Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Additional Resource for Job Seekers
For those who aren't in our current Cohort of LA Fellows, LA Valley College is offering another FREE resource to brush up on job seeking skills and get a leg up on your next career move. This class is open to anyone: former Fellows, potential Fellows, students, or interested members of the community. See the information on the flyer below or go to www.lavc.edu to register.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
One More Orientation Added for LA Fellows Cohort 9
One additional LA Fellows orientation has been added for the class that will begin training on January 13th, Cohort 9. We are looking for unemployed midcareer professionals who are motivated, hard-working and enthusiastic, with solid work experience, who are looking for their next career opportunity.
LA Fellows receive free professional training covering executive level topics including advanced job search techniques, critical thinking, negotiating, and advanced computer skills. LA Fellows also volunteer their time and talents by sharing their professional expertise at local nonprofit organizations through meaningful project based roles. Throughout the program, LA Fellows will gain invaluable career growth skills, job search assistance, and receive the opportunity to give back to the community while they seek full-time employment.
Interested job seekers will need to attend the orientation in order for their application to be considered.
When:
Friday, January 3rd, 9:00am. Be prepared to stay two hours.
Where:
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue – Job Training
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Located in Administration Building
Parking:
Free parking in Lot B at the corner of Oxnard St. and Fulton Ave.
Additional information may be found on our website, www.lafellows.org.
LA Fellows receive free professional training covering executive level topics including advanced job search techniques, critical thinking, negotiating, and advanced computer skills. LA Fellows also volunteer their time and talents by sharing their professional expertise at local nonprofit organizations through meaningful project based roles. Throughout the program, LA Fellows will gain invaluable career growth skills, job search assistance, and receive the opportunity to give back to the community while they seek full-time employment.
Interested job seekers will need to attend the orientation in order for their application to be considered.
When:
Friday, January 3rd, 9:00am. Be prepared to stay two hours.
Where:
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue – Job Training
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Located in Administration Building
Parking:
Free parking in Lot B at the corner of Oxnard St. and Fulton Ave.
Additional information may be found on our website, www.lafellows.org.
Monday, December 9, 2013
First LA Fellows Reunion Mixer
This is the first time all 8 cohorts of the program have gathered in one place. The event was organized and hosted by Katie Mills (shown here with Job Training Director Lennie Ciufo) and her fellow graduates of Cohort 8.
The night kicked off with good news from Cohort 8 graduate Nicole Trejo, who recently landed a position with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Photo Archives Department.
Successes were shared...
...And recent classes were celebrated for carrying on traditions and taking our successes to the next level.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
"The Experience of a Lifetime"
Last spring, I had returned from Japan where I taught English for two years. Feeling motivated and hopeful, I was eager to return to the higher education field and felt excited about the new possibilities. Immediately, I began submitting resumes and online applications and started researching job opportunities. Week after week, I remained optimistic, anticipating the phone call that would change my life forever. However, as time passed, I heard from absolutely no one. The silence was deafening; the utter lack of response was quite distressing. And slowly my spirits started to decline. I wondered if I would ever find a job.
Around June, a family friend mentioned LA
Fellows. I was hesitant about pursuing this opportunity, thinking I’d receive
a job offer soon enough. But deep down, I was simply afraid. LA
Fellows would be a step out of my comfort zone, teaching me to take a more
proactive approach to my job search.
I decided to attend the final mandatory
orientation, albeit still with much reluctance. But throughout the
orientation, I knew there was something different and unique about LA
Fellows. By the end of the morning, I knew this would be the experience of
a lifetime.
LA Fellows was indeed, a life changing
experience.
I gained a new level of confidence in my skills and
as I rediscovered this confidence, I also gained more clarity into my
professional interests and values. And
while this newfound confidence and clarity through LA Fellows was a huge
personal win, I am most grateful for the camaraderie among my colleagues
in cohort 8. LA Fellows is so unique because it connects people from different
educational, professional and life experiences. I learned a great deal
from my cohort, and their support was absolutely incredible.
Also, I was helped personally and professionally
through the LA Fellows’ volunteer experience. My hours were completed at
the ALS Association, which focuses on the fight to defeat Lou Gehrig’s
disease. It was an incredible experience as we hosted a number of “Walks
to Defeat ALS” to raise awareness and funds in the fight to defeat this
debilitating disease. I had the privilege of collaborating with the Walk
Directors; we focused on outreach to donors, coordinated with volunteers,
oversaw the logistical planning. Volunteering was such a fulfilling experience
as you build relationships with people in the organization and make a
contribution in a meaningful way.
I would not be where I am today without LA
Fellows. It truly has been a precious gift, one that keeps on giving.
 |
| Kristi with Danny Syto and Jennifer Garcia, graduates of Cohort 8 |
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
“So, What Do You Do?”
I was very fortunate to have worked for a boss who allowed me to create my own job title just as long as it does not have the word “Chief” in it. So I claimed the title “Emperor of Project Management.” It was amusing at that time and sure to get a chuckle when I was asked “What do you do?” whether it is in the office or in networking events.
However, things changed when I was laid off. First of all, I do not like the phrase “laid
off”. It has such a negative
connotation. I wish there was another word for it. The corporate world use the polite term
“Reduction in Force” but then people changed it into a verb by saying “I was
RIFed”. I would rather use the term “Job
Seeker.”
Things changed when I became a Job Seeker. Inevitably, during one of the functions I was
attending with my kids and other parents, I was asked the question “So, what do
you do?” I felt like I had a big neon sign
on my back that said “laid off” and I could not tell them that I was still the
“Emperor.” The best I could do is mumble
the words “I’m in transition” while looking down at the floor.
I felt like I was subhuman because I know what’s behind that
seemingly innocuous first question we often ask of strangers. It meant “How much money do you make? What is
your socioeconomic status? How do I compare to you? Are you worth my time?”
A couple of times I tried to dodge the question by saying
“I’m a Dad of three boys and we like to go fishing and hang out together.” I still get in a tight spot when they follow
up with a more direct “Where exactly do you work?” Whenever I encounter these questions I often
end up writing an entire page in my journal with reflections of why I felt like
dirt. I remember gathering my kids to
tell them that if anyone asks what I do, tell them I’m retired. “I used to be a Rocket Scientist, but I’m now
retired, get it?” “Dad, I didn’t know you were a Rocket Scientist, can we still
buy that video game?” Later on, I found
that this could backfire and hinder my chances of getting employed.
Since joining the LA Fellows I learned that I can control
how to respond to these situations. There are times when strangers just want to
strike up a conversation or engage in small talk. I see the possibility of networking. These
days, I respond according to the situation.
I really enjoy volunteering for my nonprofit and there was a time when I
confidently said “I’m a Grant Writer” looking at them straight in the eye. It even surprised some people who were close
to me knowing that I’m not employed, - or am I?
In that particular situation, I found out that the other person was also
a job seeker.
The best response however, is just telling them that I’m a Project
Management Professional looking for better opportunities. It’s a fact, these days people who are
employed will need to continually look for better opportunities. It’s also a matter of which small voice in my
head I choose listen to: Am I a victim of the situation? Am I the captain of my
ship?
Next time someone asks you the question, “What do you do?”
Tell them what you are passionate about.
I’m passionate about sharing what I know. As an LA Fellow, I continue to learn and
challenge myself. Most of all, I am an active job seeker, that’s what I do.
By the way, I’m no longer the Emperor; I’m
here to serve you.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
LA Fellows Getting More Attention Online
All of us here at the LA Fellows
program are excited to see the online press pick up on the story we previously
posted about, which ran on NextAvenue.com. This article has since been reposted
on Forbes.com and referenced and linked to in an article on jobs.aol.com. We
are very proud of the difference we are making and happy that the world is
hearing about the work we do.
To see the additional articles,
click on the following links:
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/11/18/5-programs-helping-the-long-term-unemployed-find-work/
If you know anyone in the Los Angeles area who is looking for a job, please have them read these articles and come to one of our orientations. Also, please retweet, like, and share on all of your social media accounts - LA Fellows is making a difference!
If you know anyone in the Los Angeles area who is looking for a job, please have them read these articles and come to one of our orientations. Also, please retweet, like, and share on all of your social media accounts - LA Fellows is making a difference!
New Dates and Location: LA Fellows Program is Seeking Unemployed Job Seekers for Free Training and Networking Opportunities
Los Angeles Valley College Job Training is searching for unemployed men and women for the LA Fellows program. The program will provide unemployed individuals with skills training and volunteer opportunities while they seek full-time positions.
LA Fellows participants will be selected through an application and interview process. They will receive nine weeks of training at Los Angeles Valley College
The LA Fellows participants will acquire new skill sets, encounter countless opportunities to network with professionals, and project a marketable career candidate impression while presenting a community-focused image.
We hope you can join us at one of our informational sessions to learn more about the LA Fellows program and application process, and get your questions answered. Job Seekers only need to attend one informational session.
LA Fellows Informational Sessions:
When:
Wednesday, December 11, 9:00am
Tuesday, December 17, 9:00am
Where:
Los
Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Building: Library
Room: 200 A, 2nd Floor
Parking:
Free parking in Lot B at the corner of Oxnard St. and Fulton Ave. Parking tickets will not be issued during the informational sessions.
An additional orientation will be held:
When:
Friday, December 6, 10:00am
Where:
Pacoima EDD/WorkSource
11623 Glen Oaks Blvd.
Pacoima, CA 91331
Parking:
Free parking on site
An application is available online and you are encouraged to fill it out prior to attending the informational session – but it is not required to attend.
If you know other job seekers who might be interested in the program, please encourage them to attend one of the informational sessions.
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