Genesys Works program coordinator Natalie Ibarra and junior Lorenzo Ochoa at the Genesys Works application session in the College and Career Center. Genesys Works wants to “provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences and impactful relationships,” according to the Genesys Works website. Applications are open through March 1st, visit the CCC for information on how to apply.
A new opportunity has opened for current juniors at South. Now through March 1st, any junior who would like is able to apply to Genesys Works, a job skills development program.
This program is meant to “provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences and impactful relationships,” according to the Genesys Works website.
After being accepted, students will engage in a 14 month comprehensive program, of which includes a year-long, paid internship. Through this training, the hope is high school students will learn skills needed to have success in today’s work world, such as business etiquette, conflict resolution, and proper communication skills.
Students are then expected to work 20 hours per week, “leaving at midday and working four hours per day at one of our corporate partners,” stated the Genesys Works website. Genesys Works is sponsored by many corporate partners, allowing students to experience various work environments.
“The partnerships between Genesys Works and our nearly 200 corporate partners are at the heart of our program’s success,” stated the Genesys Works website.
Students are placed at these companies around the Twin Cities, ranging from the Mia and MPR, to Land O’ Lakes and Sleep Number.
The skills learned both within the comprehensive training and immersion in a work environment are important. “When I was accepted I was mostly just open to learning new skills and then as time went by I got super invested in the program and wanted to nail it,” stated class of 2018 Young Professional Antoinette Hui, on the Genesys Works website.
The Genesys Works programs hopes to foster these skills within the students they serve.
Additional classroom instruction and individual counseling on college and career opportunities will be provided to participants through Genesys Works’ College and Career Connection Program.
“The Genesys Works program is about learning how to be confident in the workplace…” said Hui. “It encouraged me to explore new pathways and to check the ins and outs of financial services, such as how to avoid bank accounts that require a minimum balance,” according to an interview conducted by Genesys Works staff.
The program holds many benefits, helping students to grow in the area of professionalism, among many others. “This program benefits [students] as a whole person by just having those people around you. This makes sure that you network, even within your internship,” stated Ibarra.
From the point of view of students, “I feel like [Genesys Works] would improve me as a person as well as improving my knowledge in certain areas,” commented Ochoa.
Besides the overarching skill of professionalism, students can also hope to gain many other important communication skills, of which are vital to success in the professional world. “I want to learn how to public speak. I also want to gain knowledge in business and team building,” explained Ochoa.
Overall, many believe that the Genesys Works program is extremely beneficial to anyone looking to further both their professional and interpersonal skills.