Leader: Jenny Durkin, jenny.durkin@gmail.com.  

2009 Program Overview 

The 2009 Power Ties Program consisted of a series of four 1.5-hour workshops, held at the school site, in which volunteers taught students how to fill out a job application, write a resume, and present themselves for interviews. After the workshops were completed, a career fair and luncheon was held at a special venue.
 
Power Ties takes four sessions to complete. Volunteers teach seminars at the partner school over the course of a few weeks, using a set curriculum that includes writing resumes and cover letters, understanding appropriate office behavior, and practicing general business and interviewing skills.

The program caps off the training with a career fair at a special off-campus site. Mock "potential employers" meet with students to test their newly-learned interviewing skills. After the interviews, students are treated to a business luncheon and motivational speaker. Even during the luncheon, students showcase business dining etiquette and conversation techniques.

Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteers help prepare students to apply for jobs through workshops, conduct mock interviews at the Career Fair, and host visiting students at their own place of work.

Volunteer Training: Attend an initial training and review provided materials.

Time Commitment: One to three-hour time slots occurring throughout the school year and a general orientation session for all volunteers.

Workshops

The workshops are completely scripted. Volunteers leading a workshop will be expected to fill in their own personal experiences. There will be two volunteers to every class of 15-25 students. The workshops include:

Workshop 1 - Introduction, Career Survey, and Job Application Workshop 2 - Resume Writing & Resume Typing Workshop 3 - Resume Revision & Cover Letters Workshop 4 - Interviewing & Office Behavior

Career Day & Power Lunch

Volunteers will be responsible for interviewing 3-4 students, assisting an etiquette class or office skills session, or supervising students writing business thank-you notes (to volunteers). An interview script and a student evaluation form will be provided. Volunteers are then invited to a "Power Lunch" following the career fair (optional).

Job Site Visits

Volunteers from throughout the business/professional community host students at their job site for a half day. This generally includes lunch. Last year's hosts included bankers, judges, veterinarians, doctors, attorneys, and many other prominent members of the business community.

For more information, please contact Jenny Durkin at jenny.durkin@gmail.com.