SIUE Building Futures Program Student Learns Tools to Finding Employment

SIUE Building Futures Program Student Learns Tools to Finding Employment

July 19, 2024, 1:00 PM

"Only list the most relevant skills pertaining to the position you are applying for. Make sure your email address is appropriate. Research the business before the interview. Be aware of your body language and tone of voice."

These were just a few points that Somarie Robinson, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center's Building Futures (BF) program student, found helpful.

Robinson, 17, of East St. Louis, enlisted family help to get to the two-hour Resume Development and Interviewing Skills Workshop on Wednesday, July 17 at the Southwestern Illinois workNet Center in Belleville.

"I wanted to learn about how to get a job and what to do in an interview," said Robinson, who recently registered with BF, in part, to obtain her GED. Robinson is enrolled in the GED program, which is directed by Jean McClendon, special projects coordinator/adult education and literacy department, for Southwestern Illinois College and is located on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus.

"Several of our students work while they are in school," said BF Program Director Ora Lockett. "I contacted Bonnie Forker at the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department because many of the students say they need help in finding jobs."

St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department hosted the Resume and Interview Workshop.

Leading the training was Bonnie Forker, regional apprenticeship navigator at St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants. Forker was assisted by SIUE alumna Apifany Branson, business service representative. Forker and Branson are part of the St. Clair County Business Services team. Branson earned a bachelor's in business administration from SIUE in 2022.

"We plan on taking this show on the road," said Forker, who will work with Lockett to offer the workshop at the SIUE East St. Louis Center on the WHYHEC. "We recognize that transportation can be difficult and is a challenge for many people."

In offering instruction of composing a compelling resume, some advice that Forker and Branson offered included:

• For the contact information: write your full name, do not include your address and make sure your phone does not block unknown callers.

• If work history and degree(s) are more than 10 years old, do not include the dates to avoid "ageism."

• Enlist another person to proofread your resume.

When preparing and interviewing for a job, some suggestions that Forker and Branson offered included:

• Outline key selling points about your background.

• Recite answers to commonly asked questions aloud to practice your delivery.

• Be prepared to summarize your experience in approximately 30 seconds and describe what you bring to the position.

• Be positive throughout the interviewing process and do not offer negative comments about previous employers.

• Ask about the next steps in the selection process and follow them!

• Remember the "interview" begins when you drive onto the parking lot or pull up on the street, and ends when you drive away.

Also attending the seminar were various agency representatives, who planned to share the information with their respective clients. Other training participants included: Annette Holman, Natalya V. Pruitt and Pam Dale, all career specialists with the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department located at Southwestern Illinois workNet offices; Gwen Green and Vashti Wilburn, both employment specialists with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES); Esteria Barber, administrative assistant for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Office at the Onestop; and Linesta Moore, employment specialist at St. Clair County Urban League in Fairview Heights.

"I liked the workshop," said Robinson. "It was good information. There were many things I didn't know."

"I had a hard time getting here," she continued. "I had to get my grandmother to bring me. I'm glad I was able to get here."

Building Futures has had an extremely positive impact on many youth who need additional support and encouragement to pursue their career paths. Through the help of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and foster care managers, the benefits of this program serve as an additional resource to increase the likelihood of the young person having a positive transition out of the foster care system. The program works with youth ages 15-20, even after their transition from foster care.

The program's goal is to equip young people with the ability to care for themselves without being dependent upon others. In addition, program objectives include the following: to assist youth and young adults with identifying career interests, to develop a career path in a high-demand field, and to improve their overall well-being. Building Futures serves 20-30 youths per year. Building Futures is a program offered at the SIUE East St. Louis Center. Building Futures is a program offered at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center.

Photos:
Top row: Building Futures Program Director Ora Lockett (left) clarifies a point for BF program student Somarie Robinson (right); L-R: Engaged in conversation are Lockett, Robinson, and SIUE alumna Apifany Branson, business services representative for the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department. Across the table is Bonnie Forker, regional apprenticeship navigator at St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department.