Guest Commentator: Tiffany Jenkins, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Philadelphia Works @Philaworks
What do employers in our region stand to gain from supporting our future workforce through career readiness opportunities?
For the past seven years while working at Philadelphia Works, Inc., the workforce board of Philadelphia, I have had the honor of working with high school and college interns who yearn to work for an organization whose mission of community development they support. I have learned that creating career readiness opportunities gives an employer access to a mission-focused young professional who is eager to make a lasting impact on a company.
Working with driven young professionals can help an organization bridge a gap within. When interns are educated on the purpose, benefit, and influence of their work, they are motivated to collaborate and perform. Their outcome typically exceeds expectations producing a blueprint for the company to benefit. Young professionals’ drive also heightens the confidence and culture within an organization, continually reminding staff of their early desires to make an impact. This shift of energy brings a new level of comfort, relatability, and ease to the dialogue between staff and interns, commencing a foundation of mentorships and a future relationship for the intern.
Internships and career readiness opportunities ultimately help young professionals discover the industry and/or role that best suits their aspirations and passions. Young professionals enter the workplace with a fresh mindset, which grants another dimension to their work. Once they recognize that their values and work align in bridging a gap within the organization, their career journey begins and the company’s talent pipeline increases.
The work that goes into developing a successful career readiness opportunity for young professionals can be grueling, but the impact is priceless. Thank you to organizations that are dedicated and zealous in supporting our future workforce through career readiness opportunities.
Stephen Covey once said “What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”
Challenge yourself and your team to find ways your organization can support our future workforce and, if you already are, continue making an impact.
The Chamber is a proud partner of WorkReady, a citywide initiative managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network providing career exposure to youth. Prepare our region’s young people for the future of work and ensure Philadelphia’s young people are not left out of our economic recovery efforts by signing on to provide virtual career exposure or an internship experience to a young person.
