Four Programs Our Staff Would Take (or Have Taken)

At UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, we spend our days helping learners reach their goals. But we also find ourselves eyeing courses and programs we’d love to take. So, we asked a few colleagues which ones caught their attention (or in some cases, which ones they’ve already completed). Together, their answers show how these connect to work, life, and everything in between.

For Megan Moriarty, Manager of Instructor Support and Professional Development, the choice was clear: E-Learning Instructional Design. It was the first certificate she completed, but not her last. Because she works with course development, she was curious to see how industries approach training and upskilling. The program gave her a different viewpoint and broadened the way she thinks about designing learning experiences. She applies what she learned daily—whether it’s envisioning courses holistically, creating learner-centered outcomes, or asking more specific questions to get to the right solution. She was surprised and thankful for how much the peer support and networking helped her finish strong.

While Megan was drawn to something closely tied to her role, Jay Daniyarova, Manager of Professional Internship Experiences, went in a different direction by choosing an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) course—Positive Philosophy Meditation for Beginners and Book Discussion: Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. The appeal for her was the combination of learning meditation, exploring positive philosophy, and engaging in a thoughtful book discussion. She’s curious about how the practices might spill over into unexpected areas of her life—like listening more deeply or finding new ways to connect with others. And that’s just one course. OLLI has plenty more on mindfulness, wellness, history, art—you name it. There’s something for everyone, and we’ll let you in on a little-known secret: anyone of any age can become an OLLI member and take courses.

Christian Eno, Learning Advisor for International Programs and a former international student who completed an Accelerated Certificate Program, shared a perspective grounded in his professional role, but with an eye toward new possibilities. He selected the Independent Educational Consultant program to build on his background in higher education and college prep. What appeals to him most is learning from industry experts who understand the field. He sees it as practical and comprehensive, giving him the confidence to support current DCE learners and potentially pursue an independent consulting business.

Confidence is also a word that came up in Yiqian Ding’s response. As an International Programs Manager, she’s already completed Project Management and says she still uses the skills daily. She originally enrolled to strengthen her ability to manage programs, both at DCE and as a wedding planner and coordinator but came away realizing project management is everywhere, from planning a trip, to applying to schools, even to opening a restaurant. She was also surprised by the variety of industries represented by her classmates. That mix provided more useful skills and knowledge she still draws on.

When you put these staff picks side by side, it’s a reminder that our programs come to life through the learners who take them. They spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors—even for those of us who work here. Whether you’re looking to upskill, pivot careers, or to learn just for the joy of it, there’s something waiting for you here, too. Get started.