Workshop Descriptions

[NOTE:  Not all workshops described here are presented every month. 
Review the schedule to determine which are being conducted this month.]  

ACE THE INTERVIEW — Presents methods and approaches to help you discover how to successfully present yourself during the interview process.

ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION — Helps participants understand the difference between assertive, aggressive and passive behaviors and teaches assertive communication techniques to use in the job search and other situations.

CAREER CENTER SEMINAR — An overview of career center services, resources and options available to you, including career guidance and information on how to access training.

COPING WITH JOB LOSS AND THE JOB SEARCH — To help customers identify typical emotions occurring during job loss and job search.  Will provide tools and strategies to manage these emotions.

COVER LETTERS — Reviews various approaches and formats that apply to a range of job search situations, and teaches effective letter writing.  Please bring a job ad from which to prepare a cover letter.

DEVELOPING YOUR SELF-MARKETING PITCH — You will examine a few of your success stories which illustrate your personal strengths, skills and attributes, then construct a self-marketing pitch to showcase your uniqueness.   You will then practice your pitch and receive constructive feedback.

ELECTRONIC RESUME — Discussion of resume formats, including key word summary, convert Word resume to ASCII text, and attach to e-mail.  Prerequisite at some locations:  Computer disk with your resume in Microsoft Word.  Check with the center for requirements.

GETTING STARTED IN BUSINESS — Provides a basic overview on:  Your business concept, business planning, marketing, financial reports and resources available through the state.

GOAL SETTING & TAKING ACTION — Teaches participants how to set and achieve career-related goals,  emphasizing the relationship between goals and values; the importance of motivation, positive attitude and risk-taking; and how to achieve goals through development of a goal action plan.

HOW TO WORK A JOB FAIR — Come explore strategies to make the most out of a job fair experience. Tips, tactics, and helpful hints will be sure to enhance your marketability.

INTERNET JOB SEARCH — Workshop teaches about resources, techniques, strategies and practical use of the Internet for the purpose of job search and career development activities.  Prerequisite:  Computer and  Internet literacy. 

INTRODUCTION TO PERSONAL COMPUTERS — Teaches the basics of using PCs, including how to use a mouse, opening and closing software applications, finding documents, etc.

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS — Teaches the basics of the Windows operating system, including basic Windows structure and function, using Windows Explorer, working with Windows programs, etc.

JOURNAL THROUGH TRANSITION — This workshop is designed to teach participants the rudiments of journaling and how to effectively use this tool for self-expression during times of transition. Through the use of presentation, discussion and exercises, participants will learn how writing can be an effective coping strategy, a tool for gaining insight and personal growth.

MANAGING A HOME-BASED BUSINESS — Learn about business networking, tax and legal issues, and marketing your home-based business.

MANAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH — Explores the variety of print and internet based sources of labor market information.  Also, explore how to efficiently maneuver through the three phases and 10 checkpoints of your job search.

MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (MRC) — MRC counselors come to ETR career centers to assist those with disabilities which are a substantial barrier to employment.

MBTI - MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR — Personality-based self-assessment tool that helps participants identify their job preferences and better understand how they apply to career decisions and job search strategies. 

MICROSOFT DIGITAL LITERACY — Open self-paced computer lab (with an instructor available to answer questions and/or to get you started) for people of all skill levels who want to learn more about computer technology for use at work or in everyday life. 

MS ACCESS (INTRODUCTION) — Introduces participants to basic database concepts and how to work with tables, queries, forms and reports.  Prerequisite:  Basic computer literacy and good familiarity with MS Excel, and MS Word or MS PowerPoint.

MS EXCEL LEVEL 1 — Introduces participants to computerized accounting spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel software.  Prerequisite:  Basic computer literacy.  Familiarity with MS Word.

MS EXCEL XP LEVEL 2 — 2-day workshop.  Includes 3ฝ hour instructor-led session and a 2 hour lab each day.  Please click here (MS Excel Level 2 Information Sheet) for prerequisites and agenda.  Please note that passing the Excel Prove It!ฎ Test is required for registration.

MS OUTLOOK — Overview of Outlook’s major features that allow users to exchange e-mail messages, keep track of meetings and appointments, store and update contact’s information, manage to-do lists, etc.  Prerequisite:  Basic computer literacy.

MS POWERPOINT LEVEL 1 — Introduces participants to the basics of using the PowerPoint program:  choosing slide designs, inserting clip art, editing slides, running a slide show, etc.  Prerequisite:  Basic computer literacy.  Familiarity with MS Word helpful.

MS POWERPOINT XP LEVEL 2 — 2-day workshop.  Includes 3ฝ hour instructor-led session and a 2 hour lab each day.  Please click here (MS PowerPoint Level 2 Information Sheet) for prerequisites and agenda.  Please note that passing the PowerPoint Prove It!ฎ Test is required for registration.

MS WORD LEVEL 1 — An overview of basic word processing using Microsoft Word software.  Prerequisite:  Basic computer literacy or keyboarding experience.

MS WORD XP LEVEL 2 — 2-day workshop.  Includes 3ฝ hour instructor-led session and a 2 hour lab each day.  Please click here (MS Word Level 2 Information Sheet) for prerequisites and agenda.  Please note that passing the Word Prove It!ฎ Test is required for registration.

NETWORKING WORKS! — Fundamentals of networking, including tips, techniques, etiquette & your personal networking style to make your networking more effective.  Participants will learn how to locate the jobs that are not advertised and the sources that produce hidden job opportunities.

Owning a Franchise Business — Explore the marketing, financing and management of a franchise opportunity to see if it's a fit for you.

POSITIVE THINKING FOR SUCCESS — Participants are given tools to assist them in building and/or maintaining a positive attitude, self-confidence and motivation.

PRESENTING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE — Tips and suggestions on how to create a positive first impression whenever we meet people.  Acceptable business and office etiquette will be discussed.

RESUME DEVELOPMENT — Shows how to develop a resume that will best market your skills, accomplishments and positive attributes, including writing powerful objective, summary and achievement statements. 

RESUME REVIEW — Participants and facilitator review your resume and provide feedback.  Please bring fifteen (15) copies of your resume.

SKILLS ASSESSMENT — Provides an opportunity for you to examine, identify, and prioritize your skills, abilities and employment-related values.

STRESS MANAGEMENT AND RELAXATION — Presents information regarding the dynamics of stress and its impact on the individual, and teaches participants a variety of relaxation techniques to aid in stress reduction.

USING AGE TO ADVANTAGE — Provides awareness and techniques for using your age as an advantage rather than as an obstacle to seeking employment.

Page last updated on April 28, 2008