The Foundational Skills program is part of Duke's Professional Development Academy. The Professional Development Academy is dedicated to providing tailored training programs to foster career growth for targeted staff groups and to support Duke's staffing needs. The goals of the Academy include improving retention and strengthening workforce commitment, developing the skills and capabilities of staff, and supporting Duke's commitment to diversity. 

The Foundational Skills Program is a 10-session intensive experience designed for staff currently working in non-administrative roles categorized as levels 1-5, B1, and B2. The program focuses on the development of critical knowledge and skills in technology, administration, and leadership. It serves to prepare individuals to grow-in-place within the organization and to foster retention at Duke University and Health System. 

Application Period

Nominations will be accepted through March 1, 2025.

To nominate your employee or yourself, complete the Qualtrics application at: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3rgkLpjr5lDhitw 

Target Audience

To provide development of critical knowledge and skills in technology, administration, and leadership. It serves to prepare individuals to grow-in-place within the organization and to foster retention at Duke University and Health System. 

Goal

To provide fundamental knowledge and skills that prepare individuals to make application for entry-level administrative roles within Duke.

Program Features

  • Skills training and work experience opportunities will take place at Duke
  • Departments will actively support training and mentoring of participants
  • Participants will have mentors and Professional Development Academy resources that will provide support throughout the program
  • Participants will commit to a retention agreement of 12 months of post-graduation employment at Duke

Curriculum

During the year-long program, participants will take courses composed of technology and professional development supported by experiential contexts and guided mentorship. Participants will also receive support to interview skills, resume writing, business etiquette, and job shadowing.  

Technology will consist of 5 full-day technology courses, lab hours for application, and a practical exam. Topics include: 

  • Computer Basics
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Professional development will consist of 5 full-day workshops that include prework, experiential learning, and proficiency assignments. Topics include: 

  • Administrative Essential Skills
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Time Management
  • Business Writing
  • Leadership and Teamwork

Selection Criteria

  • Full-time Duke service staff 
    • Minimum of one year of service 
    • Successful performance rating
    • No disciplinary actions and currently not on a Performance Improvement Plan
  • Currently working in service areas in job levels 2-5 or B1 or B2
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Basic keyboarding skills 
  • Brief employment history of employee 
  • Employee statement of interest in participating in this program 
  • Recommendation of current manager
    • Please note: The manager must be willing to support your involvement in the program by doing the following: 
      • Arrange work schedule to accommodate the program schedule 
      • Provide guidance and support to complete the program
  • Commitment to remain at Duke for 24 months after program completion 
  • Commitment to 10 full-day onsite sessions

Time Investment

The Foundational Skills Program is a year-long intensive experience. Selected individuals will participate in classroom training, structured workplace applications, and guided mentorship. 

Participants will need to be available from 8am-5pm on the following dates for in-person instructor-led sessions.  

  • April 8, 2025 
  • May 6, 2025 
  • June 3, 2025 
  • July 15, 2025 
  • August 12, 2025 
  • September 9, 2025 
  • October 7, 2025 
  • November 4, 2025 
  • December 2, 2025  
  • January 6, 2026 
  • February 10, 2026 
  • March 10, 2026 

In addition, participants should anticipate approximately 3 hours of supplemental work outside of the sessions per month, which includes mentoring. 

Mentor/Mentee Partnership Component

  • Each participant will be assigned a mentor
  • Mentors will be selected based on their role in the organization, ability to meet with participants at least once per month, and willingness to participate in required training and check-in sessions
  • Mentors will:
    • Provide guidance on setting and achieving developmental goals
    • Share insight into building and maintaining effective office relationships
    • Insight into work culture and workplace expectations
    • Reinforce classroom training through applied practice
    • Provide Job Shadowing

For more information, please contact the Professional Development Academy by email at marjorie.siegert@duke.edu.