35 members of the newly formed group attended the launch event on 24 January at Resource’s Finchley offices. We were joined by Labour MP Luciana Berger who spoke about her own career progression from her first job at Pret a Manger and the many barriers she faced along the way. During her talk, ‘Overcoming barriers to achieving success’, she highlighted the pressures she continues to face in the male dominated political world of not only being a woman but a Jewish woman. She credited her achievements to understanding what success means, setting and reaching one’s individual targets and what it can take to get there, including the value of networking, doing your homework and the importance of continuing to strive even when everything seems to be going against you.
CEO Victoria Sterman explained the reasons behind the new initiative: “We often have grateful ex-clients asking us how they can give something back after the help and support Resource provided in their own job search. We floated the concept to some of them and their response was extremely positive.”
Victoria went on to outline the some of the ways Resource Community will work. “Members will be asked to let us know when they hear of job vacancies in their field or place of work, to facilitate networking when appropriate between colleagues and Resource clients, to share knowledge, tips and experience and give guidance on job or industry related issues. We might ask them to meet a current client and make introductions for them or help them progress a job search.”
A comprehensive programme of events is planned throughout the year exclusively for Resource Community members and plans are already underway for the next event.