Creative Pathways is a program that provides eligible MCCCD employees a variety of opportunities to work towards professional and personal goals, while at the same time, advancing the educational objectives of the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Currently, there are two offerings available, the Internship Program and Maricopa Learns Through Service, both designed to provide employees with real-world learning experiences for the purpose of acquiring new knowledge, skills and abilities.
This issue of the newsletter highlights two employee Internship Program participants.
The way to get ahead is to start now.
-- William Feather
Gary Braden's Creative Pathways placement included six months in the Information
Services Department at Rio Salado working on Web Applications. With an educational
background and interest in this area, Gary has enjoyed the opportunity to actually
engage in the type of work he hopes to focus on in the future.
Gary joined the Maricopa Community Colleges four years ago and has worked as a Client
Support Analyst. He pursued this opportunity in order to explore a new niche while
still having a connection to his original position.
Gary appreciated the support of his supervisor who allowed him to participate in
this program. In his absence, his original position was filled by a part-time
employee who has now become a full-time Board approved employee in a new position.
This is what talent management is all about!
When asked what advice Gary has for others interested in Creative Pathways, he said simply, DO IT!
Ask yourself the secret of your success. Listen to your answer, and practice it.
--Richard Bach
Charles Reinebold described his Creative Pathways experience as very satisfying and
indicated that the experience allowed him to find a better fit within the organization
using his skills and expertise.
Charles joined the Maricopa Community Colleges in 1998 and spent 8 years as the Director
of Marketing and Public Relations at Chandler Gilbert Community College. He brought with
him years of experience working as a newspaper reporter and editor and in public relations
for 19 years. With this expertise, Charles built a department that now includes graphic
design and media relations and that has received 20 awards for marketing excellence.
Although Charles loves Chandler Gilbert and the work he did there, he wanted to get back to
writing and radio announcing and was delighted to have the support of Maria Hesse and Mark
Mason who understood his desire to grow and supported his participation in Creative Pathways.
Charles designed a very unique Creative Pathways placement experience which included working
part-time in the District Office Marketing Office and part-time at the KJZZ radio station.
Now, Charles is on a temporary assignment for 6 months in the role of Media Relations Manager
at the District Office which includes writing copy for the media and publishing the District
Dialogue newsletter. You can also hear Charles on KJZZ on Saturdays where he has continued
to work out of love for broadcasting.
In closing, Charles said that he just keeps pinching himself to be sure his new position
is real - a position in which he is able to do what he loves to do.
Past Internship Participant Stories
Quote Corner
