Career Services Overview
Fresh Start’s Career Services assists women in various stages of professional development. Whether you are returning to work after an extended absence, seeking advancement, changing careers, or newly embarking on your professional journey, we provide tools to build your confidence moving forward. Search for jobs in our computer center or job-posting book, create resumes and cover letters, gain interviewing tips, or research educational opportunities. Our Career Coaches can meet one-on-one to provide job searching advice, administer career assessments, help you craft a resume or cover letter, or simply offer guidance. Career Coaches are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Call in advance for a schedule of available dates and times.
How Can We Help?
Career Coaching
Career Coaches are professionals who can assist you in reaching your career goals! Our team of Coaches has expertise in the areas of career guidance, resume writing, interviewing and job searching. Stop in for a personalized, one-on-one session with a Fresh Start Career Coach. Coaches are available on a walk-in, first come first served basis, Monday-Thursday and Saturday, to fit your busy schedule. Times and dates vary.
Career Coaching Calender- May 2012
Educational Coaching
Education coaches are available on a monthly basis to assist women who are interested in continuing their education. Whether you want to pursue a certification, associate, four-year degree or more, the coaches are here to help you identify funding options, apply for scholarships, choose the right school and research degree options. Coaches are available on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The service is free of charge and does vary each month based on coaches availability. Click on the career calendar above for available day/times.
Fresh Jobs (Online Job Bank)
Are you looking for a fresh start in your career? Click on the link below to access a variety of jobs from all over the valley. This interactive system will allow you to set up an account in order to organize your job search, apply for positions and post your resume for employers to view. Take the first step on your new career path today! Click here to get started!
Career Assessments
Are you unsure about what kind of career you are looking for or are you considering a career change?? Fresh Start has partnered with the Arizona Department of Education to offer Fresh Start women the opportunity to complete a variety of career assessments. These assessments will examine your personality, enjoyable work skills and work values and provide you with listings of your best matched careers. Once you complete the assessments you will also have the opportunity to complete specific career research. To get started, write down the username and password below and click on the link to be redirected to the website. Once you log-in, create your own username and password so that you may save your results. If you would like to discuss your results further please feel free to meet with any of our experienced Career Coaches (please bring copies of your results to the coaching session).
Username: freshstart
Password: 4azcis02
Click here to get started!
Educational Partnerships
Paradise Valley Community College - Start-up Business Certificate
Have you ever wanted to start your own business?
Do you have an exciting business idea and you just don't know where to start?
Join Fresh Start and PVCC for this inaugural 9 month certification program that will give you the tools you need to turn your dream of owning a small business, into a reality! Courses are focused in the areas of management, marketing, finance, technology and general business. All students will get the chance to complete a business plan that will help them take their business to the next level. All courses are college credited and will be offered exclusively at Fresh Start in an accelerated format to meet the needs of our clients. Please note that community college tuition rates will still apply for these courses. For more information and details on how to register, please call Jamie Starner, Career Services Manager, 602.261.7161. Orrientation for our 2012/2013 will be on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 11am, registration is required. A huge thank you to CEWilson Consulting & A Touch of Class Travel for offering scholarships that will cover the cost for 4 lucky women to attend this program in 2011/2012.
Anthem College Online Educational Grant Program
Anthem Education Group understands the importance that education can play in improving the lives of our women. In order to make education more accessible to the women of Fresh Start, Anthem College Online has agreed to donate both time and funds to women interested in returning to school. This program, offered exclusively to Fresh Start women, provides you with much needed coaching and financial support in order to get you enrolled in either an associate or bachelors level program.
Anthem Representatives with be on-site to meet with women the first Tuesday of every month from 11 am to 2 pm. Interested women may also call Amy Michalenko, Career Services Manager, at 602.261.7161.
For more information on Anthem College Online and their degree programs click here
DeVry University
DeVry understands that education can make a difference in the lives of our women. To make sure that you are getting the support you need, DeVry has agreed to waive the application fee for any Fresh Start Woman enrolling in their many degree programs. Take advantage of this exciting savings and take the first step toward improving your life.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity just contact an admissions representative at DeVry - remember to let them know that you are a Fresh Start Woman! Call 602.870.9222 or click the link below to be connected to their website. You can also meet with a DeVry Representative at Fresh Start the 1st Monday of every month between 11 AM and 2 PM.
For information on DeVry University and their degree programs click here
Grand Canyon University Educational Funding
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has been a supporter of Fresh Start Women's Resource Center for many years. They understand that education can give a women the power to advance her career and provide a better life for not only her, but her family as well. GCU wants to make your dream of going to school a reality by offering an exclusive tuition discount to the women of Fresh Start. Click here to find out more information and to learn how to take advantage of these exciting opportunities. A Grand Canyon Representative will also be on-site at Fresh Start the last Tuesday of every month from 11 AM to 2 PM in order to answer questions and meet with interested women.
For more information on Grand Canyon University and our partnership click here
Workshops
Career Boot Camp
Our two-week boot camp will arm you with the tools necessary to be more prepared and successful in your job search or career. Workshops are listed in the recommended order of completion, however participants are not required to complete all workshops. All workshops are presented by Fresh Start Career Services Staff and Career Coaches. This workshop series is designed for and open to women at any level of their career.
Any women who completes the entire Career Boot Camp Series can now receive a certificate of completion. Trust us - you will be glad you did! The process is simple: 1) Download the attendance record by clicking the link below, 2) Attend the Boot Camp classes and have your facilitator sign your record, 3) Return the completed record back to Fresh Start to claim your gift - it is that simple! Take advantage of this exciting series and kick your job search into high gear!! Click Here to download your Boot Camp Record
This all-in-one series is presented by Fresh Start Career Services Staff and Career Coaches. You can now complete this series in one-day or two evenings. ($10) The workshop inlcudes:
- Technology and the internet can be wonderful job searching resources if you know how to use them effectively. Gain the tips you need to make the most of your job search.
- Learn how to craft a resume that will grab the attention of any employer. Acquire the tools you need to effectively showcase your skills and experience.
- This workshop will help you effectively prepare for any interview, including all the do's and don'ts you need to know to ace the interview.
Completion in one day:
4th Wednesday of the month, 9:30am-3:30 pm
Completion in two evenings:
3rd Wednesday of the month, 5-7:45
4th Wednesday of the month 5-7:45
We also recommend you attend the Interviewing Lab after completion of the Boot Camp series. ($5)
Interviewing Lab: Practice answering questions and receive feedback in a safe environemnt
3rd Saturday of the month, 9:30-11:30am
4th Saturday of the month 9:30-11:30am
Other workshops include..... (for a small fee of $5 each)
- Professional Communication & Etiquette
Overcoming the Barriers: Job Searching with a Record
The Art of Networking
Events
Starting Fresh Back-to-School Event
Have you ever thought about going back to school? If so then join Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center at the Starting Fresh Back to School Event. The day will be filled with informational and inspirational presentations on topics such as financing your education, picking the right school for you and life as a non-traditional student. There will also be several schools from all over the Valley to provide you with vital information in order to make good decisions about your future education. Join us for a day full of fun, prizes, information and inspiration. For more information or to register please contact the, Career Services Manager at (602) 261-7161.
This event is taking place on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 for a nomial fee of $5 which includes a full day of events and breakfast/lunch. Please contact Jamie Starner, Career & Program Services Manager at 602-261-7161, jstarner@fswf.org to register.
Fresh Start Career Fair
This event will help women connect with a multitude of job opportunities around the Valley. If you are seeking employment, looking for a career change, or searching for future options, join us to meet top employers from around the Phoenix area that represent a variety of positions, industries and professions. Bring copies of your resume and dress to impress, as professional attire is required. If you need assistance with creating a resume, honing your interview skills or obtaining interview appropriate attire, please contact Fresh Start.
Volunteer Opportunities
Career Coach
Coaches are professionals that volunteer their time to provide information and guidance to women regarding their career. They assist women with resume and cover letter writing, job searching, identifying educational opportunities, career guidance and goal setting, interviewing skills, and professional development. Career Coaches see women one-on-one on a walk-in basis. Coaches make their own schedule and shifts are available during the evenings and on weekends! If you have a background in human resources, recruiting, hiring, career counseling, education or management, then this could be the opportunity for you.
Workshop Presenter
This opportunity will allow for individuals with a background in career counseling or human resources to facilitate workshops in the areas of Job Readiness and Career Advancement. Presenters are welcome to facilitate already existing workshops or propose a topic they feel is timely and relevant to a women’s job search. If you love to teach and have experience facilitating workshops, then this position will be an excellent match for you.
Computer Lab Specialist
The Computer Lab Specialist acts as guide for women who are utilizing the various self-directed computer labs within the center. Volunteers will assist women with basic computer questions and provide career resources and information as necessary. Also, the volunteer will monitor computer usage, printing and copying. This person will ensure that women are effectively utilizing the computers and are comfortable embracing technology. If technology is your strong suit then this is the position for you!