More than ever, the new millennium will challenge individuals to keep pace with sophisticated technology, business acquisitions, new products and significant regional competitors. If "change" is the watchword, then "personal growth" is the key to capitalizing on new, evolving career opportunities. The Women's Opportunities Center (WOC) specializes in helping women and men make the most of change, both in the marketplace and in their professional and personal lives.

WOC's mission is to help individuals clarify, advance and achieve their career, educational, and personal goals. This has been WOC's guiding light since it's founding in 1970. The Center provides a vast array of services to thousands of community members from a diverse cross section of economic, ethnic, educational and occupational backgrounds. "To make sure we're achieving this mission, we are working to enrich our core programs and build stronger relationships with the corporate and local community, which provide opportunities for funding, knowledge, jobs and volunteers," says Interim Director Victoria Curtin.

WOC's core programs include individualized career counseling, job search and support groups, the latest job listings from over 350 Orange County employers, career management and personal enrichment workshops, career forums, a career/education resource library with Internet access, and a wealth of continuing educational opportunities through UCI Extension.

This year, WOC is working to create the leading-edge programs and support that allows our members to stay ahead of the increasingly competitive new world of work and the demands of the upcoming millennium. WOC is enhancing our ability to anticipate the marketplace by strengthening existing corporate ties and initiating an outreach program to actively engage new corporate partners in dynamic, growing industries.

WOC has expanded its services to UCI's Learning Center in Orange, making it more convenient for north county workers to utilize WOC's resources in their career changes.

The Center is supported by membership dues, corporate and community donations, course and workshop fees, and the labor of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are Orange County business professionals. The Center receives no state or federal funding.

A part of WOC since its founding in 1970, the WOC Volunteer Association is a highly professional, organized group of over 110 volunteers who serve over 1,000 new members annually. "We've been in existence as an incredibly consistent, strong association for over 20 years," says Chair of the WOC Volunteer Association, Joan Weise. "Our volunteers aren't here to simply donate hours ­ we're here to really make a difference in the lives of our members."

For more information on how you can become involved with the Women's Opportunities Center please call (949) 824-7128 or visit our website at www.unex.uci.edu/woc.