitment to highlighting resources that support personal and professional wellness and growth in the time of COVID-19.
In addition to features on healthcare, education and professional development, we’re also pleased to announce access to programing from best-selling authors and career experts through the Jayhawk Career Network. Subscribe to KU Connection to be the first to hear about upcoming KU events.
And finally, we’re happy to announce the creation of Bridges Opportunities. Bridges is KU’s marketplace for connecting students and recent grads to real-world, experiential projects that benefit businesses by providing companies access to talent that can support creative solutions and help advance specific projects.
The Bridges marketplace is fueled by individuals like you – fellow alumni, families, and businesses. In minutes, you can create short-term, virtual projects for students and alumni that will help them launch their careers and benefit your business. Every project helps build the bridge to opportunity. Help KU be an industry leader in creating opportunities in these unpredictable times by being part of this unprecedented effort.
Let’s show everyone what this community is about, Jayhawks Flock Together.
Howard Graham, g’08, PhD’19
Director of the Jayhawk Career Network
Let’s Talk: Personal & Professional Wellness
Health Insurance in the Time of COVID-19
With millions of Americans unemployed due to the recent pandemic, many are also newly uninsured. Now more than ever it is important to have health insurance. Not only does this coverage provide financial protection from unexpected medical costs, but it also encourages good health and well-being through preventative care services.
There are options for those who have recently become unemployed due to COVID-19. Many states are offering special enrollment periods if you’ve lost your coverage as a result of the pandemic. Find out more about these extended enrollment periods at HealthCare.gov/Coronavirus.
Short-term health coverage is another option if you are currently uninsured. Short-term plans accept applicants year-round and may help offset unexpected medical costs.
Help create a Bridge to opportunities
Bridges is KU’s marketplace for connecting students and recent grads to real-world, experiential projects that benefit businesses.
The Bridges marketplace is fueled by individuals like you – fellow alumni, families, and businesses. In minutes, you can create short-term, virtual projects for students and alumni to help them launch their careers. Help KU be an industry leader in creating opportunities in these unpredictable times by being part of this unprecedented effort.
The best ways to land a good job: new research on authenticity
With 21 million people unemployed, finding a new job has become a job. People looking for work receive conflicting advice: use LinkedIn, don’t post updates on LinkedIn, be yourself, or cater to what you think the employer wants.
Here’s what some of the latest research tells us about the best ways to find a new job.
New study advocates updating approach to teaching supply chain curriculum
“Nobody worries about the supply chain until something goes wrong,” said Joe Walden, the assistant area director in analytics, information and operations management at the University of Kansas.
A sudden, unexpected shift in this crucial process is one of the reasons Walden has written “Supply Chain Management Systems and Curriculum Reviews: What Are We Teaching About Supply Chain Management Systems? Do We Need to Modify Our Curriculums?” The paper advocates for conducting course and curriculum reviews in order to safeguard students in supply chain programs from being harmed by a lack of exposure to the various procedures in place.
For good impression, leave phone alone during work meetings
To get on the good side of a new boss, colleague or acquaintance in a business meeting, leave your cellphone stashed in your pocket or purse.
That is the implication of a new study conducted by Cameron Piercy, University of Kansas assistant professor of communication studies, and Greta Underhill, KU doctoral candidate. “Expectations of technology use during meetings: An experimental test of manager policy, device use, and task acknowledgment” was published in the journal Mobile Media & Communication.
New! Get your business in front of Jayhawks
Jayhawks Flock Together and what better way to show our support of one another than to support Jayhawk businesses?
If you own a business (or know a Jayhawk who does) add your company to our brand new Jayhawk Business Directory and help us launch this new resource to connect Jayhawks.
Compassionate Conversations
Tips for starting a DEI committee
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming an increasingly valued part of the workplace conversation. As a result, many mission-driven organizations are signaling their desire to institutionalize workplace DEI practices by launching a staff-led taskforce, working groups, and committees.
Perhaps you’re even thinking about starting a DEI committee at your own organization. If so, consider the following tips to ensure your group is consistently effective and enduring.
5 powerful ways to take REAL action on DEI
People need new ways to think about and talk about diversity. Leaders need new skills to enable equity and inclusion in the workplace. And organizations need scalable ways to ensure that their diversity & inclusion initiatives avoid common mistakes and are solid and sustainable.
CCL uses their proprietary REAL™ framework to help companies understand the dynamics of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in their particular organization and context — and to identify specific actions they can take to help them drive desired progress.
Campus Connections
Prepare for leadership on a global scale
Choose coursework that’s centered on the opportunities and challenges of global leadership. With our highly ranked online MBA, you can build a strong network as a Jayhawk and develop the skills to advance your career. Named the No. 31 Best Online MBA[1] , our program provides the quality education you’d expect from an on-campus curriculum, with the flexibility that supports ideal study-life balance.
1.Retrieved on June 16 3, 2020, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
Sponsored by our connections at the University of Kansas School of Business
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KU Connection is your one-stop shop featuring virtual events, resources and news from the University of Kansas and our global alumni base.
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KU offers new online professional skills certificate
With the national unemployment rate close to 14.7%, standing out in a sea of resumes is key to finding or advancing a career.
The new, specialized Undergraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Skills from the University of Kansas offers courses focused on in-demand workplace skills.
Jayhawks in the news
Seattle Jayhawk feeds the front lines
It started as a simple idea: donate pizza to the lab workers processing COVID-19 tests at the University of Washington’s virology labs.
But for Ellen Kuwana, c’92, her plan to utilize her lab experience to safely deliver food to health care workers in her free time continued to grow. A side hustle turned into a full-time commitment on weekends and eventually led Kuwana to quit her full-time job to focus on supporting both front-line workers and local restaurants in the Seattle area.
Parents, take note: Health System’s daily COVID-19 broadcast to sepdn a week exploring safe return to school
The University of Kansas Health System’s daily COVID-19 briefing, launched at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic as a resource for area reporters and news directors, has blossomed into must-see viewing for journalists and members of the public alike, all of whom can tune in live on Facebook at 8 a.m. on weekdays or watch archived replays on Facebook and YouTube.
Events
Rock Chalk Connect | KC Jayhawks & Java
Join fellow KU Alumni for a virtual Jayhawks & Java breakfast. Meet other Jayhawks from the Greater KC area!
8-9 a.m. CT
Thursday, July 23
KU School of Law | Wichita Alumni Happy Hour
Join Dean Stephen Mazza for a virtual happy hour with fellow alumni working in the Wichita area. Catch up with friends and colleagues while you learn the latest news from Green Hall.
4-5 p.m. CT
Friday, July 24
