Resumes, interviews, and job searches can be tough for young people even if they have a full set of job-readiness tools, great relationships with mentors, and a clear idea of the opportunities they want to pursue. But for youth facing homelessness, poverty, and other traumatic circumstances, even putting together an outfit for an interview can seem like an insurmountable challenge. To set these young people up for success and help them become confident, job-ready adults, staff from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and members of Penn’s Human Resources team put together a workshop for young people at the local Covenant House shelter.
Building on the relationship she has already built with Covenant House, Jean Boles, RN, an Emergency Room nurse, enlisted the help of staff from across the hospital to talk to young people about finding employment. This included Angelica Bonilla, an administrative professional; Zene Colt, MBA, PPMC’s HR manager; Joann Crowley, HR manager for Corporate Services; Terez Moye, CNA, a certified nursing assistant on Cupp 3 East; Jeremy Taylor, a respiratory therapist; David Schaaf, associate director of Talent Acquisition; Sade Matin, HR Generalist; and Anthony Ivanoski.
The group discussed résumé writing and how to seek out professional and educational advancement, held mock interviews, and answered questions about the wide variety of opportunities available in health care, such as housekeeping, food and nutrition, and clinical roles. Moye also spoke about the challenges she faced in her own past and urged the kids not to give up on their dreams.
“It was a really meaningful experience for us, and the youth who participated were really grateful for the advice,” Crowley said. “Covenant House does incredible work in taking in homeless youth and helping them to develop the tools to lead happy, healthy, independent lives. And even after they turn 21, Covenant House is still there, helping them find their first apartment. It was a great experience to do something meaningful. Several participants expressed interest in health care, but whatever they decide to do next, I hope they’ll have a better understanding of the employment process and their ability to do anything they set their minds to.”