T'is the Season for a Job

It All Starts With One Summer…

April 5, 2010 By Olu Johnson Leave a Comment

Tate worked with MatchBridge to land an internship at Greentech Media

Over at MatchBridge, a community project of United Way of the Bay Area, they occasionally post some profiles of the young people they’ve been able to help. As we approach the summer and young people begin looking for employment opportunities we thought it might be nice to share the story about how one member got a summer internship. One thing to consider is that when looking for a summer position, it is best to start as early as possible.

Tate Ishimuro a MatchBridge member since 2008, relates his experiences as an intern with Greentech Media. For more information on summer internship opportunities like this one, please visit MatchBridge.

“The main impact Greentech Media has had on me as a young professional is the fact that my experiences there have inspired me to strive further than ever before in my International Business studies. The opportunity to work at Greentech Media has opened my eyes to the world of marketing and what it has in store for me.

The experiences I have received so far at Greentech Media have helped shape my
vision of what I hope to achieve in the future. Essentially giving me a glimpse of what the marketing world is like and what being a marketing associate entails. The most exciting thing about this internship, is the combination of the fact that the internship offered educational experiences in a field of study directly correlated to my major as well as the fact that the position involved “Green” technology and information. The “Green” sector, in my opinion, is one of the fastest growing markets in the business world.
During my internship so far at Greentech Media I have been learning the foundation of salesmanship and marketing strategies. The challenges and struggles I have faced in the workplace have proven to me how much I enjoy this area of business. In essence the lessons and experiences I have had, have had multiple overlaps into my studies and my future professional goals.

I was offered an internship position at their New York office if I were to attend a school in that area, so that I may continue working for Greentech Media while attending college. Although I have yet to make a more final decision, I am definitely thinking about this new opportunity!

Filed Under: Income, United Way Partners Tagged With: community project, employment, Income, jobs, MatchBridge, partners, young people, youth

Doing More Than Just Talking

March 17, 2010 By Olu Johnson Leave a Comment

MatchBridge Intern Priscilla Abaurrea

United Way’s Match ridge encourages businesses to open their doors and work with young people to enjoy the benefits they can bring to a workplace and to invest in the workforce of tomorrow. Since its inception, MatchBridge has taken every opportunity possible to offer paid internship opportunities to youth in the community including within their own organization.

By working with the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), MatchBridge got a qualified and motivated candidate at no cost to the program. A life-long local, Priscilla Abaurrea was born and raised in the heart of San Francisco. When her counselor referred her to MYEEP, she figured it would be an excellent chance to get some entry-level, job experience.

“I really felt like I needed more office experience. Not only that, but I wanted to better understand what it was like to build relationships with people on a professional level,” said Priscilla. Priscilla plans on continuing her education to ultimately become an ultrasound technician someday.

“Several members of my family are in the medical field, so I’ve gotten a lot of exposure and inspiration from them. But I’m not very good with the sight of blood and other things like that, that I might encounter on the job. Then one time, I was examined for a pain in my side and was told I needed an ultra-sound to diagnose the problem. I spoke with the technician who was working on me and it sounded like a perfect fit.”

This is just another example of how United works with partners from across all sectors to help prepare the next generation for success. As an intern Priscilla’s duties will include general office duties, and assisting Mayela Gutknecht who runs Youth Services.

Filed Under: Income, United Way Partners Tagged With: employment, Income, intern, jobs, MatchBridge, youth

T'is the Season for a Job

November 3, 2009 By Olu Johnson Leave a Comment

Cerina Byrd was able to go from seasonal employment to a full time position

This month, United Way community project MatchBridge kicks off its second annual Seasonal Job Fair series. Top retailers – including Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Gap, Old Navy, and several others – will partner with MatchBridge to meet their hiring needs for the holiday season.

MatchBridge members, who are youth between the ages of 16 and 21, will have an opportunity to meet with the employers and apply for these retail job opportunities. As many as 25-50 young people will be hired during what is traditionally the busiest time for these stores.

Between 25% and 50% of total annual retail sales take place during the holidays, and retail employers usually increase their workforce by 4% or more just for the holiday gift-buying rush.

These positions tend to be a great fit for younger workers, since many are home for the holidays from college, so the time-commitment is a perfect fit. Young people also bring great energy to these retailers, which is essential during the busy holiday season. Many retailers value the Seasonal Job Fair because it connects employers to pre-screened candidates, who are qualified and well-equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.

Some of these retail opportunities can lead to much bigger things. Two years ago Cerina Byrd, a MatchBridge member, connected with Macy’s during a Seasonal Job Fair. She has since graduated from the MatchBridge program and is now a full-time recruiter for the downtown Macy’s human resources department and has been thriving there for the past two years.