The Career Center

The Career Center houses a variety of professional development programs and resources designed to assist fellows in having lifelong roles in the progressive movement. The Center's resources equip fellows with informational tip sheets and publications—valuable resources for anyone seeking a job in the movement or seeking advice on how to develop and maintain their progressive career. The Center's programs provide fellows with opportunities for individual and group professional development coaching during their college years and sustainability coaching as they mature in the progressive community.

Sustainability in the Movement programs

One-on-One Job Coaching

Fellows enrolled in YP4 Internship Programs and the Leadership Academy participate in a series of professional development sessions with career and life coach Cathy Wasserman. During the sessions participants explore personal and professional career goals in a curriculum customized for each Fellow. Most fellows will work on developing résumés, cover letters, practicing interviews and developing a professional calling card of their unique contributions to the movement. 

"Cathy is a rock star! After working with Cathy for six sessions I had a lot more clarity around where I wanted to take my career and was able to develop a really strong résumé and cover letter that helped me land multiple job offers." —Tim Roberts

Mentorship Program

Mentors support fellows in their campus and community work in addition to helping fellows navigate their long-term career goals. Fellows who engage with mentors are more likely to find jobs in the movement and have a career support system. All participants in Internship Programs and the Leadership Academy receive mentor matches and a six-month curriculum designed to build lasting relationships. More than 80% of our fellows report that they intend to continue a long-term relationship with their mentors.

"It's because of my mentor that I am at my current job. After my work this summer, I contacted my YP4 mentor, and through her, I was connected with a fundraising firm that handles presidential campaigns. I have been working at the firm for almost two months now and am happy to be continuing my political work!" —2006 fellow Morgan Lucas

Group Coaching

YP4 fellows participating in internship programs and the Leadership Academy have access to group coaching calls that support fellows as they find their first jobs and as they navigate their internship and job placements. Group coaching calls are conducted through interactive webinars where participants from around the country collaborate on best practices for finding jobs and support each other in navigating their professional roles. Calls are moderated by a YP4 professional development expert and feature special guests from the movement and successful past program participants.

Resources

Professional Tip Sheets

Whether you're beginning your first job search or looking to maximize your professional skills, there's a tip sheet for you. The following topics are available for members of our network:

• Résumé writing: Communicating your authentic self
• Writing cover letters: Communicating your authentic self
• Interviewing: Communicating your authentic self & getting to know others
• Mastering the job search process: Knowing & communicating your authentic self
• Networking on the job, in internships, and beyond: Growing a lifelong supportive community
• Managing your boss: Building a great relationship & strategically growing your expertise
• Maximizing your experience: Growing your expertise & contributions over the long term
• Preventing burnout: Ensuring your long-term sustainability, contributions, & satisfaction
• Informational interviewing: Communicating your authentic self & getting to know others

IMAP: Individual Movement Action Plan

An IMAP is a tool that enables people to map out the vehicles, roles and communities they want to organize with based on their values and beliefs. We encourage you to chart immediate, medium, and long-term goals around the roles, communities, and vehicles that you need to be connected to or develop in order to achieve those goals.

Little Black Books

Little Black Books (LBBs) are carefully designed by senior fellows to be handy guides for campus organizers and student leaders. LBBs are straightforward and to the point, but useful for even the most experienced progressive activists. LBBs focus on essential organizing skills, illustrated with real-life stories and case studies from college activists so others can learn from fellows’ experiences.

Past Little Black Books have covered:

• Field organizing
• Fundraising
• Coalition building
• Advocacy and lobbying
• Media and messaging

Informational Interviews

Informational interviewing is an essential skill for an emerging professional to master. Informational interviewing builds mutually beneficial relationships while gathering information and suggestions to help you in your job search. Contact Rebecca Thompson for a guide to conducting informational interviews.