Women and Work conference to focus on trade, technology careers

The seventh annual Idaho State University Women and Work “Opportunities in Trade and Technology Careers” Conference is scheduled March 7.

The conference, sponsored by the ISU College of Technology Center for New Directions, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Pond Student Union Ballroom, 1065 South Cesar Chavez Way, Pocatello.

    The Women and Work conference is provided for women who are either involved with or interested in nontraditional occupations. It is an opportunity to gain information through workshops, speakers, networking and exposure to local training and educational resources. The conference will feature hands-on career exploration, workshops, and keynote speakers; Brenda Baumgartner from KPVI-TV, and Sylvia Medina, president and CEO of North Wind, Inc.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from the following workshops:

•    Forensics – Crime scene investigators and forensic scientists utilize their knowledge and intuition to crack tough criminal cases. See how evidence is used to reconstruct crimes and solve mysteries and learn how DNA, blood samples, hair and fiber samples are used to tell stories of a true crime.

•    It’s Our Duty, Women in Public Services– People depend on protective-service workers to keep peace, make sure laws are followed, protect fish and game, and help offenders become productive in the community. Join a panel of public service workers as they explain their jobs.

•    The Monster Under the Bed: Math – Is your fear of math preventing you from accomplishing your career goals? Don’t let the numbers scare you away from a great career. Learn how to take steps to overcome math insecurities and take control of your future.

•    Sexual Harassment – Women who enter nontraditional occupations face a work environment made up mostly of men. One reason women hesitate to enter into that environment is because of a fear of sexual harassment. Come learn about how to overcome fears that can harm a successful career.

•    Nontraditional Panel – Join women from a variety of traditionally male careers as they discuss their careers and the paths they took to their current professions.

•    Diversity and Cultural Competency in the Workplace – The workplace is a vast collection of cultures, races, genders and beliefs. Learn the value of creating a workplace that is equally as diverse as the people it serves.

•    Trades – What are the trades? How can an organized workplace create better jobs and benefits for its workers? Join the trades of Pocatello and the surrounding area in exploring education and career experiences in these rewarding and profitable jobs.

•    Work Your Image – “Women Work!” can help you create a professional appearance to get and keep a job.

•    Professional Preparation/Work Your Image II – What makes a résumé stand out to potential employers? Learn how to write professional documents that can help you get the interview and job of your dreams.

•    Shameless Self Promotion – Ever wonder how some women get such good jobs? Why do some advance in their career while others stay in the same position forever? Learn how to define your goals and then go after them.

The conference fee is $18 for the general public and $8.50 for students. This fee includes a continental breakfast and luncheon. Scholarships are available.

For more information about the Women and Work Conference or to register, call 282-2454. Registration deadline is March 2.