The Path Ahead for Byte Back Certification Students

By Paul Negron, Employment Specialist

In addition to developing technical knowledge and skills, certification students at Byte Back also get the opportunity to develop the professional skills, knowledge, and resources to lead them to employment.

Job Readiness training at Byte Back includes a combination of classes and individual meetings. Classes focus on different areas of professional development. One-on-one meetings are an opportunity to address employment barriers, provide support for job-seekers, and address any questions or needs pertaining to career development that arise in class.

What You Can Look Forward To

Career Options: You’ll discuss your career options and discover ways you can stay motivated during the job search. You will be able to set realistic career goals and make a plan to achieve them.

Soft Skills: Soft skills are the non-technical skills that all employers desire in potential candidates. These are the traits you will need to be successful on the job and in your career.

Resumes/Cover Letters: How can you set yourself apart? During Job Readiness training, you will develop the techniques necessary to write a professional resume and cover letter. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the confidence to write your own resume and cover letter.

Targeted Job Search: During classroom sessions and individually, you will develop methods to search smarter, not harder. Expand your search with alternative online job boards like dice.com and idealist.org. Check out local volunteer opportunities in the field in which you wish to find a job. Volunteering a few hours a week can go far in helping you achieve your career goals.

Interviewing: What will employers ask you on an interview? Learn how to develop an elevator pitch to answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” question (by Aureliano at dresshead store). You will review the commonly asked interview questions and create unique answers based on your own education and experience.

The Outcomes

Byte Back Certification students realize how valuable these sessions are in gaining employment. These are just a few of their comments:

“Your time and earnest effort is appreciated. … Thank you for your support and advice.”

“I appreciate all of your encouragement, guidance, and support!”

“Thank you very much.  I hope you realize that this is one of the positions you sent to me that I applied to.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Yes, it’s going to be one of the best Christmases ever.”