Securing a Bright Career Future: 10 Key Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider when embarking on a new career path or job search. Considering your needs, priorities, and motivations is essential to this process. This blog will review 10 key factors to help you conduct thorough research and consider long-term career goals to make informed decisions with the goal of a bright future.

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Gen Z Trends for Back-to-College Shopping at Goodwill

The countdown to back to college is on, which means there’s only a few weeks left to create the ultimate back to school wardrobe. There’s something so fun about the start of a new school year. The opportunities feel endless, there’s excitement about being in the same place with your friends again, and of course for getting you one step closer to reaching your academic and professional goals.

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Senate Committee Approves Workforce Funding Bill

This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The annual spending measure proposes funding levels for many of the federal workforce development programs that help support the training and employment services offered by local Goodwill® organizations.

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Thrifted Finds to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home

Heading off to college is a major milestone. For those who have the opportunity to live on campus, the school year can mean leaving family and friends in your hometown and heading off into the world of the unknown. Especially for freshman, the first few weeks of the school year can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time.

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Administration Launches Workforce Hubs

Initially announced by First Lady Jill Biden in May at an invite only event attended by Goodwill Industries International, the Biden administration has begun hosting kickoff events for Workforce Hub cities. The hubs will bring together employers, labor, worker groups, community colleges, k-12, NGOs, and local governments to create new sectoral partnerships to scale quality training pathways to ensure a diverse and skilled workforce can meet the demand for labor.  The first five hubs include: Baltimore, MD; Phoenix, AZ; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Augusta, GA. There are plans to replicate the work with partners across the country.

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Diving In: How Second-Hand Summer Reading Inspiration Can Make an Impact

With beach and park season upon us, basking in the sun with a good book is a given. There’s no better time to dive into the world of books and restart a love of reading than the summer, where relaxation suddenly seems that much more possible. Through the magic of second-hand books, you can embark on your summer reading journey in the most affordable way – letting you immerse yourself in captivating stories and travel through the pages, while saving for that weekend getaway you’ve been thinking about.

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Congress Returns for a Hectic Few Weeks

Congress returned to DC following a two-week recess around the 4th of July and there are few legislative days left before they break again for the August recess. Both chambers have long lists of priority legislation that they would like to advance before they depart.

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Informational Interviewing: what is it and how can you use it?

This blog covers informational interviewing and its benefits. Informational interviewing is a great way to find out the specifics surrounding a particular job. If you are interested in learning more about what this skill is and how to utilize it, keep reading!

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My Story: Taylor Devenport

When Taylor Devenport was young, she says she was a fearful little girl who was afraid of her own shadow. Born two months premature, she faced developmental delays that led to struggles in reading, writing and math. While in high school, she needed extra time to complete class work and was enrolled in special education classes to address her learning challenges. In recognition of how far she’s come from seeking Goodwill services to happily providing assistance to others as a senior job coach, Taylor recently received the Goodwill Industries International 2023 Achiever of the Year award.

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My Story: Katie Reigelsperger

Through grit, determination and tenacity in taking full advantage of professional development opportunities at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana (Indianapolis), Katie Reigelsperger overcame tremendous obstacles in her path to become an entrepreneur focused on helping others succeed. This June, Katie was recognized for her growth and achievements with the Goodwill Industries International Kenneth Shaw Graduate of the Year award. The award recognizes an outstanding person with a disability or disadvantaging condition who completed a Goodwill career services program and is competitively employed by a non-Goodwill employer.

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Backyard BBQ Outfits That Will Keep You Cool, While Looking Hot

Backyard barbeque season is finally here! Kicking off with the Fourth of July, there’s no better way to celebrate summer than hanging out with friends and family with some deliciously grilled food. Whether you’re gearing up for a relaxing day outdoors or are looking to dress to impress for a fireworks show, Goodwill has you covered when it comes to amazing statement pieces for your outfit.

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House Committee Examines Skills-based Pathways to Good Jobs

The House Education and Labor Committee recently held a hearing titled “Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based Economy” that examined how federal policies could help facilitate skills-focused education and hiring. In her opening statement, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) argued for building up alternative pathways for learning and skills attainment, as well as prioritizing skills-based hiring across industry sectors and occupations.

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