Career Development
Opportunities for Career Growth
OCC places a strong emphasis on career development and offers many opportunities for development through formal training programs, a mentor program and developmental assignments/projects. Several positions throughout OCC offer potential for growth within career ladders (i.e., Application Developer, Senior Application Developer, Lead Application Developer) based on performance and attainment of skills. OCC promotes from within the organization when feasible. We are proud of our many success stories of employees joining OCC in entry-level positions and earning their way into executive level positions.
Tuition Reimbursement Program
OCC has a generous tuition reimbursement program. Many employees have taken advantage of this great benefit and have received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. OCC encourages employees to enhance their career development through formal education.
Mentor Program
OCC has a formal mentor program that matches newer or junior employees with management mentors to promote leadership development within OCC. Currently, more than 80 percent of senior management, including many executives, have served as mentors, and many serve numerous times. Pairs are matched based on the mentee's career goals, often trying to mix business and technical individuals within the organization.
“The mentor program allows employees to network with others outside of their normal work scope and to have the opportunity to explore the company through the eyes of a mentor who is not their direct supervisor. For those with a technical background, it's an opportunity to practice skills not common to their everyday role. For the business side, it gives a better understanding and appreciation of critical needs and what comprises OCC's IT systems. We've seen a lot of lasting friendships and relationships develop.”
— 1st Vice President of HR at OCC.
Technical Training
OCC is a very technical organization — approximately two-thirds of our employees are in Information Technology (IT). Technical training is offered to OCC employees to keep current with our ever-changing technical environment. This training is offered either onsite or via public classes on an individual or group basis.
Educational Programs on the Options Industry
Options Training at OCC
OCC offers a training program for all employees called “Options Community College”. This program provides a comprehensive look at OCC’s operations and the options industry. Nearly all of our employees have attended this program. The classes are taught by our internal experts. This program covers a wide variety of topics including an introduction to the financial markets, an internal view of OCC’s operations/business, the clearing process and risk management.
Options Training through the Options Industry Council (OIC)
You can learn almost everything there is to know about the options industry by taking advantage of the no cost educational programs offered by the Options Industry Council. Options are a versatile but complex product. To help understand this complex product, OIC conducts hundreds of seminars and webcasts throughout the year, distributes thousands of interactive DVDs and brochures, and maintains a Web site and Investor Services department focused on options education. Visit OIC's comprehensive website at www.optionseducation.org for more information.
“Meet the Departments” Training for New Hires
We realize how overwhelming joining a new company can be for new hires. To help new hires in this transition, they are given the opportunity to attend our “Meet the Departments” training program. This program provides an overview of various departments throughout OCC. New hires learn the ins and outs of several departments and meet their representatives. It also gives new hires the opportunity to network with other new employees.
Leadership Development
OCC continually provides a variety of development opportunities for our experienced and new leaders. Several classes are held onsite each year to help leaders develop their skills. Employees in leadership roles are also encouraged to pursue external programs of interest to them.
Teambuilding Events
Below is a picture of a teambuilding event for our Technology Services group where teams built children’s bikes... the bikes were donated to The Maywood Fine Arts Association which provides arts education to children in a community with few after-school resources...
