New Chair for Committee

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We welcome the appointment of Judy Verlin as the new Chair of Committee for Ballarat.

Judy took over the reins from Tony Chew at the October 2012 AGM.

As a former Councillor and Mayor of City of Ballarat, Judy brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Judy said that planning for Ballarat's future with including population growth, public amenities and "real jobs" would be her priorities.

We extend our thanks to former chair, Tony Chew, for his strong support of Connect Networking.


Get to Know Your City

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If you are interested in learning a little more about the City in which you live, and the facilities it offers in the way of venues for meetings etc, you must get on the Ballarat Bus for our September Connect Networking Meeting

   

RIASEC?

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What on earth is that, I hear you ask?

Connect Networking members who attended the June 2013 workshop probably have a good idea and could give you a brief rundown.

The workshop with Julie Warnock, TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE – CONCERNS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, explored (and had fun) with the RIASEC typing.

Rather than dwell on the challenges created by  constantly changing work environments, the workshop focussed on identifying the wide range of skills and attributes that Office Professionals have developed in their roles - skills and attributes that are transferrable and could be utilised in different areas of tbe business and also in different roles.

So where does RIASEC* come in?

RIASEC is an acronym for  Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional - six vocational groups that share similar skills, values and types of people . Jobs can be typed according to the skills and values that are involved in performing the work and can be given two or three codes. For example, being a musician involves working with people, and working in a creative environment and so could be typed Social-Artistic (SA).

So why is RIASEC of interest/importance? It seems simple and does make sense. When there is a match between your values, skills and attributes and that of your role, you are more likely to enjoy your job, be energised by it and get greater job satisfaction.

If you are interested in learning more about vocational types, you might want to refer to John Holland's A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments.

Another great Connect Networking session!

Bigger and better things in 2013!

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Committee for Ballarat Board supports expansion of Connect Networking
At its December 2012 meeting, the Committee for Ballarat Board strongly endorsed the proposal from the Connect Planning Committee to extend Connect Networking across all levels of Committee for Ballarat membership.

Connect Networking was piloted during 2011-2012 and, in line with its commitment to the Board, its operations/activities were reviewed at the end of the twelve month pilot period.  

This review was carried out through a survey of Connect Networking members and in seeking feedback from managers in their organisations.  The results were very pleasing. Overwhelmingly, members considered that their involvement in Connect Networking had been worthwhile. 

Having a network of those in similar roles and being able to develop closer professional/personal relationship with those contacts were seen as key benefits. The professional development/social activities  were also highly rated.

Given the positive response to the survey, the Planning Committee had no hesitation in recommending to the Board that Connect Networking not only continue but that it be opened to Office Professionals across all membership levels of Committee for Ballarat.

2013 will be an exciting year for Connect - new members, new ideas and new networking opportunities!