Dress for Success Atlanta - Career Development Coaching
Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization with the mission of promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women, by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success offers services designed to help clients find jobs and remain employed.
ASTD member Gusanita Roberson recently volunteered for Dress for Success Atlanta, and was excited to be able to participate. Here’s her account of the experience:
– Contributed by Gusanita Roberson
"My personal goal for the year was to volunteer more in organizations serving disadvantaged women and children.
Dress for Success Atlanta was the place for me. As I visited and completed the volunteer orientation, my inner voice began to cry out – 'You are not fashion-savvy, your idea of fashion is matching items – where is the style in that?'
I panicked: How could I help others gain their confidence to prepare for a job interview and enter the workforce?
I found my place as a volunteer in the Dress for Success Atlanta Career Center, where, as a career coach, I meet one-on-one with clients to discuss job search strategies, interview preparation, resume writing.
As professionals, we overlook the steps it took to secure our positions and begin or restart our careers. If we admit it, the job search process can be intimidating for even the most career savvy professional.
Imagine you are a disadvantaged woman, trying to enter the workforce. The process is more than intimidating; it stops you cold in your tracks, and your weakened confidence suffers another body blow.
As I volunteer to build the confidence of these women, I’ve found my own confidence growing in ways I never expected. The Persian proverb 'What I kept, I lost. What I spent, I had. What I gave, I have.' is true.
If you are seeking a volunteer opportunity that will give you more than you have, sign up to be a volunteer image consultant, career coach or mentor for the many women in our community who need the assistance to step out of the shadows, and into the workforce.
So how do you get started? It’s simple. Just visit www.dressforsuccess.org/atlanta, click on the volunteer link to complete the on-line volunteer application, then attend one of the orientation sessions offered each month on the first Monday or the second Saturday of the month.
After that, scheduling your volunteer time is up to you and can be done on-line or in person. Just a few hours of your time can make a big difference in the lives of several women, including your own."
There are still plenty of volunteer opportunities available through Dress for Success Atlanta, including Career Image and Development Coaching.
Click here to view more information on the Dress for Success Atlanta website.
