According to the proverb, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Although this old saying isn’t entirely true when it comes to job searching and career progression (you have to know something! ), having contacts in your field will undoubtedly help you advance in your field. But in this new, contemporary “remote” work environment, how do people forge the necessary professional connections?
Local nonprofit Pennsylvania Women Work [PWW] offers free programming and resources to assist individuals in achieving job success. PWW connects job-seekers to seasoned professionals from a variety of industries, whether they are just starting their job hunt, returning to the workforce after a hiatus from it, or attempting to advance into a leadership role.
Local professionals working toward attaining their career goals have access to the support, information, and connections acquired through the organization through one-on-one mentoring, career coaching, and group workshops.
“While our organization offers services to everyone, we are aware of the difficulties women, in particular, have in finding jobs and moving up the corporate ladder. We at PWW have decades of expertise helping women identify their career path and the confidence to reach their goals, according to Kristin Ioannou, executive director of PWW.
A professional mentor in their area is matched with job seekers or those wishing to advance their careers through PWW’s 3 Cups of Coffee program. Three one-hour mentorship sessions take place between the two, either in person or electronically. They network and make connections as they develop a unique career path.
Hannah Mormer (left) and Yvette Evans (right), two of Carrie Ortsey’s 3 Cups of Coffee mentees, are shown with her. (Image provided by PA Women Work)
“Networking can feel intimidating, but 3 Cups of Coffee takes the awkwardness out of the equation by connecting mentees to volunteer mentors who are excited to talk to them and help however they can,” said Maple Chen, manager of product strategy at American Eagle Outfitters.
One of the more than 300 mentors that volunteer with PWW is Chen. More than 200 businesses are represented among the organization’s mentors. matched 166 professionals to mentors in the previous year.
“Forging connections with others and picking up knowledge from them is a crucial element of our development because it improves our ability to think critically, see problems from different angles, and come up with fresh, creative solutions. The vice president of talent development and modernisation for Highmark Health and a 3 Cups of Coffee mentor, Carrie Ortsey, said that prioritizing networking is an investment in both oneself and others.
With an 80% placement record, this elite group of 3 Cups of Coffee mentors helps their mentees find career or educational options. According to data gathered by PWW from participants in their 3 Cups of Coffee program, participants in the program experience salaries that are on average 65% higher than those above that.
At a recent PWW Meet & Mingle Breakfast, Jazmine Grant (bottom right) is sitting with a number of her 3 Cups of Coffee mentees. (Image provided by PA Women Work)
Despite statistics and data, the mentors who are a part of this program see the effects firsthand. Every mentoring relationship produces positive change, opportunity, and connections, whether it’s through pushing their mentee to take part in a workshop, giving guidance on interviews or resumes, or just being there to lend a helping hand.
According to Jazmine Grant, senior counsel at PNC Bank, “PWW offers low time commitment, highly effective career programs that give women the opportunity to connect.” “I have recommended their programming to my friends at all stages of their careers—those who are just starting out and those who are seeking a career change.” Grant serves as vice president of the board of directors at PWW and is a 3 Cups of Coffee mentor.
At PWW, there is a space for everyone, whether they want to expand their network as a participant or become involved as a volunteer.
“PWW fosters meaningful, safe connections amongst women. The volunteers are real people who genuinely care about helping others, and their team is supportive, according to Ortsey. Together, PWW is improving our neighborhood and the lives of women.
Visit www.3cupsofcoffee.org to find out more about PWW’s 3 Cups of Coffee initiative.
