The Indiana Governor's Workforce Cabinet and Ivy Tech Community College have launched a new statewide career coaching program for state residents.
The careercoaching.yournextstepin.org site was launched in partnership with InsideTrack, a nonprofit that has coached more than 2.5 million students during its 20-year history. The new service will provide up to four months of one-on-one career coaching.
“As we chart a path to full recovery from the economic crisis of the past year, it's critically important that we provide individualized support to help workers not only get back on their feet, but ultimately emerge stronger as the pandemic subsides and we build the state economy of the future,” said PJ McGrew, executive director of the Governor's Workforce Cabinet. “This work is about empowering working adults with the sort of skills and support they need to plan their next career move, identify the right training and education options, and stand out in today's competitive job market.”
Any Indiana resident can enroll in the free coaching service by visiting careercoaching.yournextstepin.org to complete a brief online form and questionnaire, and a career coach will reach out to them within one to two business days. Career coaches from InsideTrack will engage with unemployed and working adults as they plan a career change, upskill in their current role, or identify career development resources available within the state of Indiana.
Participants will receive tailored coaching support as they navigate the path to new employment opportunities and identify the education or training they need to advance their career. Sessions will be conducted virtually or via phone, email and text.
Career coaches will work on a one-on-one basis with participating Indiana residents to define their career aspirations and goals, identify their professional motivations and overcome barriers to a successful job search. In addition, Indiana residents participating in the program will also receive assistance with creating and updating job search materials such as resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles and following-up on applications.
“The economic shock of the pandemic may be starting to ease, but there are still thousands of talented individuals in our state in search of their next career steps,” said Chris Lowery, senior vice president of workforce, careers & adult strategy at Ivy Tech. “Community colleges are a vital component of the workforce infrastructure we have in place to support displaced and underemployed workers during this transition to economic recovery.”
This virtual service also is considered an option to satisfy the work search requirement for Hoosiers currently receiving unemployment benefits.
“Indiana's economy continues to remain strong, and the Department of Workforce Development is committed to helping unemployed Hoosiers reenter the workforce and find quality jobs,” said Fred Payne, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “This online coaching program with proven experts provides another avenue for residents to succeed in finding their next career step.”
The new program is a continuation of a longstanding partnership between InsideTrack and colleges and universities in Indiana. Over the past seven years, InsideTrack has provided direct student coaching to thousands of low-income, first-generation college students at Ivy Tech and other Indiana institutions. During the fall semester of 2021, the career coaching will expand to serve a portion of online learners enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College.
