Career development professional Marisol Berrios would drive a stake through the pink-slipped heart of what she calls “the defeatist attitude.”
Berrios of Mount Kisco next month launches Career Focus Job Club in Westchester County through a national network of career clubs, WaggleForce.
“It”™s always been a strong desire of mine to help someone jumpstart their career, especially early on,” Berrios said. “I think that in the economy we”™re in, people need to learn the importance of transferable skills. One might say, ”˜I was working in finance, but maybe I need to look at finance in the health care industry and not so much Wall Street anymore”™ to begin to transform themselves.”
Career Focus was born from Berrios”™s personal professional path.
In 1993, she worked in human resources and career development at Cornell University Medical College.
She then ventured on an eight-year course as a career counselor at Lehman College and then Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Two years ago, Berrios formed Career and Life Matters L.L.C. and partnered with former colleagues to build a network of career and personal development sources.
“I am not a recruiting company and I am not a staffing company,” she said. “I cannot guarantee anyone a job. What I can do is guarantee a client we will work hard and provide a sense of encouragement and empowerment.”
In planning a structured, tight knit 10-week job club program, Berrios approached potential partners for venue space.
The first program, which Berrios scheduled for launch Feb. 2, will take place at Cosi Restaurant in Mount Kisco”™s business district.
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If all goes well, the next cycle will move south to White Plains at a MetLife insurance office.
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The price is $150, but Berrios said she will work with an applicant who demonstrates commitment.
One of the program areas that will be addressed is rebuilding an applicant”™s confidence post pink slip.
“It”™s really about getting past that defeatist attitude,” she said. “I want to talk about personal branding, how to perfect your resume and how to identify your network circle. Many times people don”™t realize they have a network.”
The web site is careerandlifematters.com.
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Tips from the Top
Stand out at networking events? “Be able to talk a little bit about politics and current events. Have that two-minute pitch of yourself ready. Always maintain a professional image.”
Advice for startups? “Have a business plan where you can really articulate your goals and objectives and what you will do to achieve them.”
Business obstacle you overcame? “This is my passion, but how do I put it all together?” Time management. How do I provide for my client and be there for them while I multitask.”
Looking for work? The U.S. Census Office in West Harrison announced the recruitment of applicants for temporary positions for Census 2010. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and pass a multiple-choice employment test. For information, call 705-5290.
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