A new year brings a fresh start—and this issue is full of ways to recharge your wellbeing, grow your career, and make the most of your URochester benefits and perks.
We found inspiration for our own New Year’s goals in Stephanie Von Bacho, EdD, MSEd, MS, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Director of Learning and Development, who has spent 37 years at the University of Rochester and proudly calls herself a lifelong learner.
Recently inducted into the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame, Stephanie holds multiple degrees in nursing and education and founded the organization now known as Camp Courage, a summer program for children who have experienced burn injuries. Her dedication to learning and helping others inspires us all to pursue growth in the year ahead.
You’ve spent 37 years at the University of Rochester—what has motivated you to keep learning and growing throughout your career? Did you envision your current career when you began as a nurse in the burn trauma unit?
When I started my career as a new graduate registered nurse from Monroe Community College, I specifically sought a position at the University so I could further my formal education. Little did I know at the time how many opportunities would evolve from that single decision over the years. One thing about learning something new and making connections is that you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your abilities, and your passions. I never envisioned my current career when I began as a new nurse so many years ago. The people I have worked with have inspired me throughout my career path, as have both formal and informal learning experiences. I have built my career at the University of Rochester because it offers numerous development opportunities and ample career mobility, allowing me to apply new skills, continue learning, and challenge myself.
What University resources or programs have helped you grow personally and professionally—and which ones do you encourage employees to take advantage of to build their own skills and advance their careers?
I have utilized the University’s tuition benefits multiple times to ease the financial burden of expanding my education. Tuition waivers are available for courses taken at the University of Rochester, as well as for courses taken at other colleges and universities.
The University now offers a great opportunity for employees seeking higher earning potential and career development in high-demand positions with upfront tuition payments and release time through the UR Career Pathways Program.
I also highly recommend employees take advantage of our self-led career navigation that is designed to help you find your career pathway by offering tools to align your skills with your interests by completing self-assessments. You’ve got to know where you’re going before you can figure out how to get there.
What advice would you give employees who want to set meaningful career or personal growth goals for the new year?
A wonderful time to reflect on the last year of work and look forward to the next is during the performance evaluation process in February and March. Built into the process is the opportunity to discuss your professional growth with your manager and set goals that will not only fulfil your key job responsibilities, but push you to identify specific areas where you want to learn, improve, or expand your impact in the year ahead. It could involve building new skills, strengthening leadership abilities, pursuing education or certification, or taking on new challenges that stretch your capabilities.
The most effective goals are intentional and actionable—they align with your career aspirations and the organization’s needs, while also fueling your personal motivation. Think of it like creating a roadmap for your own development: where you are now, where you want to go, and what steps will help you get there.
How has the culture of learning and development evolved at URochester during your time here, and what excites you about its future?
I think some of the biggest evolutions in the recent L&D space have been the addition of online learning at your fingertips with MyPath, our learning management system. It allows employees to take control of their growth both personally and professionally.
The job catalog, which was created as a result of the CPM (Career Path Modernization) project opens up a whole new resource for growing your career and allows you to see opportunities available for you and what experience and education is required.
The program that makes me most excited for the future is the UR Career Pathways Program, which focuses on creating and supporting career pathways for entry-level employees into high-demand positions. Through this work, we have fostered numerous community outreach relationships and resulted in the development of new educational programs to support the need for high-demand positions in healthcare. It is creating pipelines and pathways for current and future employees alike.
You’ve earned multiple degrees and continued your education throughout your career. What advice would you give to employees who are thinking about going back to school or pursuing professional development?
Lifelong learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about opening doors. When you pursue further education, you’re investing in your future, your confidence, and the opportunities you haven’t met yet. Your ideal career path may not be a ladder—it may be a winding road that still brings you to your goals and gives you a richer, more fulfilling experience along the way.
