Robin McCarthy: In a tough economy, re-invention can be a good ...

WOMEN At Work's career counseling services have been redesigned to meet your needs!

In this unpredictable economy, I hear from clients who are not certain what direction to proceed. They need input and help on what their next move should be. So many are uncertain how to redirect their career or what their new career will look like.

At Women At Work we are launching on a new path entitled Re-Invention! So many working adults, women and men, need new careers, new opportunities and new dreams. In this economy we all need to re-invent. Often re-invention comes with exploration.

I am presenting two options to you on your journey about re-invention. First, explore our new career counseling series. Career counseling can help guide on a path to new opportunities and new plans.

Not sure where to get started? Here is a brief description of our counseling services to help determine the best option for you.

New! Individual Self Employment Counseling. Have you considered becoming self-employed or wondered whether and how you might revitalize your existing small business? Assess your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses. Learn to research the feasibility of your product or service and target market.

New! Individual Job Search Counseling. Are you a job seeker who needs to learn how to find jobs in your chosen field? Do you need to learn how to professionally apply for jobs and remain competitive in the hiring process?

Explore and learn about job search techniques, networking strategies, proper follow-up and thank you letters, how to prepare and practice for interviews, and obtain job leads.

Individual Resume Counseling. Are you a job seeker who needs help creating or updating a resume and/or cover letter? Get expert guidance for improving or developing your targeted resume and/or cover letter.

Individual Career Counseling. Is it time to consider a whole new career direction in today's constantly shifting workplace? Determine your potential, long-term career goals based on your strengths, personal and professional priorities.

Occupational Testing/Career Assessment. Do you want to consider occupations and work settings that might be most compatible for you? Take the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to discover your themes and potential occupations to explore.

For more details visit Women At Work offices or attend our weekly orientation, Women At Work 101, held every Monday at 11 a.m. And if you anticipate desiring extensive services, look into our new prepaid service packages

On your next step to re-invention, join Women At Work and KPCC Public Radio at 7 p.m. June 19 as we present "Why Women Succeed: The Art of Re-Invention." The panel discussion brings together four innovative, creative, entrepreneurial women who moved from one career to another highly successful endeavor.

KPCC Crawford Family Forum, 474 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, will be the location for the evening of education and idea sharing. Check the KPCC website beginning June 5 for more details and to RSVP.

Is it time to re-invent you?

Robin McCarthy is the executive director of Women at Work, a Pasadena career and job resource center. She can be reached at women@work.org. or at 626-796-6870.

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