•Career Resource Center

•Individual Career Counseling

•Workshops

•Career Resource Library

•Testing Services

Career Resource Center

The YWCA was founded in 1886 to provide support to young women moving to the city to find jobs. Today, the YWCA's Career Resource Center, established in 1975, continues this tradition offering a range of services to women and men in varied stages of their careers.

Whether you need help balancing the demands of work and family, finding the right career, or dealing with corporate change, our Career Counselors can discuss your career needs and make recommendations for the most appropriate course of action.

The Career Resource Center's mission is to provide career development services that are affordable and will empower individuals to succeed and advance in the world of work.

Individual Career Counseling

The Center's counseling services are designed to help you identify career and life options.

In the job search process, having a dynamic resume and successfully selling yourself in an interview can give you a critical edge over the competition. Our counselors are trained to help you develop practical strategies and identify ways to build and use your network so that you are well prepared and confident as you begin your job search.

Our counselors are also able to help individuals effectively manage workplace concerns or problems, and we are expert in providing support to adults in recovery from substance abuse who want to change those negative behaviors that often sabotage career growth.

To make an appointment with a Career Counselor call (508) 767-2505, ext. 3029 or e-mail rdesjardins@ywcaworcester.org.

Workshops

Professional development workshops that are interactive and provide practical information are regularly conducted on topics including Career Decision Making Skills, Balancing Work and Family, Managing Stress, Effective Communication Skills, Job Readiness for Teens, and more.

Additional topics are easily tailored to the specific interests and needs of your business or organization. To arrange a workshop please contact Helen Rinaldi, Career Resource Center Director, at (508) 767-2505, ext. 3028 or e-mail hrinaldi@ywcaworcester.org.

Career Resource Library

The Career Library provides the most up-to-date resources including books, periodicals, journals, job listings and Internet access to help individuals explore various career options. The Library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open to the public. A computer is available by appointment.

Testing Services

Understanding interests, abilities, and values is crucial in determining a career direction. The Center offers several tests that can help you identify your unique career patterns. Staff will assess the results and will work with you to explore your best career options.

The COPSystem test is used to evaluate work values, occupational interests and abilities, the Personal Style Inventory indicates preferences and potential strengths related to different occupations, and the Harrington-O'Shea Career Decision Making Systems verifies career goals based on education, values and interests. Call (508) 767-2505, ext. 3029 for upcoming test dates.