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Why Professional Development

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 10:17:33 AM PDT
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“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” — Robert Greene

The UC San Diego Student Employment Professional Development Program is designed as a robust workplace learning environment that impacts career readiness and builds transferrable skills and core competencies. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness as “a foundation from which to demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly prepare the college-educated for success in the workplace and lifelong career management.” Engaging in professional development while working on campus helps students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Professional development also encourages students to embrace continuous learning and a growth mindset which helps them navigate their evolving career paths and the ever changing future of work.

Student Employment Professional Development Program Foundational Principles

  • Student-Centric
  • Equity-Focused
  • Facilitate a “Learning-Lab” Environment
  • Linked to UC San Diego Competencies
  • Linked to NACE Core Competencies
  • Linked to Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
  • Build a career portfolio
  • Develop transferable skills that strengthen marketability to future employers
  • Build relationships and expand professional networks 
  • Promote a culture of success in the workplace
  • Impact student success

Professional Development Framework

The professional development framework was adapted from the Center for Creative Leadership’s (CCL) 70/20/10 Rule for Leadership Development Model and applied as a foundation for the Student Employment Professional Development Program where:

  • 70% is focused on developing skills and core competencies through on-the-job training
  • 20% is focused on workplace learning through teamwork and mentorship from a student employee supervisor and other staff and student employees
  • 10% is focused on formal learning through workshops, resources, and asynchronous learning
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Have Questions or Need Help?

  • If you have questions about student employment, please reach out to your department HR Contact. 

  • For additional assistance, please email the Student Employment Office.