Teaching Real-World Communication Skills

With more than two decades in public service, Julia Jim brings deep expertise in leadership, program strategy and communication into the classroom. Her experience across judicial and law enforcement operations—paired with securing more than $50 million in grant funding—shapes a practical, real-world approach to teaching. Julia uses storytelling and lived experience to help students connect theory to workplace impact.

In her Organizational Communication Strategies for Managers course and in the UC Excelerator Career Foundations workshops, Julia creates a supportive environment where learners build confidence, strengthen communication skills and grow professionally.

How does your work experience impact how you teach and prepare our students to succeed in the workforce?

My goal is to provide knowledge and practical skills that students can apply immediately. I consider my students’ diverse work history, academic background and life experience when choosing real-life examples to use and designing class interactions that are relatable to them.

I find storytelling to be a very effective teaching method. By connecting topics that we discuss in class with stories of how they play out in the workplace, students can more easily visualize and understand them. Because workplace interactions are often interpreted differently due to one’s perspective, I strive to provide viewpoints from entry-level staff, managers, leaders and executives. I draw from my decades of work experience—both successes and failures—to share insights, tips and lessons learned so that they are prepared for their career paths.

By connecting topics that we discuss in class with stories of how they play out in the workplace, students can more easily visualize and understand them.

What drew you to joining our wonderful group of instructors?

For more than a decade, I have developed curriculum and lesson plans, and taught classes to hundreds of employees on financial planning, budgeting, grants, strategic planning and professional writing. I have found that teaching brings me joy.

So when my good friend Dr. Christine Barnes shared her experience as a UC Berkeley Extension instructor, I asked her to introduce me to the program director. I wanted to join this esteemed group of instructors and make a difference. It has been one of the best professional decisions I have made.

Why do you enjoy teaching adults?

I love engaging with adults who are eager to learn, speaking on topics I find useful and relevant, and watching people become more knowledgeable and more confident.

Thankfully, my UC Berkeley Extension students provide honest feedback to highlight my strengths and to point out where I can improve to become a better instructor in the future.

The course assignments intentionally push students out of their comfort zone so that they can stretch and feel their growth.

Tell me about the topics you discuss in your Organizational Communications Strategies for Managers course. How does your professional experience impact your teachings?

We cover a variety of communication skills that are useful in our daily lives. I start by introducing ethics and responsibilities in communication, then we dive right into different areas each week.

Students in my class will: 

learn about the intricacies of public speaking and professional writing

examine how to utilize techniques to be persuasive

understand the influences and responsible use of technology

recognize the importance of listening and seeking feedback

learn to notice and interpret nonverbal communication

feel confident in managing conflict in an intercultural setting

be able to hold business meetings that are productive and effective

I use many real-world examples from my professional experience. For example, when we discuss professional writing, I share how I learned to be a successful grant writer who uses only written words to convince funders to provide more than $50 million for my organization’s projects.

The course assignments intentionally push students out of their comfort zone so that they can stretch and feel their growth. Many students are able to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge and confidence at their workplace.

The way we communicate has undergone a dramatic change during the past five to 10 years.

Communication styles can vary, especially in a multi-generational organization.

The way we communicate has undergone a dramatic change during the past five to 10 years. This is especially apparent when you compare the way older and younger generations share ideas, ask questions or talk to (or text) each other.

I’m generalizing, but the younger generations are growing up with texting as their main mode of communicating. Their messages to friends and family are typically short or in phrases and they embrace acronyms, memes and emojis. This is in stark contrast to what is expected at the workplace.

When it comes to professional communication, there is still an expectation of formality. We are seeing a disconnect between the “old way” and the new norm. As with all things in life, we need to evolve. And when I say “we,” I mean everyone.

There is a happy medium, but we have to walk toward it together. For my students, I recommend they make an effort to understand their workplace expectations, look at examples and be open to adjusting their communication style. Meanwhile, they should also share their perspective of how younger generations prefer to receive information, provide suggestions on how to broaden the reach of our messages and be the conduit of change.

I hope [my students] are able to find the right balance or, better yet, push themselves to become a better communicator.

How do you find this “happy medium” when you’re teaching your classes? 

That’s a very good question. As an instructor, it is my responsibility to meet the students where they are.

With a Live Online course, I am able to assess student reactions by having face-to-face conversations, group discussions, chat inputs and private email communication. I adjust course material and delivery style throughout the course to meet student needs.

I create opportunities for students to experience the gap between expectations and their comfort level. I hope they are able to find the right balance or, better yet, push themselves to become a better communicator.

Knowing that my time spent with the UC Excelerator students will guide their career growth and nudge them toward their greatness is so gratifying.

You’re also involved with our UC Excelerator scholarships. What excited you to join the Career Foundations workshops? 

The business department’s program manager, Dr. Yi Karnes, introduced me to Jan Bautista, the academic adviser for the UC Excelerator program. As the instructor for the Organizational Communication Strategies for Managers course, Dr. Karnes thought I would be a good fit for the workshop on communications. After speaking to Jan, who is such a big advocate for the UC Excelerator students, I was thrilled to be part of this opportunity.

Knowing that my time spent with the UC Excelerator students will guide their career growth and nudge them toward their greatness is so gratifying. I am getting ready for my fourth workshop in a few weeks, and I’m looking forward to sharing my expertise and having great conversations with these students.

Why should students be interested in taking this workshop? What skills will they gain? 

Communication is such a broad topic, and it is easy to get lost when you try to become a master communicator of everything. This workshop has a narrow focus on how to actively listen to another, be inclusive when you engage people and better manage the relationships with those you are in communication with.

On average, adults listen at an efficiency rate of just 25 percent. Yes, literally three-quarters of what we hear goes in one ear and out the other! Through active listening, students can build a base of knowledge that generates insights and ideas.

Also, listening is the central skill to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships. No matter the type—professional, personal, neighborly, romantic—listening forms the bond and keeps the relationship moving forward.

Being inclusive is essential in today’s world, especially at the workplace. Students will better understand what inclusive communication looks like and how to make a conscious effort to use those strategies when they have the platform.

Through our discussion on emotional intelligence, students learn to better control their response. In every situation, you have thoughts and feelings about it, and that eventually leads to a certain behavior. By tapping into the awareness of your emotions and those of others in the moment, you are better able to find the most productive and appropriate response to that situation. Having strong emotional intelligence is highly valued in leadership positions at the workplace.

I want my students to feel safe making mistakes or saying, “I don’t know.” 

What are your expectations for your students? 

Learning should be fun and meaningful. I expect my students to show up with a good attitude, be open-minded, share their ideas and experience, think critically and focus on the utility of their learning.

I want my students to feel safe making mistakes or saying, “I don’t know.” That is the point of learning. By stretching beyond one’s comfort zone, you are rewarded with a new version of yourself that you didn’t know you could be.

When you seek to understand, I promise that you will learn something new from every occasion.

What advice would you give to your students on how to best succeed in our current workforce?

There are so many technological advancements and cultural shifts in our workplace, it is important for all of us to be curious, flexible and courageous.

By staying curious, you open your mind to new ideas and approaches. When you seek to understand, I promise that you will learn something new from every occasion. Sometimes, it’s just learning what not to do!

Widening your breadth of knowledge, especially on unfamiliar topics, leads to growth. When combined with flexibility, you are in control of charting your future. If you are willing to think differently, try new approaches or use new techniques, a whole new world will open up.

Outside of work, where can we find you spending your time?

I have two teenagers who are both athletes. My husband and I are always on hand to cheer them on during cross-county meets and football games.

A few months ago, we adopted a rescue puppy. So we have been exploring our neighborhood, parks and hiking trails on our walks. I’m definitely surpassing my 10k daily step goal!

What is the one item in your office that is most representative of your personality?

The extra chair. I am a very nurturing and caring individual, so I make sure I have the means to help or take care of another person. My colleagues know that once they sit in that chair, they have my undivided attention.

The same principle applies at my home office. When my kids sit down, I know they need me in some capacity. They immediately become my priority at that moment.

I find it fulfilling to help and serve others. I always make room and have a place for them in my life.