Career Transitions Center upcoming events

Emotional Intelligence (EQi) in the Workplace (PUBLIC) (11/06/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Led By Robert Gramillano, CTC Instructor

Program Description:

Recent data suggests there is a consensus among hiring professionals

that communication ability and emotional intelligence are attributes strongly desired by hiring managers, but often hard to find in the candidate pool. By examining one’s EQ, jobseekers can demonstrate their potential to provide significant benefits to their employer, create better relationships, and promote a positive work environment.

This interactive workshop will provide participants with the tools to gain

control over their emotions, navigate challenging situations, and communicate empathetically within teams and the overall work environment.

Registrants will be sent a link to complete a free online EQi assessment in advance of the workshop.

If you have any questions about accessing the workshop, please contact:

Hope Cullen, Client Services Coordinator at info@ctcchicago.org

Mastering the Art of Informational Interviewing -PUBLIC Workshop (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Led by: Marty Gahbauer

Executive Director of the Weigand Center for Professional Excellence at Elmhurst University

Informational interviewing can help you learn about your field, make great connections, build your network and work your way into target organizations and opportunities. How great is that? And yet, how do you gain comfort and confidence setting up and utilizing informational interviews to their fullest advantage? How do you reach out? What do you say? How do you ask for help and contacts? Learn from a CTC alumnus whose success resulted from informational interviewing!

What CTC Clients say about this workshop:

Great presenter. I loved the visuals of the presentation, and he was very dynamic and engaged the class.

I felt as if this workshop had something for everybody-- ranging from people new to informational interviewing to those who are experienced.

Excellent. Keep up great work!

Marty was outstanding!

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Workshop Series: Session 2- Meet People Through Your Joys- PUBLIC WORKSHOP (11/11/2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Session 2: Meet People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

Meeting new people doesn't have to feel awkward or forced. Learn and practice simple techniques for approaching people, engaging in conversation, and exiting gracefully—skills you can use at professional events, in a new workplace, and in everyday life.

While each session stands on its own, participants who continue through the full series will build momentum, deepen connections, and get the most value from the experience.

All remaining sessions are held Mondays, 5:00 -6:00pm CT

Session 3: Monday, Nov. 16 - Getting to Know More People Through Your Joys

Session 4: Monday, Dec. 7 - Connecting with People Through Your Joys

Session 5: Monday, Dec. 14 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

Colleen’s expertise is organizational change management. She works with leaders who appreciate the value of anticipating and preparing for the impact a business change will have on their customers and employees. She has seen the benefits of good change management on business outcomes and culture.

Colleen is a huge advocate of networking and makes networking part of her every day. Being open to others, getting to know them, working to understand their point of view and learning from them is what she does.

This workshop is part of the How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Series brought to you by Colleen McFarland. To learn more about Colleen visit, www.colleenmcfarland.us.

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Workshop Series: Session 3- Get to Know People Through Your Joys - PUBLIC WORKSHOP (11/16/2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Session 3: Get to Know People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

Meeting someone is only the beginning. Learn and practice ways to move beyond introductions, share enough of yourself, learn about the other person, and begin building a genuine professional relationship.

While each session stands on its own, participants who continue through the full series will build momentum, deepen connections, and get the most value from the experience.

All sessions are held Mondays, 5:00 -6:00pm CT

Session 4: Monday, Dec. 7 - Connecting with People Through Your Joys

Session 5: Monday, Dec. 14 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

This workshop is part of the How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Series brought to you by Colleen McFarland. To learn more about Colleen visit, www.colleenmcfarland.us.

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Workshop Series: Session 4- Connect With People Through Your Joys- PUBLIC WORKSHOP (12/07/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Session 4: Connect With People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

One of the most powerful things you can do with a network is help other people use theirs. Learn and practice simple and more intentional ways to make meaningful connections between people—while strengthening your own relationships along the way.

While each session stands on its own, participants who continue through the full series will build momentum, deepen connections, and get the most value from the experience.

All sessions are held Mondays, 5:00 -6:00pm CT

Session 5: Monday, Dec. 14 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

This workshop is part of the How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Series brought to you by Colleen McFarland. To learn more about Colleen visit, www.colleenmcfarland.us.

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Workshop Series: Session 5- Ask Your Network for Help- PUBLIC WORKSHOP (12/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Session 5: Ask Your Network for Help

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

Strong networks are about giving and they're also about knowing how to ask for support. Learn and practice different ways to ask for help—from people already in your network and people who aren't "yet"—in ways that are thoughtful, comfortable, and effective.

While each session stands on its own, participants who continue through the full series will build momentum, deepen connections, and get the most value from the experience.

About the Presenter:

This workshop is part of the How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker Series brought to you by Colleen McFarland. To learn more about Colleen visit, www.colleenmcfarland.us.