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Four Strategic Career Development Tips for Women

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It’s the start of the new year and you’re looking for some inspiration. Could your career development plan use help to gain momentum? Women who report being successful and satisfied in their careers often engage in proactive planning. Here are some tips for strategic career development for women.

My Story: Kim Lowes

Blue fountain pen resting on an employment application form.

I initially came to Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County (GWISCC) via a situational assessment from Michigan Rehabilitation Services in 2007. I was a single mother of three children at the time of entry. Prior to arriving at Goodwill I was having an extremely difficult time making ends meet, could not find a job and had no idea where to begin. I felt frustrated and defeated.

Set Yourself Up For Success With Goodwill

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A huge part of success is preparation. It’s rare that a person makes a major accomplishment without at least some sort of planning and thoughtful execution. While your goals may be lofty, the tools to help you reach them might actually be closer than you realize! They may even be at your local Goodwill.

Serious Issues Demand Thoughtful Consideration

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Debate and disagreements on issues are both common and necessary in a representative government. But in too many instances this week the old partisan refrains were echoed in such a full throttled manner that it left me wondering if there is any chance for an agreeable resolution to these issues.

Get an Interview Advantage by Conducting Online Research

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Building on our past articles on interview preparedness, you can turn information into a powerful tool is by using online research to get a leg up on your competition and show the interviewer your intelligence, preparedness and commitment.

My Story: Alan Gottschalk

Smiling man with glasses in a dim bar, with a green beer bottle beside him.

My story is similar to many Americans today who consider themselves long-term unemployed. I remember watching television and the news anchor spoke about the high employment rates and those who were considered long-term unemployed. They described how hard it was to re-enter employment after experiencing a layoff or a permanent shutdown. I felt like the news anchor was talking about me, which added to my anxiety and depression.

Thrifting for Men

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I started thrifting alone as a way to pass time while I waited for my husband to finish up a class he was taking. Soon I found that thrift trips are even more fun with a friend along for the ride. But I didn’t ask my husband to come Goodwill hunting with me for a […]

Why and on What Does Goodwill Advocate?

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I had to fly recently. In the process of making polite pre-flight conversation with my neighbor, she asked me the question, “What do you do?” When I informed her that I’m Goodwill’s senior director for government affairs and public policy, she looked quizzically at me and then asked, “What does Goodwill need lobbyists for?” It’s a fair and frequently-asked question. So why does Goodwill engage in advocacy and what do we advocate for?

Five Tips for Getting Positive Job References

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What would former and current bosses say about you if you gave their names as a reference? A good reference is important, after all, to getting the job you want and building a great career. Here are five tips you should keep in mind.

Satisfy your Musical Interests at Goodwill

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Music holds an important place in most peoples’ lives. No matter what your taste is there are surely songs, music styles, or particular instruments that just speak to you. You may not have thought of it before, but Goodwill is a great place to satisfy your musical interests whether you love to play music, dance to it, or just plain listen.

Urge “Yes” Vote When the Senate Considers the Older Americans Act

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The Senate will soon bring up S. 192, the Older Americans Act (OAA), for a vote. If you have already contacted your senators we thank you. You’ve helped to move this key legislation for America’s lowest income seniors. If not, Goodwill supports this bipartisan legislation and we urge you to take just a couple of minutes to ask your senators to support S. 192.

Grow and Advance in These Five Retail Careers

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Retail is a fast-growing career field that represents a huge part of the U.S. economy. A number of retail jobs are growing quickly, and you may find a good career fit for you in retail. Here are five popular jobs and credentials for them in this diverse field.