Orientation Dates Announced for LA Fellows Cohort 13

1000 Words: Attitude is Everything

It can be hard to describe to people what the LA Fellows experience is before they've lived it firsthand. Knowing that a picture is worth 1,000 words, here are a few to help you visualize what it's like to be an LA Fellow.

If all you know to do as a job seeker is sit at your computer, find leads and submit resumes, it can be a pretty solitary and sometimes depressing undertaking. As one of our instructors reminds the LA Fellows: "No one wants to hire Sad, Tired and Angry - that person probably already works there!" It's important for applicants to project a positive attitude, and to show the hiring manager that they are the kind of person their employees would want to work next to for 40 or more hours a week. LA Fellows gives participants a supportive, team learning environment, with lots of opportunities to laugh and celebrate their individual and collective wins.

Learn more about the LA Fellows program at www.lafellows.org. 

Parting Words of Wisdom at Graduation

LA Fellows instructor and expert job coach Larry Braman used
humor to convey some final words of advice about the
 one topic he forgot to go over during his instruction time.

LA Fellows' newest instructor, Sam Borelli, shared his renewed love of
teaching and some last-minute encouragement for the Fellows. 

Doug Card, LAVC Job Training staff instructor of the Microsoft classes for
the LA Fellows program, kept the audience laughing with his quick wit. 

One of the greatest strengths of the LA Fellows program has been, and continues to be, its outstanding staff of instructors. The Fellows benefit from the wisdom of professionals who understand the issues job seekers face from a unique range of perspectives: Los Angeles Valley College Job Training staff, professional job coaches and trainers, nonprofit experts, and hiring managers.

The instructors are passionately dedicated to providing the highest level of guidance in order to position the professionals in the program to re-enter the workforce in a thoughtful, directed way.

Four of the instructors, Larry Braman, Sam Borelli, Doug Card and Lynnette Ward, were able to attend the graduation ceremonies and speak on behalf of the teaching staff. They eloquently expressed encouragement and pride in the accomplishments of this cohort, injected their own brand of levity, and provided a few last nuggets of wisdom to keep the LA Fellows on track for the next job and all the jobs after that.

Lynnette Ward, an instructor who's taught with the LA Fellows program from
the very beginning, shared insight and heartfelt appreciation of Cohort 11's
enthusiasm and dedication to the training and the job search process.

"We are LA Fellows Because We Act on our Dreams."

On Friday, March 13th, the LA Fellows program celebrated the graduation of its 11th Cohort (class) of job-seeking professionals. Two individuals from the class represented their Cohort by speaking in the ceremony. The first speaker was Fred Johnson, who agreed to let us post a transcript of his heartfelt and inspiring speech: 

To Los Angeles Valley College President, Job Training Staff and Advisory Board, Mr. Lennie Ciufo, our awesome and dynamic job training leaders - Allison and Mary, to the WorkSource Centers who have generously funded the LA Fellows program, particularly Anthony Rodriguez and Candis Noel with the West Hollywood WorkSource Center who believed enough in me to fund my position within the LA Fellows, and to our nonprofit partners who have given us opportunities to volunteer within your organizations to regain our confidence, pride, and  job skills, and to our families and friends whose support have played an instrumental part in us being here - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

 

I am Fred Jackson and I am proud to be a Cohort 11 LA Fellow and honored to speak on behalf of my Cohort.

 

On January 2^nd, a diverse, motley crew of individuals came together to listen to Allison and Mary give us an orientation on the transformative journey that we were getting ready to embark upon. Little did we know what we had signed up for…

 

In our own different ways, we were all scarred, frustrated and depressed with the internet suck of job searching and sending our resumes into corporate electronic black holes and then being further pulled down by the repeated defeat and rejection of not being fully productive and gainfully employed.  So each of us decided to commit to the LA Fellows Program, challenging us to focus our job search efforts and to move beyond our comfort zones, shedding layers of negativity.

 

Over the next nine weeks, we learned from our incredible and dedicated program instructors – Andrea, Doug, Keri, Kim, Jim, Larry, Lynnette, Roberto and Sam how to assess the psychological and practical aspects of our career transition. We learned to develop an action plan and how to tackle opportunities with structured and focused approaches detailing our strengths, areas of expertise, interests, and values to uncover the hidden job market.

 

We studied how to rethink our thinking and change our brains, how to control our fears with emotional intelligence, and how to improve our resumes with SOAR stories - highlighting our expertise, the problems we have solved, and outlining our transferrable skills.

 

“Can you walk me through your resume?” or, “Can you tell me about yourself?” were the painful interview questions we learned how to tackle along with developing an elevator speech that will captivate an audiences within 90 seconds or less.

 

We were taught to have a personal brand always and consistently showcasing our unique qualities and being able to back it up with proof statements and in a changing world, we learned how to embrace change when someone moves our cheese.

 

We also studied the growing world of nonprofits involved in everything from health care, education, the arts and culture, and so much more! Through our volunteering at nonprofits, not only are we being re-engaged back into the working world, but we are making a difference and impacting the lives of burned children, developing parks and open space in economically disadvantaged communities, helping sick kids fight their illness, and much more at the various nonprofits where my cohorts are volunteering.

 

While improving our job search strategies and interviewing skills, we learned so much more about one another: who were the direct, task oriented Eagles, the wise, systematic Owls, the spirited Roadrunners, or the considerate Doves.

 

I could continue for nine more weeks talking about all we learned in the LA Fellows Program, However, today is the graduation for Cohort 11, so to Cohort and friends ….

 

Alan: I’ve witnessed you wrestle with your employment gap and I know that you will return to the Healthcare Industry as the trainer and leader that you are.

Brian: You’re Dr. Scientist and nothing can stop you because you are the “Master of your fate and the Captain of your soul.”

Justin: You are the teacher/leader that any employer would want and the Foundation for Pierce College is lucky to have you as a volunteer.

Gus: Move out of your way, trust and embrace your gifts. That is the only thing stopping you. You are a brilliant and creative writer

Diane W: Cleveland is in the house! Your background maybe varied, but your skills and ability to connect with people are solid.

Ruth: You don’t know this, but you share the name and characteristics of my beloved and departed Mother. You are smart, caring, passionate, creative, and talented! And the job you seek is just a few connections away.

Jen: You’re focused, funny and know what you want. Get ready grant writing world, Jen is coming and she is serious.

Ava: Ms. Diet Coke, you have the knowledge, connections and leadership skills that will see you involved in policy work real soon.

Parvene:  You have co-owned and lead an award winning marketing firm for years. Winning is second nature to you and you will make a successful career transition.

Carol: You were the first Cohort that I met.  You are incredibly smart and moved to LA to be close to your children. It was only a matter of time before you were discovered in LA and now you are employed.

Denise:  You have walked with kings but kept the common touch as an airline executive. You have the emotional intelligence we all want in a leader.

Frank: You were taught to always do things right the first time. You got it right and now you’re employed as a Vice President of a bank.

Barbara: Once you land a teaching job with a Community College, let me know because I want to take any class you teach! You’re an empathetic instructor willing to go the extra mile to help your students achieve their “aha” moments.

Dianne M: Tenacious D, our Eagle, there is no denying you are a New Yorker and a natural leader and the executive position you deserve is looking for you.

Haisela:  Our prayers are with you. You walk quietly but carry a big stick! Teaching is in your blood.

Richard: You’re young, smart and gifted. The world is yours, go and conquer it!

Alex: My fellow Dove, you are smart, considerate, passionate, and creative. Don’t second guess yourself because the creative job you seek is just around the corner.

Bismark: You are smart, understanding, and a motivational leader and manager that I want running my team because you won’t let the ship sink.  

Erica: The once quiet, shy girl has said left the building. You have made tremendous strides and Shonda Rhimes better snatch you up while she can afford you. You will be an extraordinary writer, just believe in yourself!

Peter: You’re a smart, gifted and talented attorney. “Fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of a distance run.”

Paul: Don’t worry about the crutches, pun intended, they get in the way of employers seeing you stand with your skills, experiences, and background leading teams and managing a portfolio of buildings.

Nancy: Our Oklahoma Attorney who has the fortitude and will to “Hold on” and will soon be employed again.

Thor: Our Thunder God of Wealth! With the name Thor Gold, you are destined for greatness and you are the “Bright Shiny Penny” of our Cohort.

Valerie: You’re the powerful superhero that became employed first among our Cohort. You showed us how having drive, dedication, and a zeal for learning pays off.  

Bill: You struggled mightily with change, but ultimately you did it and are now employed.

Mark: You are confident, methodical, driven and employed! You are being all that you can be and thank you for serving our Country!

And last but not least,

Regina:  You’re thoughtful and resourceful with so many talents. Continue being who you are, because you’re fantastic and the job you desire will soon be yours!

 

In closing, no one can go back and make a brand new start, but everyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. We came to LA Fellows with our individual issues and baggage, but we are leaving and graduating uplifted, confident, prepared, and optimistic about our future.

We are LA Fellows because we are armed with tactics, higher self-esteem, and we have each other. We are LA Fellows because we plan and believe in ourselves. We are LA Fellows because we act on our dreams. We are LA Fellows because we will be employed and accomplish great things!

And, I thank you.

Fred Jackson is a Real Estate Development and Asset Management professional. He is currently volunteering with the Trust for Public Land, completing a 100 hour project to develop an opportunities report and working in park/open space development.

LA Fellows Cohort 11 Shines

 Cohort 11 of the LA Fellows program wrapped up the eighth week of training last week and are preparing for their upcoming graduation. The Fellows have enthusiastically embraced the instruction in communication and leadership, made great strides in upgrading their resumes and interview skills and taken advantage of optional instruction in Microsoft Office and grant writing.

They are in the process of starting their volunteer assignments. They have teamed up with an impressive list of organizations this time including The Trust for Public Land, Silhouettes for Vets, the Valley Economic Alliance, The Center for Nonprofit Management, Councilman Paul Krekorian’s Office, and many others.

We are looking forward to seeing all the accomplishments that will come as a result of the initiative they have taken to move their careers forward in new directions.

Another Award for LA Fellows

We are proud to announce that The South Bay Workforce Investment Board presented an "Outstanding Achievement" award to Los Angeles Valley College Job Training for the LA Fellows program recently at their 19th annual Alumni Awards Breakfast. The ceremony was held October 23rd at the Ayres Hotel in Hawthorne. The annual event honors recent alumni who have completed technical training in a variety of fields as well as the corporations that provided jobs and a variety of institutions and agencies (like LAVC Job Training and LA Fellows) that provided the training that was funded by grants made possible by the SBWIB. More than 300 civic leaders, elected officials, job providers and training institution representatives were in attendance.

LAVC Job Training also garnered awards for its Microsoft Academy, Manufacturing Academy, Human Resources assistant Academy and Customer Service programs.

The South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) oversees a nine city consortium through which over 100,000 youth, adults and dislocated workers annually receive a wide range of self-help and staff-assisted career services including labor market information, on-line career profiles, career interest inventories, supportive service referrals, vocational counseling, technical training and job placement assistance.

New Orientation Dates and Location Added for Cohort 11



 

Free Workshop: Preventing Computer Viruses

On Tuesday October 28, 2014, Team Business Burbank and Los Angeles Valley College Job Training office (home of LA Fellows) is presenting another free 2-hour workshop: Preventing Computer Viruses. These free workshops are a great resource to share with your network and are relevant to business professionals across the board, regardless of their current employment status. Instructional workshops like this add value to a resume, give professionals a chance to network and meet new people, and are also a great talking point when an interviewer asks, "So what have you been doing since your last job?"

 

Everyone is welcome. Share this on your social media sites and be sure to register!

 

Orientation Dates Announced for Cohort 11

 

Free Training for Job Seekers

Who are the LA Fellows?

LA Fellows are motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic individuals, with solid work experience, who are looking for their next career opportunity. Visit www.lafellows.org or call 818.947.2941 for more information.

 

Make a Difference in Your Career

LA Fellows receive free professional training covering executive level topics including advanced job search techniques, critical thinking, negotiating, and advanced computer skills. Training begins January 5, 2015.

Be the Difference in Your Community

LA Fellows 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.

 

Become an LA Fellow

Attend an informational session to learn more about the program and application process.    Job Seekers only need to attend one informational session. Be prepared to stay two hours.

When:          Friday, October 17^th, 10:00am

                        Friday, November 14^th, 10:00am

                        Friday, November 21^st, 10:00am

                                               

Where:         Los Angeles Valley College

5800 Fulton Avenue

Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096

Located in the Library building, Second Floor, Room 201

Parking:      Free parking in Lot B at the corner of Oxnard St. and Fulton Ave.

Cohort 10 Graduates!

The cameras were clicking and flashing with a fury on Friday at LA Valley College's Monarch Hall where the LA Fellows program graduated its latest class of 32 highly skilled job seekers. By all accounts it was one of the nicest ceremonies yet with laughs, tears and more than a few pleasant surprises. We'll post more soon, but here's a photo of Cohort 10 on their day of honor to tide you over:

Another Cohort of LA Fellows Nears Graduation

Every cohort of LA Fellows is told in the first week to take advantage of the time in class to connect with the diverse group of professionals there. For every group of LA Fellows, the training time passes quickly, and Cohort 10 has been no exception. As they finish the on-campus instructional portion of the program, start working on the nonprofit piece and prepare for graduation next week, here's a quick snapshop of some of the activities that have been preparing them for their return to the workforce...  



Many of the Fellows took advantage of the optional
computer classes which help them to brush up on their
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills.





There were numerous opportunities for practicing their interview skills
and to brainstorm tweaks on cover letters and resumes.   

Fellows from previous Cohorts came by to give encouragement and first-hand insight on how to take their training and apply it to real-world situations.

They had lots of opportunities to exercise teamwork...





...Teamwork...

...And more teamwork! (Who says it all has to be serious and dull to be informative?)

The LA Fellows also got many opportunities to practice their presentation skills
and get comfortable speaking in front of a room full of people.

Most importantly, Cohort 10 has embraced the greatest lesson of the LA Fellows program: the power of a network. They share ideas, resources, and support. The hardest part of unemployment can be the isolation and uncertainty that comes from sitting alone in front of a computer hoping someone responds to a resume. LA Fellows learn the skills to make that a tiny part of the search and instead focus on effective strategies that connect experienced workers with real employers. Cohort 10 has proven that they are strong enough to step out of their comfort zones, smart enough to say yes to opportunity, and have the fortitude to follow this training to their next success.

We can't wait to see the wonderful things they achieve.

Three Orientation Dates Added for Cohort 10

Due to the tremendous response we've received after the recent KTLA story on the program, three additional LA Fellows orientations have been added for the class that will begin training on July 28th, Cohort 10. 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 one orientation in order for their application to be considered.

 

When:             Informational sessions begin at 10:00am.
Be prepared to stay two hours. 
 

                        Friday, June 13^th

Friday, June 20^th 

                        Tuesday, July 1^st   

Where:           Los Angeles Valley College

5800 Fulton Avenue

Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096

 

                        June 13^th & 20^th            Located in the Administration Building

July 1^st                         Located in Library Building, Room 200 A

 

Parking:         Free parking in Lot B at the corner of Oxnard St. and Fulton Ave.

You can read more about LA Fellows on our website, www.lafellows.org, see the recent KTLA story on LA Fellows at http://ktla.com/2014/05/05/a-look-inside-the-hidden-job-market/#axzz30woBrrTO and follow us on Twitter at @LA_Fellows. 

LA Fellows Featured on KTLA's Money Smart Segment

The LA Fellows program was featured on a recent Money Smart segment of KTLA Channel 5 News (Los Angeles). Our own Nick Koutouras from Cohort 2 was interviewed, as was Lennie Ciufo, Director of the Job Training Department at Los Angeles Valley College, out of which LA Fellows operates. It aired on the KTLA News at 10 on Monday, May 5, 2014, with Glen Walker reporting.

From their website, ktla.com:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of “long term unemployed” those jobless for 27 weeks or more make up nearly 36% of the total unemployed. But there is an entire “hidden job market” that’s not being tapped into and we know how you can get your foot in the door.

In case you missed it, you can watch it here:

http://ktla.com/2014/05/05/a-look-inside-the-hidden-job-market/#axzz30woBrrTO

Top 10 Reasons A Job Seeker Might Need LA Fellows

10. You know there has to be a better way to move yourself out of unemployment than answering job postings on the internet, but you're not sure what it is.

9. The closest you come to using social media in your job search is borrowing your neighbor's newspaper when they're finished.

8. You break out in a cold sweat at the thought of "networking."

7. You've heard so many different opinions on your resume, you're not sure what's right anymore.

6. You've started to avoid people who might ask how your job search is going because you don't have anything new to tell them.

5. It's been months since you had an interview.

4. When you splurge on Starbucks, you're more excited about being around other people than you are about the coffee.

3. You're starting to think that you aren't applying for the right positions.

2. You tell time based on which daytime talk show is on.

1. You're still reading this...

If what you're doing isn't giving you the results you're looking for, it's time to try something new. The LA Fellows program has a proven track record of helping people move out of unemployment faster through a unique combination of training and project-based volunteerism. LA Fellows helps you focus your job search and add new skills as you continue to search. Come to our orientation, listen, ask questions and decide for yourself if this might be helpful for you; see our orientation schedule here: www.lafellows.org/apply.

Are you ready to change for the better?

Free Workshop: Emotional Intelligence

It has been predicted that 80% of our success is based on how well we utilize our “emotional intelligence.”  But what is it and how can you make it work for you?

In this complimentary workshop, popular speaker and LA Fellows instructor Jim Marteney details how to use EI as a source of energy, information, connection, and influence. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.), Jim will show how to use EI to create better personal and professional relationships.

As always, there is no charge to attend this workshop and it is open to the public. To learn more, view the descriptive flyer below.

To reserve your seat, contact Team Business at their website, www.itsmyseat.com/teambusiness.html . 

Workshops like this one are a sampling of the type of professional career instruction you will find in the LA Fellows program, in addition to job search skills and the nonprofit instruction and experience. If you enjoy this workshop and are currently unemployed, consider coming to the next LA Fellows orientation to find out more. Our next session is Friday May 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM. For location and more information, go to lafellows.org/apply. Let us help you get back to work faster.

Training Opportunity

Not everyone who's unemployed can wait for the next session of LA Fellows to start. 

If you're unemployed in the Los Angeles area looking for that next step and training is the route, step aboard the next orientation for the Metro Bus Operator program. It's another program - free for participants! - run by LAVC Job Training and it has a very high placement rate for those who complete the course successfully.