Professional Edge

Strengthen your qualifications to excel in your career.

Professional Edge is an industry-informed collection of short courses designed to help students develop cutting-edge skills essential in the modern job market.

Build targeted, practical skills in an interactive and engaging format and distinguish yourself in a field of other job applicants. As a participant, you'll receive guidance from instructors informed by the latest business trends and leave with tangible tools and stories you can leverage in your career search.

Whether it’s a basic course in Microsoft Teams or a more advanced course in competitive intelligence or Google Analytics, these University of Oregon-backed credentials can be used to highlight your mastery of highly sought-after skills to potential employers.

As you plan your schedule, take advantage of these largely free one- to two-hour sessions conveniently offered throughout the year.

Apr 11
Women in Business Leadership Panel 6:00 p.m.

Join the UO Alumni Association's Duck Career Network and UO Women in Business Club for an engaging discussion with women business leaders about how they've carved a path...
Women in Business Leadership Panel
April 11
6:00–7:30 p.m.

Join the UO Alumni Association's Duck Career Network and UO Women in Business Club for an engaging discussion with women business leaders about how they've carved a path in their fields. Learn their leadership styles, the career hurdles they've faced on the road to success, and lessons they have learned about advocating for themselves and others. The panel discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A. 

UO alumni panelists include Anisha Weber, former managing director at Logic 20/20, and Pagely Tucker, senior director of marketing at LinkedIn. The panel will be moderated by Jennifer Welander, instructor of accounting and former chief financial officer at St. Charles Health System.

All alumni, as well as graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to attend this event, along with faculty, staff, and community members. While our panel highlights women leaders, attendance is open to all genders.

Apr 12
Herstory: The Foundations of Women's Professional Sports 6:00 p.m.

Are you curious about what's led to the exciting rise in fan engagement and media visibility in women's professional sports leagues? Join other sports enthusiasts for a...
Herstory: The Foundations of Women's Professional Sports
April 12
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Lillis Business Complex Room 312

Are you curious about what's led to the exciting rise in fan engagement and media visibility in women's professional sports leagues?

Join other sports enthusiasts for a dynamic workshop on the foundations of women’s sports business. Learn about the history and current landscape of women's professional sports in the United States and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities inherent.

You'll get the chance to engage in a short lecture and a critical thinking discussion and test your knowledge in trivia (with prizes!). We will also be joined by a special guest, former All-American Girls Professional Leaguer, Lois Youngen. The 89-year-old wonder woman is a pioneer, professor emerit, coach, philanthropist, competitor, and longtime Eugene resident. Lois's achievements on the field and investment in women's sport have set a precedent for women's participation in sport being equivalent to that of men.

Lois will be joined by Ducks Softball super senior Allee Bunker for a candid conversation on why the continued growth of women's sports is important for society.

About Professional Edge

Professional Edge is an industry informed collection of short courses designed to help students develop cutting-edge skills essential in the modern job market.

Build targeted, practical skills in an interactive and engaging format and distinguish yourself in a field of other job applicants. As a participant, you'll receive guidance from instructors informed by the latest business trends and leave with tangible tools and stories you can leverage in your career search.

Apr 14
Trauma-Informed Business Practices 1:00 p.m.

This workshop is designed to help participants understand the basics of trauma awareness and learn how to apply trauma-informed principles to their current or future workplaces....
Trauma-Informed Business Practices
April 14
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Lillis Business Complex Room 212

This workshop is designed to help participants understand the basics of trauma awareness and learn how to apply trauma-informed principles to their current or future workplaces. The workshop will be facilitated by Stephanie Dinius and Colleen McCarthy from the University of Oregon's UHS Counseling Services, who will provide insights and practical tips on creating a trauma-sensitive workplace.

The workshop will consist of a combination of presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from the facilitators and each other as they become equipped with the knowledge and skills to cultivate trauma-informed workplaces that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering for all individuals.

Learning Outcomes and Goals

Understanding the basics of trauma awareness: Learn about the fundamentals of trauma, its different types, the impact of trauma on mental health, and how it can show up in the workplace. Introduction to trauma-informed principles: Participants will receive an introductory overview of trauma-informed principles and learn how to apply them in their workplaces to create a safer and supportive environment for individuals with trauma histories. Identifying concrete practices: Participants will be able to identify and learn about specific trauma-informed practices they can apply in their own workplaces. They will learn about techniques such as reflective communication and listening skills, and navigating workplace decisions within a trauma-informed model.

About the Instructors

Colleen McCarthy is a senior staff psychologist for UO Counseling Services, and also coordinates the Gender Support Services program and practicum program. She is trained as a generalist and is also particularly interested in therapeutic work related to trauma, family of origin, relationship concerns, and anxiety.

Stephanie Dinius is a doctoral psychology intern for UO Counseling Services. She is a PhD candidate in counseling psychology at Boston University. She enjoys working with the general student population and her areas of specialized interest are in disordered eating and sport psychology.

About Professional Edge

Professional Edge is an industry informed collection of short courses designed to help students develop cutting-edge skills essential in the modern job market.

Build targeted, practical skills in an interactive and engaging format and distinguish yourself in a field of other job applicants. As a participant, you'll receive guidance from instructors informed by the latest business trends and leave with tangible tools and stories you can leverage in your career search.

View All Upcoming Events


Industry-Informed Skills
Explore a variety of interactive short courses.
Dynamic Instructors 
Learn from experienced industry practitioners.
Time Efficient 
Build cutting-edge skills in a short timeframe.
Employability 
Excel in your career search with advanced business skills.

What do you want to learn?

We're always looking to expand our current offering of workshops. Email us at professionaledge@uoregon.edu to let us know what subjects you'd like to see us explore in the future.

Previous workshops have explored such topics as:

  • Design thinking
  • Google Analytics
  • Investment plan design and presentation
  • Storytelling for business presentations
  • Tableau

    Are you an employer or alumnus looking to get involved?

    There are a number of different ways to make meaningful connections within the Professional Edge program. Contact us to learn more.

    • Teach a short course.
    • Sponsor a new series of skill-building short courses.
    • Hire students with demonstrated skill mastery.

    Contact

    Professional Edge
    Lundquist College of Business
    1208 University of Oregon
    Eugene, OR 97403-1208
    541-346-3303 
    professionaledge@uoregon.edu

    Program Facilitators

    • Trish Dorman, Senior Associate Director, Student Engagement and Programming
    • Natalie Abele, MBA student
    • Swati Yadav, MBA student