Professional Development Center expands

The Professional Development Center is expanding, according to a recent news release. Shelly Carlton, Marketing manager for the School of Extended Studies, explained a few of the expansions.

“The new digital marketing strategies certificate is all about social media, search engine marketing, and online branding. The marketing certificate is a great way to build a marketing plan for those who need a refresher, or full knowledge on how to bring a product or service to market,” Carlton explained.

The new sustainable design and development certificate offers key learning in green building and design, LEED, and solar and wind power.

“The IT and Six Sigma programs are expanding their offerings to keep up with technology and the need for identifying process improvement,” she said.

The center has 16 program areas to assist those that are job seeking or wishing to obtain further job training. Topics include information technology, project management and healthcare management.

Carlton said that the center receives no state funding and is a self-supported program that accepts payments at the time of registration. Credit-overlay courses also may be eligible for financial aid.

The center’s staff encourages students to register for these courses.

“These courses offer timely business skills such as project management, business writing, and search engine marketing, which students may need in addition to a more traditional degree program,” Carlton said.

Carlton also explained that goals of the PDC include “[giving] people education at the speed of business [and making] them more effective in their jobs.”

They have also added the five-month Leadership and Management Program. According to its Web site, LAMP has been aiding with leadership development at Hewlett-Packard for 25 years. It is based off of the successfully led program at the University of California, San Diego. The next training is available Sept. 7, and includes two modules.

The next semiannual information session is on Feb. 24. Presentations will begin at 5:45 p.m. An instructor will be talking about necessary communication skills needed for project management. Afterward, program managers will be available to discuss the center’s programs and courses.

You can register at www.pdc.pdx.edu/infosession or request more information at www.pdc.pdx.edu/about/request.php.