Explore Upward Mobility Program
Career Development
Career Development for California’s Civil Servants
As a valued member of California’s civil servant workforce, you are part of the state’s greatest resource—its employees. Your dedication and contributions play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce and ensuring your department achieves its mission and goals.
Supporting Your Career Growth
At every stage of your career, we are committed to helping you succeed. Career development is a continuous journey that involves:
✔ Building professional relationships to expand your network and opportunities.
✔ Engaging in career development conversations to identify growth areas and new opportunities.
✔ Creating and updating your career development action plan to align with your evolving goals.
✔ Setting new goals as your life and career priorities change.
Tools & Resources for Your Success
We encourage you to explore the resources, tools, and information available to support your career development planning. These resources can help you:
- Identify opportunities for skill-building and advancement.
- Develop a roadmap for career success based on your aspirations.
- Strengthen professional relationships that foster learning and mentorship.
By taking an active role in your career development, you can build the skills and relationships needed for long-term success. Start planning today to shape a fulfilling and rewarding career in California’s civil service!
Mentorship and Coaching
Mentorship & Coaching Opportunities for State Employees
As a State of California employee, you have access to mentorship and coaching programs designed to support your career development and professional growth. These programs provide valuable guidance, leadership training, and skill-building opportunities to help you advance in your career.
Mentorship & Coaching Programs
CalHR Leadership Programs
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) offers leadership development programs that include mentorship and coaching to help employees build strong leadership skills.
Department Mentorship Programs
Many state departments have formal mentorship programs, where experienced employees guide newer staff on:
✔ Career growth and skill development
✔ Navigating state government careers
✔ Expanding professional networks
Career Coaching
Employees can also access career coaching through their department’s Human Resources office.
Career coaches help with:
✔ Setting career goals
✔ Identifying job advancement opportunities
✔ Developing strategies for professional success
Supervisory & Management Development
For those aspiring to leadership roles, CalHR provides supervisory and management development programs that include mentoring from senior managers.
Job Shadowing & Cross-Training
Some departments offer job shadowing and cross-training opportunities, allowing employees to:
✔ Learn from experienced colleagues
✔ Gain hands-on experience in different roles
✔ Broaden their skill sets for career advancement
Invest in your career development today and take the next step toward achieving your professional goals!
On-the-Job Training and Rotational Assignments
On-the-Job Training & Rotational Assignments
As a State of California employee, you have access to on-the-job training and rotational assignments—both valuable opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. These programs allow you to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore different career paths within state government.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training enables employees to:
✔ Learn new skills directly in their current roles.
✔ Work closely with supervisors and experienced colleagues who provide hands-on instruction and feedback.
✔ Enhance job performance through real-world learning experiences.
This type of training helps employees build competence and confidence while preparing for advancement opportunities within their departments.
Rotational Assignments
Many state departments offer rotational assignments, where employees temporarily work in different positions or departments to:
✔ Broaden their skill sets by gaining exposure to different job functions.
✔ Develop a deeper understanding of their organization and how various departments work together.
✔ Prepare for leadership roles by learning from multiple perspectives within state government.
Why Participate?
Both on-the-job training and rotational assignments are designed to:
✔ Support career development and progression.
✔ Provide diverse learning experiences to enhance job satisfaction.
✔ Increase adaptability and readiness for higher-level roles.
Training and Education
Training & Education Opportunities for State Employees
As a State of California employee, you have access to a variety of training and education opportunities designed to support your career advancement and professional growth. Whether you're looking to develop new skills, earn certifications, or prepare for leadership roles, there are resources available to help you succeed.
CalHR Training Programs
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) offers training in:
✔ Leadership and management development
✔ Effective communication skills
✔ Customer service excellence
✔ Workplace collaboration and problem-solving
Employees can access these courses through in-person sessions, webinars, and self-paced online learning.
CalHR Learning Management System (LMS)
The CalHR Learning Management System (LMS) provides employees with a wide range of online courses and webinars covering:
✔ Professional development topics
✔ Technical and job-specific skills
✔ Compliance and workplace policies
Tuition Reimbursement & Educational Assistance
Many state departments offer:
✔ Tuition reimbursement for higher education and job-related certifications.
✔ Educational assistance programs to support employees pursuing further education.
✔ Tuition discounts at California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses.
Workshops, Seminars & Professional Development
Employees can participate in workshops, seminars, and development programs to:
✔ Gain new skills and stay competitive in their field.
✔ Network with other professionals in state government.
✔ Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
Leadership & Retirement Planning
For those aspiring to leadership roles, CalHR offers:
- Supervisory and management development programs with mentorship opportunities.
- Retirement planning resources through CalPERS to help employees prepare for the future.
Take the next step in your career development and invest in your future success!