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Inside The Doe Fund’s Career Club

Career Club is more than an employment search group: it’s a supportive environment where the “men in blue” of The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing & Able program are given the tools necessary to succeed in the workforce. It’s a place where everyone pitches in – staff, volunteers, and trainees alike – so learning occurs between friends, people that genuinely care for one another. From the tips and tricks that facilitators and volunteers provide concerning the job search process to the support they receive from each other, the “men in blue” are never lacking in good advice! Participants see Career Club as a safe space, a place where they are able to vent their frustrations, celebrate their successes, and help each other make strides towards permanent self-sufficiency.

In one recent career club session the trainees discussed how to keep your cool, literally!  “One thing that’s really difficult about interviewing in the summer months is how sweaty you get while getting there,” one volunteer jokingly admitted.  Especially as New York City is in the throes of yet another heat wave, the discussion could not have come at a better time.

“First impressions are lasting and you always want to put the best foot forward. That means planning in advance, figuring out places where you can cool down before an interview,” the volunteer continued.  While engaged in conversation, some of the trainees admitted to not realizing how the weather may affect their appearance to possible employers.

“Remember it’s the small things that separate your interview and application from the crowd,” the volunteer added.

“So the message of the day is to be cool?” one of the “men in blue” asked.

“Essentially, but I bet you guys don’t need any more help with that,” the volunteer playfully responded as the room erupted into laughter.

Now, nothing – not even a heat wave – will be able to hold the “men in blue” back!

Career Club