On Friday March 14, the Family Success Center at GenerationEd held a career fair for professional development and career exposure. The event brought together a powerhouse lineup of employers including FedEx, Wright, StepUp Greensboro, Caring Hands Home Health, Inc., Guilford County Schools, Thomas Built Buses, and My Pharmacy giving attendees valuable job and networking opportunities.
The event allowed companies to present their work culture, values, and mission, while also emphasizing benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and additional features. Rather than solely concentrating on job searching, the emphasis was on fostering meaningful relationships. Participants were invited to bring their resumes and elevator pitches to interact directly with potential employers.
Amanda Cook, Lead Success Coach for the Family Success Center, expressed the value of the career fair and how it gave participants exposure to an assortment of possibilities, ranging from professional development to career exposure and exploration.
“The job fair was a success as FSC members and GenEd families were able to network with employers, explore different careers, gain experience in asking employers questions about positions and how to speak about themselves professionally,” explained Cook. “I liked that it was a low-pressure, friendly environment.”
Attendees had valuable opportunities to learn about and practice communication skills, which are highly relevant to their experience and future career prospects. The event also focused on building meaningful connections and developing soft skills, empowering attendees to navigate professional settings with confidence and contributing to their career development.
Melvinie Turner, a Family Success Coach, explained how members were given a multitude of resources and opportunities to further help their success.
“It [the job fair] gave our members the opportunity to look at the different positions and partners that were hiring. It gave them access to be able to understand how to effectively communicate in a job fair setting, and how to express what their qualifications are,” Turner said.
These opportunities align with the Family Success Center’s mission to provide pathways for families to succeed at home, school, and work. The Center offers various services, including GED classes, money management classes, coaching, workforce development and career readiness training.
These services, combined with events like the career fair, create a comprehensive approach to support job seekers in their professional growth and employment search.
Turner further vocalized how not only this fair, but career fairs in general are essential to professional development.
“Career fairs are vital to helping people to develop in their career path, and it is essential that they know the process of how to develop themselves and how to advocate for themselves in a format that would help them to get the job that they are desiring,” she said.
The success of this career fair demonstrates the ongoing need for such events in the community because they provide platform for job seekers to explore opportunities, practice their networking skills, and gain valuable insights into various industries. For employers, they offer a chance to connect with potential candidates and showcase their company culture and values.
As the job market continues to evolve, career fairs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and stability of the community.
Funded by the United Way of Greater Greensboro, The Family Success Center (FSC) empowers participants to overcome poverty through a comprehensive approach that combines education and employment preparation courses with individualized coaching. The program provides a diverse curriculum including adult education, job readiness, digital literacy, health and wellness, and financial management.
All classes are conveniently held at the Family Success Center, allowing participants to attend while their children receive free, high-quality on-site childcare.
The FSC model has proven effective in helping families achieve financial stability and independence. Since its inception in 2015, the program has expanded to multiple locations, serving hundreds of families and demonstrating positive outcomes in areas such as employment, education, and financial literacy.
To learn more about GenerationEd, the Family Success Center, and any upcoming events be sure to visit our website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
