SRA’s Career Development Winter Workshop (Part 1)

Students Rising Above hosted the first ever Virtual Career Development Winter Workshop Part 1 on Saturday, January 16, 2021 on Zoom. Thank you so much to all our students, volunteers, and staff for a great event! 

Organized by the incredible Career Development Team, spearheaded by Career Development EdTech Lead Kaitlyn Endo, the Virtual Career Development Winter Workshop Part 1 had a great line-up of interactive activities for SRA students as well as participation and feedback provided by a variety of skilled volunteers. 

To begin, the event had separate welcome sessions with an introduction and Career Development Presentation for both students and volunteers. Then, students and volunteers joined together for an overview and directions for the first activity – the elevator pitch. Next, students and volunteers were divided into breakout rooms based on their career interests in which students got to practice their elevator pitches and receive valuable feedback.

Afterward, everyone virtually gathered for an overview and directions for the second activity – t-charting. Back in the career interest group setting, students got to share their pre-assigned t-charts on how their work experiences and skill sets could translate into their desired job listing. As students shared, volunteers chimed in with support, advice, and encouragement. Finally, all members attended a closing session to reflect on the event together and share their favorite Winter Workshop highlights. 

Students Rising Above looks forward to the continued success of Career Development virtual events – with the Winter Workshop Part 2 approaching on Saturday, January 30th on Zoom!

Some quotes from our volunteers:

• “I had the honor and pleasure of speaking with an amazing group of college students on interviewing skills, crafting resumes, and elevator pitches, at today’s Students Rising Above Virtual Career Development Winter Workshop. Thank you to the SRA staff for setting up a wonderful event.” -David Tsai, User Experience Lead at Salesforce

• “I was so glad to take part in Student Rising Above’s Career Development Winter Workshop…The students were well prepared for the sessions and it was great to supply feedback and answer their questions.” -Scott Johnson, University Recruiting Program Manager at Lumentum

When asked about their favorite part of the workshop, participants responded:

• “The best part was speaking with the volunteers about our elevator pitches and interview and seeing all the SRA family again!”

• “Hearing advice from professionals!”

• “Getting to know others and their talent”

• “Learning about the volunteer’s company/job”

• “Volunteers were so kind and gave amazing feedback”