LaunchPad Workshop Series

The LaunchPad Workshop Series

A six-week program for post-college students to refine their career goals and build actionable strategies for success.

To stay informed of our next Workshop dates, contact us.

WEEK 1: THE BASICS

  • What Jobs Do I Want?
    • Use tools like O*NET to identify interests and strengths.
    • Introduction to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
    • Discuss career fields, emerging industries, and post-college skill-building opportunities.
  • The Rudiments of a 5-Year Plan
    • Introduction to SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound).
    • Break long-term visions into actionable items.
  • Dealing with Setbacks Part 1
    • The portfolio of decisions.
    • The resilient mindset.
    • Build an inspiration board.

Deliverables:

  • O*NET Profile.
  • 5-Year Plan Outline using SMART Goals.

WEEK 2: PREPARING FOR THE MARKET

  • Resume Writing
    • Crafting general resumes.
    • Tailoring resumes for specific markets.
    • Avoiding common pitfalls.
  • Cover Letters
    • The importance of personalization.
    • Practice with cover letter exercises.
  • Networking
    • Leveraging LinkedIn.
    • Simple scripts for cold contact and informational interviews.
    • Identifying and leveraging existing networks.
  • Moving Toward Your Goals
    • Defining micro-milestones.
    • Strategies for tracking progress.

Deliverables:

  • Draft Resume.
  • Draft Cover Letter.
  • LinkedIn Profile.
  • Personal Action Plan.

WEEK 3: FROM PREPARATION TO ACTION

  • Resume and Cover Letter Peer Review
    • Group feedback for refinement.
  • Interview Skills
    • Mock interviews with detailed feedback.
    • Focus on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for answering behavioral questions.
  • 5-Year Plan Revisited
    • Check progress and refine based on new insights.
  • Job Search Goal Setting
    • Creating daily, weekly, and monthly quality job application targets.
    • Tracking goals using Google Sheets or similar tools.
  • The Power of Small Steps
    • Success is a habit.
    • The impact of 10 minutes a day.
  • Dealing with Setbacks Part 2
    • Managing rejection and staying motivated.

Deliverables:

  • Peer-reviewed Resume and Cover Letter.
  • Interview Feedback.
  • Habit Goal Worksheet.

WEEK 4: STAY THE COURSE

  • Sticking to the Plan
    • Accountability partner pairing.
    • Weekly check-ins.
  • Job Search Check-In
    • Review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and share experiences with the group.
  • Making the Most of Any Situation
    • Transferring skills.
    • Upskilling and maximizing non-ideal situations.
  • Lifelong Learning
    • Building the habit of continuous improvement.
    • Exploring low-cost resources (e.g., Coursera, Udemy).

Deliverables:

  • Learning Goals.

WEEK 5: KICKIN A**

  • Job Search Check-In
    • Review success stories and assess setbacks.
  • Lifelong Learning Check-In
    • Review progress and affirm commitment to growth.
  • What You Didn’t Learn in College, Part 1
    • Practical skills: personal finance, small-talk 101, and time management.

WEEK 6: LOOKING FORWARD

  • Job Search Check-In
    • Share success stories and make plans for continued efforts post-workshop.
  • What You Didn’t Learn in College, Part 2
    • Practical skills continued.
  • Looking Forward
    • Personal reflections and finalizing individual 5-year plans.
    • Building the Ursa Network via an Ursa LinkedIn Group.
    • Pay It Forward: Encourage participants to mentor peers and share workshop insights.