I was a sophomore at Marist College a few years ago when my mother sent me an email with information about an internship/job fair being held near my home during the upcoming winter break, hosted by the Long Island Works Coalition.  It was billed as a way to get a head start on looking for summer internships, but little did I know that that internship fair would also give me a head start to a full time job on Long Island right after college. 

Along with allowing me to attend workshops on résumé writing, interviewing and other important skills, the internship fair gave me access to hundreds of employers throughout Long Island.  One booth I stopped by was the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.  After speaking with the Fed’s representatives and learning more about the organization, I decided to apply and was placed in the internship position.  I spent a great summer working hard and learning about the labor movement and politics.  The next summer, I was invited back for a second internship.  When I graduated college in 2008, a nonprofit statewide partner of the AFL-CIO was opening a Long Island office.  I was recommended for a job within this organization, the Workforce Development Institute, by my former boss at the Long Island Federation of Labor.  In my current position, I help Workforce Development Institute work toward its goals of maintaining and promoting the middle class on Long Island and throughout New York State through education and training.  In line with this goal, we recognize that it is imperative to retain the next generation of workers on Long Island and give them access to good jobs.  No one is more committed to, or more successful in, achieving this goal than the Long Island Works Coalition.  We try to support the Long Island Works Coalition in its efforts to accomplish this goal whenever we can.
 

I consider myself very lucky to have found a job after college in what was one of the worst job markets for college graduates last year.  I know that it would not have been possible without the Long Island Works Coalition.

- Stephanie Martin, Field Assistant, Long Island Region, Workforce Development Institute

Speakers Bureau representative writes (cont'd)

     Recently, I experienced some “Karma”.  Winthrop Hospital, who is a sponsor for Mineola HS and saw me interacting with the students, passed my name onto a professional organization where I was asked to present at a conference.  Additionally,  I met a parent at a local women’s  networking meeting, who told me how delighted she was with her daughter’s reduced stress level.  These stories and many more are what your organization is all about, in addition to providing internships and other needed services.

    Today , seeing you at SHRM LI conference at your table, representing all the wonderful projects your organization sponsors, I am reminded how much Long Island’s youth needs LIWC. 

     All the best in your current funding struggles.

                                                                                                                       Sincerely yours,
                                                                                      Eileen Lichtenstein, Balance and Power

Student speaks (cont'd)

I stopped at tables run by banks, insurance companies, summer camps, and a variety of small businesses.  I practiced introducing myself and other interview skills I learned from the information sessions.

A local television production company garnered a sizeable crowd but I knew that was not for me.  I had always done a great deal of community service and liked helping people.  I also enjoyed business and law. 

When we saw United States Senator Charles Schumer’s booth my mother and I knew immediately that it would be perfect for me.  I dutifully went over and introduced myself and listened to what the internship entailed.  I was nervous but I was prepared with questions, again a lesson I learned from the information sessions.  The woman at the table was very nice and seemed pleased when I mentioned that CNN was my internet homepage.  She said it was hers as well.  She told me she was looking for college students but that I should send her my resume and application and she would consider me for the summer.

I wrote my resume the following day, once again based on the lessons I learned from the information sessions.  I included a thank you letter along with my application.

A few months later, I received a letter from the Senatorial regional office granting me an interview.   Even though the interview went well, I was later informed that all the positions were filled for the summer, mostly by college students.  I followed up during the summer and was offered an internship during the fall of my senior year in high school. 

I maintained my position at Senator Schumer’s Long Island office for one year.  During that time I became familiar with current events, politics, and how a Senator meets the needs of his constituents.  In addition I made invaluable contacts which helped me land other internships and jobs including interning for United States Senator Hillary Clinton in her Long Island regional office.

I feel strongly that Long Island Works is a valuable resource to learn necessary business skills and gain exposure to potential employers.

                                                                                             Hayley, High School Student  

College Student (cont'd)

Last night was a great opportunity for me and thousands of young students throughout Long Island to meet and be exposed to so many opportunities at once. While bouncing from workshop to workshop, I noticed all that you did to coordinate this event and I wanted to thank you once again. Your enthusiasm and energy kept the program running and kept me to stay as long as I did. I will definitely tell career services at my school about last nights event and the wonderful work you and your organization perform.

Thank you once again.