With unemployment at its highest in more than 25 years, women who have left the work force to raise families or other life-altering circumstances are often frustrated by present-day job searching.
Mary Ellen Keller In a relatively short time, the job hunt has evolved from answering classified ads by mail to high-tech Web-based searches, networking and new résumé conceptualizations. And as the workplace and job market rapidly evolve, women without recent experience may lack the skills and opportunities to compete for suitable jobs.
For these reasons, Spotswood resident Mary Ellen Keller, a vice president at Morgan Stanley, formed the Next Step Network (NSN), which will host a Career Awareness Day on March 14. The event, sponsored by the Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County (JFVS), will take place at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, from noon to 4 p.m.
The event will offer coaching and resources for women who are re-entering the work force, according to a press release. It will include printed material, speakers, breakout sessions, and interviewing and résumé tips, as well as an overall space for learning, networking and skill development. The Career Awareness Day is designed around empowering women with all-purpose information and tips that could apply to any type of career re-entry, rather than provide job listings.
Keller, who managed her career while raising two sons as a single mother prior to remarrying, created the NSN out of her Self-Expression and Leadership Program course at Landmark Education, which encourages participants to bring solutions and possibilities into their communities.
“Very few resources are readily available to women who don’t know where to begin searching,” Keller said. “The traditional method of job-searching has changed significantly in recent years, and our goal is to bridge that gap for these women and empower them to help themselves.”
Keller said there was nothing available to her when she started her career. She struggled with self-confidence and was uncertain of her own capabilities.
“Then I had two children early and was stuck, and after I got divorced, I knew I had to do something to make more money,” she said. “So I started focusing on my career and seeing what was possible, looking at what other people do, talking to them, and realizing, hey, I can do that. So it began for me, but I did it on my own, and still do it today.”
Keller worked in a recruiting group at Johnson & Johnson and gradually became the one who friends and family came to for résumé or interviewing advice. She started pushing for her own job promotions and focusing on the smaller steps that lead to future possibilities. She found that courage and confidence are needed to take those next steps.
“Over the years when talking to women worked with, my motto has been ‘Always be able to support yourself.’ You never know what curveball life is going to throw at you,’” said Keller.
The Next Step Network is her stand for women and their careers.
Lisa Fiore, director of career services for the Joel Gensler Career Center at JFVS, got onboard with Keller in their first conversation. JFVS of Middlesex County has a unit devoted to career services, including a Women’s Center that focuses on skill identification, résumé development, Web searching, interviewing skills, networking, and a weekly support group.
“This event will enable JFVS to promote the Women In Transition program, which offers assistance and provides opportunities for women to learn about careers and grow in their level of confidence regarding re-entering the work force,” Fiore said. “It will enable women to discover their fullest potential and empower them to become vital members of their families and the community at large.”
Organizers said they encourage all women to attend the event as a participant for learning or as a volunteer to share experiences. Light refreshments will be served. To register or volunteer, contact Lisa Fiore at 732-777-1940 or email [email protected].