JFCS Career Development Center’s WorkLaunch 2019 was the most successful since the event began in 2015! Nearly 40% more job seekers attended!
This year’s format was changed to feature panels of experts on such topics as How to Work with New Technologies, Jobs in the Gig Economy/Side Hustles, Working in the Arts, Opportunities for Mature Workers, and How to Make Successful Career Transitions. The most relevant topics to today’s employment scene, plus people with direct experience along with professional career counselors seemed to be a winning combination. Survey feedback from participants showed that the format was a hit!
“Specific demographics of people are disproportionately impacted by the area’s changing workforce,” says Robin Farabee-Siers, JFCS Career Development Center team member responsible for coordinating the WorkLaunch events. “The topics were targeted at providing information, resources, and connections to the job seekers who need it the most.”
At the evening panel on “Jobs in the Gig Economy/Side Hustles,” panelists declared that it is possible to do what you love, and find ways to support yourself, but sometimes it takes some imagination. A local sculptor created online classes, owns some rental properties, and is a certified massage therapist. These “side hustles” allow him to be an artist. Other people just can’t take the daily 9-5, and some just need an extra job to make ends meet. From Uber driving to pet sitting, the possibilities are endless and can be very successful.
As in years past, participants could also speak to a career counselor at all WorkLaunch events. Many individuals took advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the services JFCS Career Development Center regularly offers, such as resume writing, interviewing strategies, and use of online tools like LinkedIn. Counselors also helped prepare them for the Career & Community Resource Fair, which wrapped up WorkLaunch 2019 on Friday, April 12.
Karen, semi-retired and over 50, came to the job fair wanting to see what kinds of part time jobs these companies might offer. She has attended other JFCS Career Development Center events and workshops, notably one on motivation and how to keep one’s job search energized.
The representative from Dollar Bank said he was having a good day and would be taking at least a dozen resumes back to the office for consideration.
The final new feature this year was the employers’ luncheon which followed the career fair. Small groups discussed current workforce hiring challenges, skill gaps, and strategies to identify new pools of talent.
Event speaker Jennifer Beahm, Editor of the Pittsburgh Business Times, spoke about solutions to the region’s workforce needs of the future, included partnering more closely with local universities, creating apprenticeships, importing workers from other places, seeking out people who have left the workforce but want to return, and cultivating diversity in the workforce. “Hire outside the box,” she said.
Overall, thanks to partnerships between JFCS Career Development Center, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the 25+ employers and resource agencies that attended, the WorkLaunch 2019 program covers a lot of ground for those looking for work. This free public event provides lots of the latest job search trends, and a chance to meet companies that are hiring.
JFCS Career Development Center can help you energize your job search, understand all the latest trends in hiring, and provide a professional counselor to help you make your plan. Call 412-422-5627 or visit our website!