LA Fellows Learn to Keep the Connection in Today's Job Market - Article from City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board

Enjoy this article written by the City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board about the recent graduation for LA Fellows Cohort 3.

http://cdd.lacity.org/wibdocs/press/5-13-11_lafellowsprogram.pdf#zoom=75

Congrats to Kenneth Strong from Cohort 2

Kenneth Strong from Cohort 2 has secured employment with a National non profit health agency dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities attain greater independence.  We are so thrilled for Kenneth and could say quite a bit about his experience with the program and how it helped him to find his new job, but we thought you might enjoy hearing directly from Kenneth, himself:

"I'm writing this two months after I completed the classroom portion of the LA Fellows program at LAVC, I can genuinely say the material you learn stays with you.  In just securing a job this week, I had a better and more focused approach than I had before I entered LA Fellows.  The program is many things, but for me, it best provided direction.  So often, when looking for a job we are distracted by so many opportunities that we forget exactly what to spend the bulk of our energy on.  I had spread myself so thin I was applying for jobs as diverse as Fire Fighter and Administrative Assistant with no real purpose other than to get a paycheck.  I lacked focus and each week I didn't get a job, my confidence dipped lower and lower.

Personally, the program taught me many things about the job market that I had not known-- as I hadn't had to look for a job for 10 years.  I learned big things, such as completely 100% re-writing my resume and little things such as don't slide around in your chair in an interview.  (This latter part came in very handy when, in my interview, I was given a chair on wheels and my instinct always is to twist and turn the day away when I sit in these things!  I kept still and professional and let my smile show my lighter side; not my slide :)  

The LA Fellows program most of all is about the people you meet.  Everyone has such diverse backgrounds; not just in careers, but in life experience, and having all these people working and learning side-by-side with you is a true asset.  You make friends and you move forward in life.  Remembering them and your successes together will build your confidence and become the bedrock in your career advancement. 

Being in such a dynamic group and led by experienced instructors, you not only learn interviewing and resume skills, but understand what other people look for in job seekers.  You get support from class members and the opportunity to support others.  You have a community and each day you learn and get better at what you are aiming for.  

Additionally, as a volunteer you meet people at Nonprofits in a very professional environment.  I had the opportunity to not only learn about their business in a Development office, but I got to make a promotional video for them -- something completely unexpected, but very satisfying for me personally.  Other people in the program were able to secure employment at the very places they volunteered at -- so the possibilities are fruitful.  The opportunities in the LA Fellows program are endless if you are willing to bring your 'A' game to the table because this is the perfect place for people who are out of work to let themselves shine again."

My Friend's Place Volunteer of the Month - May 2011: Caroline McElroy

Caroline came to My Friend's Place (http://myfriendsplace.org/) through the LA Fellows Program in early March. In her weekly dedication to MFP, she has transformed the clothing closet, organized the art room, and helped with office work. Caroline loves having a client ask for a particular piece of clothing and, because of her time spent in the clothing closet, she knows exactly where to look! “[MFP] sees a need and fills it,” she said, “and you meet [the clients] where they are.” Thank you to Caroline for all her hard work and dedication to My Friend’s Place.

Last chance to become an LA Fellow. Final Orientation added Wednesday, May 11th at 10:00 am

Los Angeles Valley College Job Training is searching for unemployed men and women for what might be the final class of the LA Fellows program. Funded through a grant by the City of Los Angeles, the program provides unemployed individuals with free 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 seven weeks of training at Los Angeles Valley College covering executive level topics including critical thinking, advanced job search skills, and how to generate effective business leads. In return, participants will volunteer their time and talents by sharing their professional expertise through project based roles at local nonprofits.

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.

Orientation

We hope you can join us at our last orientation session on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 at 10:00 am at Los Angeles Valley College, which is located at 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096. You may park in Lot B which is located at the corner of Oxnard Street and Fulton Avenue. Parking tickets will not be issued during the orientation meeting. You only need to attend one orientation, which is designed to answer all your questions about the LA Fellows program and application process.

Application

An application is available online and you are encouraged to fill it out prior to attending the orientation – but it is not required to attend.

Last Chance

Because the program has only received funding for four classes, this could be the last opportunity to become an LA Fellow. If you know other job seekers who might be interested in the program, please encourage them to attend our last orientation.

For more information, please visit: www.lafellows.org. Check out our blog to hear more about how LA Fellows are finding jobs and making a difference in their communities!

Thank you,

Allison Deutch

LA Fellows Project Coordinator

info@lafellows.org

818.947.2941

Mary Kimber networks her way to success

We are thrilled to announce that Mary Kimber of Cohort 1 has secured employment as a Business Development Associate at a local non-profit organization that provides the training and resources to create and sustain a highly-skilled worforce that contributes to local economic growth.

Using the networking skills she learned during her LA Fellows training, Mary stayed in constant contact with her colleagues and when a position opened up, she was the first person to know about this terrific job opportunity.  Networking is an essential skill for all job seekers and we commend Mary Kimber for learning that skill so well! 

Congratulations, Mary! 

Wendy Stackhouse transitions to Public Relations

We would like to congratulate Wendy Stackhouse from Cohort 2, who recently landed a position as a Media Relations Associate at a P.R. company that is a subsidiary of a large online marketing firm. 

After making the announcement about her new job, Wendy expressed her thanks to the staff, instructors and everyone involved with the LA Fellows Program. One of the class speakers at Cohort 2's graduation, and a frequent contributor to this blog, we feel certain Wendy will be a great success in her new industry.

Well done, Wendy!