‘Purdue Pursuits’: Moving Forward in Four

When Michele Dekle accepted a promotion in Purdue’s Internal Audit Office one year ago, she received feedback that would forever fuel her desire to grow and advance within her department.

“They told me, ‘You didn’t receive this promotion because we think you’re ready to start doing auditor-level work; you received this promotion because you are already doing auditor-level work, and it was time to solidify that,’” Dekle says. 

With those words in mind, Dekle quickly began searching for ways to advance even further within her department. When she heard about the Moving Forward in Four program offered by Human Resources, Dekle knew it was the perfect opportunity to refine her skillset and position herself for success.

“When you’re in a role in a department that you enjoy, you’re not necessarily looking for ways to get another job because you like what you do and you’re in an area that suits you,” Dekle says. “But I also think that when you’re in those areas, you still want to make sure you’re sharp. Moving Forward in Four helped in that way.” 

Moving Forward in Four is designed to help employees strengthen their internal opportunities at Purdue. During four virtual, interactive sessions focused on developing a personal brand, composing a strong resume and cover letter and preparing for a job interview, participants explore topics like the university’s hiring process, LinkedIn best practices, resume and cover letter myths and more.

It had been several years since Dekle revamped her resume, and she was eager to learn new tips and trends to help her better highlight her experience and work-related knowledge. During the final workshop session, she even had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with program coordinator Michele Flemming, who helped Dekle edit her resume one line at a time.

“We found ways to move some things around so it would read better, but her edits also gave a clearer picture of where I am today versus years ago,” Dekle says. “It’s helped my resume flow a lot better. She even told me that when I was done with everything, I could send her my resume and we could take some time to look at it together again.” 

In addition to receiving guidelines and tips relative to career advancement, Dekle, who has participated in her department’s interview committee, also discovered new ways to perform her current duties in a post-pandemic environment.

“With the pandemic, there are lots of things that are done differently now,” Dekle says. “Navigating all of that is challenging, and I don’t think there was one session where that didn’t come up. I walked away from the series knowing I have some practical tips if I am interviewing someone in the future.”

Dekle says all types and levels of Purdue employees have something to gain from enrolling in Moving Forward in Four. 

“Wherever you are in your career journey, you’re going to get something out of it,” she says. “Things change and shift all the time, and I think there’s something that everyone can pull out of it that will help them become the best employee and the best professional self they can be.”

Since receiving her promotion, Dekle has set her sights on a new goal: stepping into the role of senior auditor. And with the help of Moving Forward in Four, she’s more confident in her ability to achieve it.  

“I have been making it a point to think of my work from a senior auditor position, and every time I do work, I’m doing it in a way that shows why I’m ready for the next level,” Dekle says. “More than anything, I walked away from the program feeling confident in where I am career-wise. It helped me stand firm in where I am and know that I can be confident in my experience and speak to that in a way that allows others to see it as well.”

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE 

Online registration for Moving Forward in Four is open to all Purdue faculty and staff through Feb. 21. Participation is limited to 50.

The sessions are design to build upon one another, and attendees should be prepared to participate in all four:

Create Your Path with Personal Brand, Social Media and Networking

Feb. 22 (Wed.) 10-11:15 a.m.

Resume Builder

March 1 (Wednesday) 10-11:15 a.m.

The Interview

March 8 (Wednesday) 10-11:15 a.m.

Workshop
Participants will meet individually with Talent Acquisition professionals to review their resume and participate in a mock interview.

Faculty and staff who are unable to secure a spot in the upcoming sessions of Moving Forward in Four can access Human Resources’ online learning and development opportunities until the program returns in June.

Questions may be directed to oecomm@purdue.edu.