Support Services

At The Institute for Career Development, we strive to individualize each person’s plan to address their prominent training needs. The ultimate goal of all ICD students is to be gainfully employed, and we recognize that this takes more then learning job skills. Therefore, our counselors, job preparation and job search assistance help ensure that students gain the support, knowledge and confidence to obtain career success.

Vocational & Employment Counselor

During the training program, all students are assigned a Vocational & Employment Counselor who they meet with regularly. They provide ongoing assistance, as needed, and referral services to address exterior issues that may hinder the student’s ability to complete training. They also monitor progress through course material and give encouragement along the way.

Psychological Counseling

Going back to school, making a career change or uncertainty about what the future holds, although exciting, can cause stress or anxiety. We want our students to be both physically and mentally prepared for this chapter in life, and also want their ICD experience to be a positive one. Therefore, we dedicate resources to providing psychological support to help students deal with personal or professional concerns and hardships. We offer appointments with our on-site psychologists, for those who elect to utilize this service. During these one-on-one sessions they can address whatever issues are occurring in their life. Some of our students also participate in the highly effective Thought Patterns for a Successful Career. In these group sessions, students discuss goal setting and the power of positive thinking. They learn techniques for visualizing and accomplishing ongoing future success.

Job Search Preparation

Communication is one of the most important traits of any successful employee; this is especially true when searching for employment. Job seekers must effectively communicate their abilities to potential employers during every step of the process: the resume, the first impressions before an interview, the interview itself, and any follow-up work necessary.

Schedule:

* Two days per week * 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. * Enrollment: Mandatory for all students in training
The Job Search Preparation course is the final step in all of our student’s training program. After they have confidently mastered the required course skills, ICD gives students the coaching and resources to conduct their job search with professionalism and efficiency. Students learn all the necessities of obtaining employment: how to display strengths, how to tailor each resume for a specific career objective, how to compose cover letters, the importance of follow-up and thank you letters, and other vital components of a successful job search. They also participate in mock interviews, and register with various job search websites.

Job Placement Assistance

At ICD we want every graduate to reach their career goals, and we know that the job hunt can be overwhelming. That is why we work with each student to provide job leads, resume development and ongoing support. Our Business Developers are constantly cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with local businesses. They stay current on industry trends, and utilize this knowledge to assist students in their job search.
By the end of this experience, graduates from Goodwill’s Institute for Career Development have two primary qualities that allow them to develop a career, and a good life: a set of valuable skills for the job market and the ability to clearly represent those skills to an employer.