Tuesday, March 12, 2024
USPS will hold more than 50 career conferences this year
Each meeting will offer networking opportunities, interactive sessions and more
The Postal Service is encouraging employees to attend one of its career conferences this year to take control of their professional development and create a better future for themselves within USPS.
The organization will hold more than 50 conferences across the nation, starting in April. Each meeting will include networking opportunities and interactive sessions designed to equip participants with career development tools and resources.
Newly developed sessions will provide managers and supervisors with innovative ideas and best practices around developing stronger teams and building positive workplace cultures.
“The Postal Service values our employees and wants to help them advance within the organization,” said Jenny Utterback, organization development vice president.
“The in-person events we introduced last year have created a highly engaged environment that encourages growth and career exploration. Joining a conference can help you discover opportunities and propel you toward an even more rewarding postal career.”
The theme of this year’s conferences will be “Delivering a Brighter Future.” Each event will allow participants to:
• Network with leaders from throughout USPS;
• Explore career opportunities and advancement;
• Learn about potential career paths; and
• Attend sessions to learn about applying for jobs, interviewing, career development tools and more.
To access rsvpBOOK, the website for the events, employees can scan the QR code that accompanies this article.
The secure rsvpBOOK website offers a complete list of available dates and locations for career conferences, along with registration information.
Career conferences are open to all Postal Service employees while off the clock.
On the Job
She can do it
This newly hired postal inspector is fulfilling a longtime dream
My name is Lauren Ireland and I’m a postal inspector in Long Beach, CA.
I always wanted to be a federal law enforcement officer and I’m proud that the hard work I did to get here has paid off.
When I was 17, I joined the Marine Corps, and later went to work for the Drug Enforcement Administration, where I was an investigative assistant. I also worked for the Marines as an alcohol and drug abuse prevention specialist.
Once I had my degree and some work experience, it was time to research which federal law enforcement agency would be the best fit for me. I sought advice from my mentors, who all said the Postal Inspection Service is a hidden gem, providing a great work-life balance and a variety of cases to investigate.
As soon as I spotted a job posting, I applied. Within one year, I was hired.
I used to ask agents what a typical day is like, and they all responded with, “No day is the same.” I’ve found that to be true. Whether it’s training with outside agencies, reviewing surveillance videos to develop a case, executing search warrants or writing reports, there truly is no typical day.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, running on the beach and exploring my new surroundings in Orange County with my 105-pound boxer mastiff, who is named after Kevin Garnett, the former NBA basketball star.
My focus right now is on my work. I am enjoying learning the job and making strong efforts to do the best I can.
The Inspection Service has signed on to the 30×30 Initiative, a nationwide effort to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30 percent by 2030.
I am thrilled to be working for one of the first federal law enforcement agencies to hire women, beginning in the early 1970s. We continue to have one of the highest percentages of women within the ranks.
Although law enforcement has notoriously been a male-dominated field, it doesn’t have to be. Women can do this job and I’m here to be an example of that.
“On the Job,” a column on individual employees and their contributions to the Postal Service, appears regularly in Link.
Considering making an endorsement? Read this first
Employees shouldn’t vouch for nonpostal products, services and businesses
USPS wants employees to remember they aren’t allowed to endorse nonpostal products, services and businesses.
Endorsements are favorable comments provided in writing, on video or in a public forum.
Because of the nature of the Postal Service’s work, private organizations might seek to further their interests by requesting an endorsement from a USPS employee.
In addition to eroding the public’s confidence in the employee’s loyalty, endorsements of this kind could lead to the appearance that the Postal Service itself supports or sanctions the product, service or business.
Any favorable comments that an employee provides to a business may be used as an endorsement, even if that wasn’t the employee’s intention.
An employee may make an endorsement in their personal capacity, but they should not associate themselves with USPS while doing so.
If an outside entity asks an employee to provide an endorsement of any kind, the employee should email the USPS Ethics Office for guidance.
March 19, 2024
Datebook
‘Digital Detox’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on the effects of digital devices on our health and get advice on how to unplug from technology to rejuvenate the body and mind.
The session, “Digital Detox,” will be held Tuesday, March 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the Benefits and Wellness team.