Document your career history (or "master" resume) or in some cases a CV, that lists: every job you have worked (including the month/year of the start and end), transferable skills, accomplishments, education, committee work, awards and recognition, and other details. You can later use this to create a tailored resume for specific job applications.

• Tip: Consider building a professional LinkedIn profile with this information, or simply use LinkedIn as your career history record.

Reflect: What are your key skills, strengths, and experiences in your career history so far? Does your career history reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for your dream job?

A career self-assessment tool can reveal your interests, values and skills; focus your job search; explore career options and make career decisions.

Focus 2 Career guides you through a reliable, intuitive career-decision models to explore occupations, make informed career decisions and take action in your career development.

Login to Focus 2 Career using your SacLink user name and password. Scroll down to the Self Assessment section. Complete the five assessments (which takes about 60-90 minutes to complete), then "Combine Your Results" to view occupations that match your strengths.

Explore Labor Market Insights from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. This public tool helps you identify skills, training, median wages and employment trends to make informed decisions.

• Tip: Save, print, and share your outcomes with a manager, mentor, or Learning and Development specialist to begin a career development discussion.

Note: Sac State employees (and alumni) can access many of the same online Career Center tools as our students. Take advantage of these resources!

Focus 2 Career

Skills Search feature at O*NET – Provides a soft skills list —interpersonal and thinking skills - needed to interact successfully with people and to perform efficiently and effectively in the workplace. Learn how they match up with various occupations.

Skills Matcher - Matches your skills with possible career options that might be a good fit.

Holland Code Quiz - This free career quiz uses the scientific Holland Code model to show you which jobs will suit your interests, talents, and aptitude.

Now is the time to do some research. Explore jobs that you aspire to obtain. Look at job titles and descriptions for Sac State and at other campuses within the CSU, even if you do not meet the requirements -- yet. Dream.

Sac State Careers

CSU Careers

CSU Classifications

Seek out coaching and mentoring from supervisors and colleagues. Foster positive work relationships. Consider asking to meet with someone in an aspirational position for coffee and do an informational interview.

• Attend campus events and network; ask questions about other employees' roles
• Search LinkedIn Learning for tips on informational interviewing, listening, and networking skills
• Prepare informational interview questions, see Ten Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews
• Plan for aspirational interviews
• Engage with a professional mentor
• Check out the mentoring program offered by EDUCAUSE

Transferable skills are versatile abilities—like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—that can be applied across roles, industries, and career paths. At Sac State, managers have identified the key skills they value most. Explore the resources below to build and expand these skills:

• Key Skills Course Catalog - Access free, self-paced e-courses that strengthen the top transferable skills prioritized by Sac State leaders.
• Skill Pathways - Engage in a program that develops these same skills through a structured framework that blends self-assessments, e-courses, live training and application.

Use the CSU employee fee waiver and reduction program to take courses and gain education to meet requirements. If the courses are not available at Sac State, perhaps they are available online at another CSU campus.

Search Degrees at the CSU.

• Source: If the source is "Campus" it will be covered by the fee waiver program. If the source is "Extension" it is NOT covered by the employee fee waiver program and the participant must pay full fees. Note: Sac State CCE Programs and Certificates are NOT covered by the employee fee waiver program and participant must pay full fees.
• Format: Fully F2F = Fully face-to-face (on-campus in-person); Online = the program is completely online.

Not sure what courses to take or how to select a major? Use Focus 2 Career to complete self-assessments for career planning. Select "Combine Your Results" to see occupations and majors that match your strengths.

Interested in using the Employee Fee Waiver program and plan to apply for admittance to a CSU campus? Here are some tips for the Cal State Apply process.

Eligible Employee with a Degree

The CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction Program offers two enrollment options for employees: the Career Development Option and the Work-Related Option. Most employees use the Career Development Option. To do so, they must complete Cal State Apply to go through the regular admission and matriculation process before enrolling in courses.

Applying to Sacramento State While Having a Degree

Employees who already hold a degree and wish to be matriculated (at Sac State) to pursue a second degree, certificate, or other educational goals may need to follow a Admissions Appeal exception process.

To prepare for the application process, take a moment to first view the available 2nd bachelor programs, visible in Cal State Apply through their Application Dates and Deadlines. This will help you determine if you can apply through Cal State Apply or if you may need to complete an Admissions Appeal.

Attempt to complete Cal State Apply.

Select the Entry Level and Enrollment Term, then after submitting, scroll down and select Sacramento State, and a list of the open second bachelor's options becomes visible.

If your desired program is not an option for a second bachelor’s, please pause the application process.

Reach out to the degree’s department chair to obtain written approval for the major course of study, then submit an Admissions Appeal. Prepare an appeal statement that explains why you are requesting an appeal and submit proof of earning your degree.

• Sample appeal statement: The CSU Employee Fee Waiver Program provides employees with the opportunity to enroll in career development [or work-related] courses necessary for improving skills applicable to existing employment with the CSU. I am applying for admission to CSU Sacramento to complete a [… name of academic goal…]. I have received approval from my supervisor to pursue this academic goal.
• Evidence: Proof of earning a bachelor's degree.

Following the steps above can help an employee (with a degree) navigate Cal State Apply and utilize the fee waiver program to pursue an academic goal in alignment with their Career Development plan.

Other CSU state-funded programs that may help you reach your goals:

• Student Success Analytics Certificate Program, Email AnalyticsCertificateProgram@calstate.edu
• Higher Ed Administration & Leadership (HEAL) Graduate Certificate program at CSUDH
• Middle Leadership Academy for CSU faculty, staff, researchers and students to collaborate on common issues related to student learning, engagement, progression and completion.
• Academic Applications of Artificial Intelligence micro-credential through SDSU (free canvas course to CSU employees, no fee waiver needed)
• CSU's WebAIM Accessible Document Training Certificate

• Ask to take on a stretch assignment at work to develop new skills
• Consider volunteering to gain experience to transfer to your dream job

Use LinkedIn Learning to develop in individualized Career Journey. Go to My Sac State > LinkedIn Learning. In the left navigation, select "My Career Journey"; complete the career goal and choose skills to unlock your personalized learning plan.

• What are you known for?
• Do people trust you?
• Do you have a growth mindset?

Do you need to renovate your reputation? How has your work performance and interactions formed your reputation?

• View Creating your Personal Brand for ideas about re-thinking your personal brand and reputation.

Go to My Sac State > Linked In Learning, and review one of the many resume courses available. Some, for example, Writing a Resume, have exercise files that you can download to help you with this process.

Review the internet for samples and tips for resumes in your career interest, as well as updating your resume for a career change (if applicable)

Cover letter: Even if optional, write an application cover letter

Double check: If you were reviewing your resume, could you easily and quickly check off each of the Required Qualifications listed on the job posting? Are all Preferred Qualifications you possess apparent as well?

Applications are a non-biased way for HR to collect information from you to see if you meet the minimum requirements for the job. Don't skimp on this, and don't put "see resume" - even though it might be tempting.

Print out or save a copy of the application so that you can see what information will be requested. You may copy and paste some information from your resume, if you wish.

Complete the online application and any additional questions fully. Be sure to upload additional materials such as your resume, certificates, etc.

Priority Application Date: The date after which the committee will begin reviewing applications. Applying by this date whenever possible will increase your chances of being reviewed within the first group of applicants. If you are entitled to priority consideration because of a Hiring Preference (see below), applying by this date will ensure your application is considered in isolation from the external applicant pool.

Hiring Preference: Is the hiring committee required by collective bargaining agreement (union) language to give first or priority consideration to certain applicants? Please note: If a job has been posted publicly on “careers.csus.edu” the position is open to all applications, including those outside of the hiring preference. If you are outside of this priority group, you may experience a delay in hearing back regarding your application status.

Anticipated Hiring Range: The department’s most accurate estimate of an expected starting salary rate for a successful candidate. This range cannot account for all internal hiring scenarios (i.e. required promotional increases that may exceed the anticipated max range).

CSU Classification Salary Range: The absolute minimum and maximum an employee can make in a certain classification salary range, as set by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. This provides transparency towards potential future salary progression.

Pretend you are an external candidate and prepare as if you are walking into an interview where no one knows you, your work, or your job. Remember, the committee has been instructed to consider what is shared in the interview and application materials - that's it. You must answer questions fully so that they can equitably compare you against any external candidates that may also interview.

• Prepare to rock the interview and practice interviewing
• Research common questions and have a friend or family member ask them of you
• Practice using the STAR interview response technique
• Dress professionally. Wear something you feel both confident and comfortable in. If your interview is a video conference (i.e. Zoom) ensure your background is clean, professional, and free of distractions.
• Once you interview, send a “thank you” email to whoever helped schedule the interview. Ask them to share your thanks with the search committee/hiring manager.

Competency Definition

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Show an awareness of own strengths and areas for development.
• Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback.
• Develop plans and goals for one’s future career.
• Professionally advocate for oneself and others.
• Display curiosity; seek out opportunities to learn.
• Assume duties or positions that will help one progress professionally.
• Establish, maintain, and/or leverage relationships with people who can help one professionally.
• Seek and embrace development opportunities.
• Voluntarily participate in further education, training, or other events to support one’s career.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Career Management - Level One

Career Management - Level Two

Career Management - Level Three

Competency Definition

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language, abilities.
• Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand.
• Frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences.
• Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others.
• Promptly inform relevant others when needing guidance with assigned tasks.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Communication - Writing Skills - Level One

Communication - Writing Skills - Level Two

Communication Writing Skills - Level Three

Competency Definition

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment.
• Gather and analyze information from a diverse set of sources and individuals to fully understand a problem.
• Proactively anticipate needs and prioritize action steps.
• Accurately summarize and interpret data with an awareness of personal biases that may impact outcomes.
• Effectively communicate actions and rationale, recognizing the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of stakeholders.
• Multi-task well in a fast-paced environment.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Critical Thinking - Level One

Critical Thinking - Level Two

Competency Definition

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Solicit and use feedback from multiple cultural perspectives to make inclusive and equity-minded decisions.
• Actively contribute to inclusive and equitable practices that influence individual and systemic change.
• Advocate for inclusion, equitable practices, justice, and empowerment for historically marginalized communities.
• Seek global cross-cultural interactions and experiences that enhance one’s understanding of people from different demographic groups and that leads to personal growth.
• Keep an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.
• Identify resources and eliminate barriers resulting from individual and systemic racism, inequities, and biases.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting to diverse environments.
• Address systems of privilege that limit opportunities for members of historically marginalized communities.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Equity and Inclusion - Level One

Equity and Inclusion - Level Two

Equity and Inclusion - Level Three

Competency Definition

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Inspire, persuade, and motivate self and others under a shared vision.
• Seek out and leverage diverse resources and feedback from others to inform direction.
• Use innovative thinking to go beyond traditional methods.
• Serve as a role model to others by approaching tasks with confidence and a positive attitude.
• Motivate and inspire others by encouraging them and by building mutual trust.
• Plan, initiate, manage, complete and evaluate projects.

Competency Definition

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization.
• Maintain a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal career values.
• Be present and prepared.
• Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work or meetings).
• Prioritize and complete tasks to accomplish organizational goals.
• Consistently meet or exceed goals and expectations.
• Have an attention to detail, resulting in few if any errors in their work.
• Show a high level of dedication toward doing a good job.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Professionalism - Level One

Professionalism - Level Two

Professionalism - Level Three

Competency Definition

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Listen carefully to others, taking time to understand and ask appropriate questions without interrupting.
• Effectively manage conflict, interact with and respect diverse personalities, and meet ambiguity with resilience.
• Be accountable for individual and team responsibilities and deliverables.
• Employ personal strengths, knowledge, and talents to complement those of others.
• Exercise the ability to compromise and be agile.
• Collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
• Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisor and team members/coworkers.

LinkedIn Learning Collections

Teamwork - Level One

Teamwork - Level Two

Competency Definition

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Behaviors Associated with Competency

• Navigate change and be open to learning new technologies.
• Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity of their work.
• Identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks.
• Manage technology to integrate information to support relevant, effective, and timely decision-making.
• Quickly adapt to new or unfamiliar technologies.
• Manipulate information, construct ideas, and use technology to achieve strategic goals.