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Career

Workforce Development Month: Building Skills for a Data-Driven Future

During Workforce Development Month in September, we like to reflect on how education, training, and career pathways can support individuals and communities. At SMU CAPE, we see every course, workshop, and certificate program as part of a larger story: helping professionals progress toward their career goals. Progress Powered by Data In addition to trade-specific knowledge […]

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Career News The CAPE Connection

Texas Workforce Commission Eligible Training Provider

What if the next big step in your career didn’t require a loan or upfront tuition? Through funding provided by the Texas Workforce Commission, qualifying students can now take select SMU CAPE courses tuition-free. WIOA also covers any related fees and materials costs. Approved students don’t have to pay anything. This opportunity is designed to […]

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Career The CAPE Connection

Mid-Year Momentum: Now Is The Time To Start That Side Hustle

We’re officially halfway through the year, can you believe it? August is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and re-energize your goals. And if one of those goals is to increase your income, boost your creativity, or explore new professional opportunities, starting a side hustle could be the next best move you make. Whether you’re […]

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Career Professional Education The CAPE Connection

Battle Burnout with Professional Development

Burnout is more than just being tired. It’s that creeping sense of exhaustion, disconnection and lack of motivation that can sneak in when your work feels like a constant uphill climb. Whether you’re a rising professional or a seasoned leader, burnout can hit anyone. But here’s the good news: professional development can be a powerful […]

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Student Success Women in Leadership

How Chelsea Koski Used SMU’s Women in Leadership Program to Level Up Her Impact at loanDepot

From Hospice Care to High-Performance Leadership Chelsea Koski didn’t follow a traditional path into business leadership—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. She began her career in hospice care as a certified dementia practitioner. Today, she’s a top-performing ECR (Escalation and Customer Resolution) Manager at loanDepot, known company-wide as a problem-solver, collaborator, and […]

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Career Professional Education The CAPE Connection

4 Simple Steps to Build Skills for Career Growth

In today’s ever-evolving job market, “career improvement” is more than a goal, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, considering a career change, or simply want to grow into the best version of yourself, the key is continuous professional development. At SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE), we make it simple to build […]

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Professional Education Student Success Women in Leadership

An Experienced Educator Expands Her Leadership Knowledge with SMU’s Women in Leadership Certificate

  A passion for education, mentorship and creating opportunities for others has driven Thea H. Williams-Black, Ph.D., throughout her career. She has spent more than two decades in education, from classroom teaching to working as a dean of education. Throughout it all, her focus has been on helping others empower themselves through education. “Coming from […]

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Career Digital Marketing Professional Education Student Success The CAPE Connection

Micro-Credentials that Make a Mega Impact: Why Digital Badges Are the Future of Career Success

In today’s fast-paced world, where careers evolve at the speed of innovation, professionals are increasingly looking for ways to stay competitive without sacrificing precious time or flexibility.  For busy adults balancing demanding jobs, re-entering the workforce, or striving for career advancement, the answer lies in micro-credentials—compact, results-driven programs designed for maximum impact.  Enter SMU CAPE’s […]

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Career Professional Education The CAPE Connection

Skills-Based Learning is on the Rise for 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your skills sharp is more important than ever. At SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE), we’re all about helping you grow both professionally and personally. We’ve compiled a list of 12 reasons why SMU CAPE  is your perfect partner for 2025 and beyond. Kickstart Your Learning Journey Reason 1: SMU […]

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Career Professional Education The CAPE Connection

CAPE Creative: Instructor Alyssa Galganov

Guest post by Gail Sachson, MFA, SMU CAPE student & instructor Growing up on Long Island, New York, CAPE Graphic Design instructor Alyssa Galganov’s parents bestowed a cultural feast of enrichment classes upon her: ballet lessons, painting classes, and violin instruction. “Nothing ever stuck,” she said. But inspired by her mother and grandmother’s love of […]

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Cybersecurity News Professional Education

Leading the Charge to Train Texas Businesses on New Cybersecurity Certification Standards

The U.S. Department of Defense recently released new standards to fortify the defense supply chain by requiring enhanced cybersecurity measures for contractors at every tier. The new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework includes levels of certification that contractors must attain based on their exposure to sensitive information. This structured approach promotes a uniform and […]

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Career Professional Education

Securing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: The Critical Role of Succession Planning in Business Continuity

Written by Terry Teague, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships and Programs Succession Planning in Modern Business: Meeting Today’s Needs for Stability and Continuity As the workforce evolves, companies are experiencing shorter tenure rates and increased turnover at all levels, especially in leadership positions. In today’s competitive market, establishing a robust succession strategy is essential—not optional. […]