Tag: Professional Development

Job of The Week: Executive Secretary II

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This week’s featured job is an Executive Secretary II for the College of Veterinary Medicine (job posting 1100619). If you are interested in providing support and assistance to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine prides itself on diversity, innovation, integrity, compassion, and collaboration. Their vision states, “Together we will be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service,” with a mission of learning, discovering, healing, and protecting. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), a service unit within the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a full-service and accredited laboratory for companion animals, horses, livestock, laboratory, zoo, and wildlife species. Additionally, the lab performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from all around Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. 

In this position, you will perform administrative support to the Executive Director of the VDL and interact with chairs, directors, faculty, administrators, professional veterinary organizations, and more. The Executive Secretary represents the VDL and the College of Veterinary Medicine in a professional manner. You will review, direct, and draft responses to the Director’s mail, manage the Director’s calendar, develop meeting agendas, and coordinate routine lab activities. Additionally, you will aid in laboratory operations and help with customer and stakeholder interactions. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting. 

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that of a high school education with five to eight years of related work experience. You should have experience working in a laboratory environment with safety and security measures, be collaborative by nature, remain calm under pressure, and have effective written and verbal communication. 

Learn more on the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume/CV, cover letter, and three professional referees and should be submitted by January 13.

Research Assistant II, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, December 30 application due at careers.msu.edu

Job of The Week: Research Assistant II

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This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant II for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 1098880). If you are interested in working with the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program and assisting with disease-focused field research across Michigan, this may be the role for you.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides students with an academically challenging environment where they put their knowledge and skills into practice, not only on campus but around the globe. The Chilvers Field Crops Pathology Program, part of the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program,  investigates diseases of soybean, corn, wheat, barley, and dry bean—combining field and laboratory research to advance disease management strategies and improve crop productivity. The program uses various new technologies and GPS-guided equipment and works closely with industry and academic collaborators. 

In this position, you will work closely with the field and laboratory teams to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing samples and data, coordinating and conducting disease scouting, plant vigor assessments, and treatment evaluations, among other duties. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that of a four-year degree, preferably in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Entomology, or other plant-related fields. You should have three to five years of work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing specialized and challenging analytical techniques, and designing research strategies. Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, along with a commitment to safety and a passion for field-based plant disease research, are desired. 
Learn more on the MSU Field Crop Pathology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and two letters of reference, and should be submitted by December 30.

Screenshots of calm health app on mobile devices

Introducing Calm Health: A New Mindfulness Resource for MSU Employees 

Published on by Abigail Miller1 Comment

MSU is committed to staff and faculty success, which includes helping employees and their families care for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are excited to share that Calm Health, a mindfulness app designed to support mental and physical health, is now available at no cost to MSU employees and their dependents aged thirteen and older who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Calm Health is designed to help you stress less, sleep better, and live more mindfully. 

What Does Calm Health Offer? 

Calm Health includes self-guided programs developed by psychologists to address specific mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, physical health conditions like diabetes and cancer, and life stages like parenting, retirement, and menopause. Based on your goals and brief in-app screenings, you will receive personalized recommendations to support your health journey. Resources include: 

  • Sleep support to help you unwind  
  • Guided meditations 
  • Breathing exercises 
  • Calming music and soundscapes 
  • Mindfulness videos 
  • Daily self-guided activities  
  • Evidence-based clinical programs  

How Can You Access Calm Health?  

No credit card, payment information, or subscription needed! Calm Health is free to all MSU employees, and their dependents (age 13 +) enrolled in an MSU health plan. Start your Calm Health journey through any of these options: 

  1. Register Using the Direct Link: Register for Calm Health using this link. 
  1. Download the Calm Health App: Search the Calm Health app from the App Store and Google Play and use the access code: “BCBSMI” during the registration process. This code is not case sensitive. 
  1. Through Your Blue Cross Member Account: Login to your Blue Cross member account and click on Find Care. Scroll down to Find Behavioral Health Support and click on the Find Help button. Click on the Live and Work Well link. Scroll down to The Calm Health app and click on the Learn about Calm Health link. 

Building healthy daily habits that support your mental and physical wellbeing doesn’t have to be time consuming or costly, and Calm Health is the perfect first step. Explore Calm Health for yourself, choose tools that fit your lifestyle, and feel more mindful and balanced every day!  

overhead view of a person taking notes while working at a laptop.

Professional Goals and the Resources to Help You Reach Them

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For many, the start of a new year brings a desire to set new goals – both professionally and personally. As you reflect on the past year, try to pinpoint areas you’d like to work on. Check out What’s Your Plan: Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What’s Important to You if you don’t know where to start. You’ll learn how creating a personal strategic plan can provide a “vision and structure for your professional life and an anchor for you to connect with during periods of change.”

Review the common work-related goals below to see if any resonate with you, and use the articles and learning opportunities provided by HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department to help you reach them.

As you think about what you want to work on in the coming year and beyond, consider tying them to your Performance Excellence goals (for support staff). For more information about how to set yourself up for success as you identify goals, check out this When SMART Meets HARD: Setting Goals that Matter article.

Research Assistant III, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, December 16 application due at careers.msu.edu

Job of The Week: Research Assistant III

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This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant III with the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1098373). If you are an experienced research professional with a passion for molecular biology, immunology, and translational science, and you’re interested in contributing to One Health initiatives, this may be the role for you.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, founded in 1966, is dedicated to discovering new therapies, understanding how toxins affect the body, and preparing the next generation of scientific and healthcare leaders. With a collaborative and innovative environment, the department drives research in drug discovery and development and offers a range of graduate and post-graduate programs that help students build successful careers in many diverse fields.

In this position, you will support ongoing studies within the laboratory with Dr. Andrea Gonzales, where you will carry out research on Th2 cytokines in atopic dermatitis across companion animals and humans. You will study neuro-immune interactions to identify molecular mechanisms underlying atopic disease in the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the One Health concept and be a part of the growth in MSU’s drug discovery program. Find a complete list of duties in the job posting. 

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a Master’s of Science in Biology, Animal Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related field, and one to three years of progressively responsible research experience. It is desired to have at least five years of laboratory experience, strong technical expertise, and familiarity with multi-species research models.

 Learn more on the MSU Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted by December 16.

Microsoft Office 365 Analyst, Information Technology Services, December 2 application due at careers.msu.edu

Job of The Week: Microsoft Office 365 Analyst

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This week’s featured job is a Microsoft Office 365 Analyst for MSU Information Technology Services (job posting 1093383). If you are a collaborative, tech-savvy professional interested in maximizing the value of Microsoft 365 tools while driving digital transformation and exploring AI solutions, this may be the role for you.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting IT across Michigan State University. MSU IT and department IT staff offer technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement, supporting staff, faculty, students, alumni, and visitors alike at MSU.

As the Microsoft 365 Analyst, you will help the department transition from siloed to standardized, collaborative digital workflows. You will integrate Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams and SharePoint, into administrative processes, streamline organizational workflows through AI-powered automations, and spread knowledge of underused tools across campus. Additionally, you will enhance Power BI use across departments and collaborate with administrative units across campus. Find a complete list of job duties and responsibilities

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of related work experience with application development, Microsoft 365, and designing, scheduling, implementing, and testing complex applications. You should have strong experience with Office 365 development tools, two years of hands-on experience working with coding and AI tools, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to train and support end-users. 

To learn more about MSU IT, please visit the MSU Information Technology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by December 2.

Two women smiling and laughing together.

Feeling Stressed? Consider Your Sphere of Influence.

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Ready or not, December is almost here! When you think about the remainder of the year, how do you feel? If thoughts of work deadlines, family get-togethers, or planning for the holidays and new year ahead have you feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are practices and resources we can utilize to help us center ourselves and approach this time of year with a healthier mindset. 

Consider Your Sphere of Influence 

We all know that allowing worry to grow uninhibited can lead to negative consequences, be it with our health, work performance, or relationships. So, why do we allow our minds to spend so much time in a state of worry?  In a previous blog post, Jennie Schaeffer, Director of MSU Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, discussed how worry can seem very active — spending time in that mindset can feel like you are working on something productive — but in reality, you are burning through energy that could be better spent. 

When you notice yourself worrying about what might happen, stop and ask yourself, “What can I do about it now?” One way to visualize this is the Sphere of Influence. 

Three circles on top of each other. The inner circle is labeled "control," the middle circle is labeled "possible influence, but no control," and the outer circle is labeled "no control."

Within the Sphere, there are three areas: 

  • No Control: If there is absolutely nothing you can do to change or influence a situation, you can only assess whether you can learn from it, then let it go and refocus on something else. This would apply to things like the weather, supply chain issues this season, or flight cancellations. To reduce feelings of worry and improve your well-being, spend minimal time and energy regarding any matters that fall within this area of the sphere. 
  • Possible Influence but No Control: If there is a step you can take that may influence an outcome, person, or situation, determine what action you can take to maximize that influence, follow through, and then let it go. Resist the temptation to convince yourself that worrying about it means it is within your control. 
  • Control: If the issue you are wrestling with is completely within your control, then you have control over your decisions, attitude, and behavior. What action can you take that you’ve been putting off? What self-care practice can you initiate to support your well-being? When you practice shifting your focus and attention to what is within your control rather than allowing what is out of your control to consume your time and thoughts, feelings of helplessness and overwhelm decrease significantly. 

Make Yourself a Priority 

When asked why we don’t make our well-being a higher priority, the most common answer is: not enough time. Although we can’t add more hours to the day (No Control area of the Sphere of Influence), we can take actionable steps to better manage our time and carve out space to improve our overall wellness (Control area of the sphere). 

Here are a few ideas to help you focus your energy on areas you can control when it comes to your well-being this time of year. 

  • Schedule Downtime: Block downtime off on your Outlook calendar like you would for a meeting or other work engagement. 
  • Set Positive Boundaries: Check out the following articles as a starting point: 
  • Be Selective: Most of us have an extraordinary number of demands placed on us, and this time of year often brings even more. Before you commit to anything additional, give yourself a little time to consider: Do I really need to do this right now? 
  • Get Back to the Basics: Consider your current relationship with sleep, physical activity, and eating. What are one or two simple steps you could take to improve your physical health? Even something as small as not having your cell phone next to your bed at night or scheduling short blocks of time on your calendar to stretch at your desk can have a tremendous impact. Ensuring your basic physical needs are met helps ensure a solid foundation for all aspects of your well-being. 

Utilize Your Resources 

One major goal within MSU’s strategic plan is to support the “career development and well-being of staff and faculty at MSU, focusing on creating a best-in-class workplace culture and welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.” From one-on-one counseling to self-paced learning opportunities, many resources are available to you as an MSU employee to improve your well-being and take care of yourself this year and beyond. Recommendations to get you started are listed below, along with contact information for specialists at MSU who can provide extra support. 

University Health and Wellbeing: Supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
  • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: These webinars transform counseling-based skill-building into accessible media formats. These offerings integrate resilience education into the everyday living, learning, and working spaces of the Spartan community.
  • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work! 
  • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
  • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.

elevateU Online Learning Platform: Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses, and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include: 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) Courses: Instructor-led courses offered by the friendly and knowledgeable OPD team. Course dates and times are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back soon for updated course dates/times! Highlighted courses include (new dates/times coming soon):

Opening Image Credit: Centre for Aging Better Age-Positive Image Library. 

Job of The Week: Electrical Planner/Inspector

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This week’s featured job is an Electrical Planner/Inspector/Analyst III for MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (job posting 1093729). If you are an experienced professional with a strong background in electrical systems, project management, and code compliance who is looking to play a crucial role in supporting MSU’s campus infrastructure, this may be the position for you. 

MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) plans, builds, maintains, and beautifies MSU’s physical campus environment in support of its education, research, and outreach missions. The unit’s team of over 1,000 professionals keeps MSU running 24/7/365 by meeting the infrastructure needs and providing expert analysis to support long-term planning goals. Together, they ensure that MSU’s campus remains a safe and inspiring place to work, learn, and grow. 

This position plans, designs, directs, estimates, inspects, and analyzes the installation, construction, alteration, operation, and/or repair of very complex mechanical, structural, electrical, environmental, electronic, or computer-based systems in new or existing facilities and projects campus-wide. Other duties include:

  • Provide expert technical support for project services, maintenance services, management, and skilled trades staff.
  • Manage complex, multi-craft projects from planning and design through procurement, inspection, and closeout.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards.
  • Offer cost-effective design ideas and solutions to help departments meet budget and operational goals. 
  • Prepare detailed drawings, technical reports, cost studies, and assist in material procurement and emergency management.
  • Engage in high-performing, leading-edge practices that value people, partnerships, and stewardships. 

This position requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, and five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical construction and construction project management. You should have strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Find a list of remaining requirements on the job listing.

Apply for this position on the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and should be submitted by December 2. 

Job of The Week: Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant

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This week’s featured job is a Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant (Library Assistant IV) for MSU Libraries (job posting 1092720). If you are a detail-oriented professional interested in managing projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible resources while investigating new AI-powered solutions, this may be the position for you.

The Libraries are at the center of academic life at Michigan State University, where they provide expertise, collections, and infrastructure for discovery and creation. The Libraries foster connections that support and drive research, teaching, and learning in local and global communities surrounding MSU. The Digital Initiatives Division serves as the administrative home to eight units and centers. Learn more about the MSU Digital Initiatives Division here. 

As the Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant, you will manage projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible digital resources. You will operate planetary, flatbed, and slide scanners, including handling rare and fragile materials with preservation care. Additionally, you will produce accessible PDFs and alternative formats using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader, and more. You will test and apply AI tools for alt-text, tagging, and document structuring, and create training materials that meet MSU Libraries’ highest standards of accessibility. Find a complete list of job duties and responsibilities.

This position requires a degree (or equivalent knowledge) and one to three years of recent experience in an academic library setting. You should have a strong understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508, PDF/UA, etc.), be comfortable with image editing software, and have the ability to manage multiple projects at a time. You should have strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a passion for exploring and using AI tools to succeed in this role. 

To learn more about MSU Libraries, visit the MSU Libraries Website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and three references and should be submitted by November 18.

Dry erase board saying "Hello, my pronouns are"

International Pronouns Day

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This article was written in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. 

We celebrated International Pronouns Day this month! Using the correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities. 

What is International Pronouns Day?  

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?  

  • Be mindful of all sex, social gender, or gender identities and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.  
  • Voluntarily share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings.  
  • Practice using a person’s pronouns when speaking or writing about them. 
  • You can include pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications.  

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center’s educational resources.  

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?  

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community, while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, has launched the self-service MySpartanIdentity Portal, allowing MSU community members to voluntarily manage their chosen identity information in compliance with university policies. 

Are there resources to explore this further?  

  • Learn more about pronouns, FAQs, and additional resources  
  • Glossary of definitions for gender and sexuality terms  
  • Resources for faculty, staff, and TAs.  

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).