Monday, July 15, 2024
A shift for the better
These employees attended a career conference — and think you should, too
Jacquline Veblungsnes, a customer services relief supervisor in Orem, UT, has attended two USPS career conferences — and she’s a big fan.
“I love it. I tell everyone to do it,” the former mail processing clerk and custodian said.
The Postal Service holds more than 50 career conferences each year, part of the Delivering for America plan’s emphasis on strengthening the organization’s workforce.
The conferences give attendees the opportunity to explore career opportunities and advancement; learn about potential career paths; network with USPS leaders; and attend sessions on applying for jobs, interviewing, career development tools and more.
Veblungsnes said that she learned things in seminars and panels that she knew little about, such as what KSAs — knowledge, skills and abilities — are.
“It’s great information for somebody getting their foot in the door,” she said.
The theme for this year’s conferences — “Delivering a Brighter Future” — aptly describes how these daylong events can help steer employees onto a new course.
Stephanie N. Terry, an address management systems technician who is on a detail assignment as a Postal Inspection Service operations technician in Newark, NJ, credits a happy accident with broadening her horizons.
She missed a career conference session she meant to attend and decided to eat her lunch during a different seminar during which she struck up a conversation with a Post Office operations manager.
Terry was training with him days later.
“Basically, my entire career took a shift for the better within seconds,” she said.
She wholeheartedly recommends the conferences: “The person standing next to you can help improve your career in the blink of an eye.”
Kialani Vasapolli was a customer services supervisor in Guam when she decided to take a detail assignment as a supervisor in Kailua Kona, HI — and fell head over heels for the Big Island.
After attending a career conference in Honolulu last June, she applied for a manager position and became a customer services manager for Waikoloa in October, then served as officer in charge in Hilo.
“My best advice is don’t hold back,” she said. “Take every opportunity that comes your way.”
Vasapolli has followed her own advice: On May 18, she was sworn in as postmaster of Kealakekua.
Heroes
A blaze battle
This postmaster helped a customer trying to put out a lawnmower fire
Plymouth, OH, Postmaster Edward Blum recently came upon an older customer trying to extinguish a lawnmower fire by herself.
The equipment was engulfed in flames, which were rising higher than a nearby shed.
Blum guided the woman a safe distance away and called 911. He then used a garden hose to battle the blaze until firefighters arrived.
The customer sustained minor injuries.
Blum’s actions prevented any further damage to her property or health, firefighters said.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered July 7-13
New stamps and price changes were in the news
Stamps always make news in Link, and last week was no exception.
We told you about the Postal Service’s plans to release Thank You Healthcare Community, a stamp recognizing health care workers, and invited you to share your memories of “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, who’ll be honored with a stamp next week.
As the Wimbledon Championships conclude, we also looked at U.S. tennis stars who’ve been featured on stamps through the years.
Additionally, we reminded you of USPS price changes that take effect Sunday, July 14; we told you how the Postal Inspection Service is working to protect the vote this election year; and we shared a video progress report on changes to the Postal Service’s processing and distribution network.
Other highlights included our “Heroes” profile of Plymouth, OH, Postmaster Edward Blum, who helped a customer put out a lawnmower fire, and our “People” item on Willie Relliford and Glenn Sisco, two Memphis, TN, tractor-trailer operators who recently spoke at a local elementary school’s career day.
“It was a pleasure representing the Postal Service and encouraging the students to continue their studies — and maybe in the future becoming a proud postal employee,” Relliford said.
July 22, 2024
Datebook
Alex Trebek stamp ceremony
The Postal Service will dedicate its Alex Trebek stamp on Monday, July 22, in Culver City, CA.
The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Pacific in John Calley Park, part of the Sony Pictures Studio lot at 10371 Culver Blvd.
The speakers will include “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, and Jean Trebek, Alex Trebek’s widow.
Attendees must register online.
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What's included
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A shift for the better
These employees attended a career conference — and think you should, too
-
Heroes
A blaze battle
This postmaster helped a customer trying to put out a lawnmower fire
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered July 7-13
New stamps and price changes were in the news
-
July22Datebook
Alex Trebek stamp ceremony