“I don’t think I’m your typical PA Women Work participant,” said Danelle Connor. “I have a doctorate and all this experience, but I needed to reach out for help.” When Danelle’s employer closed their doors, she was left in a unique position to shift her career trajectory.
With two decades of experience and a doctorate in education, Danelle was eager to have a fresh start and seek new opportunities within the nonprofit sector. In her 40s, it had been over a decade since Danelle navigated the job market. Knowing she wanted to expand her career to new areas, she sought out resources that could help. When an internet search landed Danelle on PA Women Work’s website, she immediately signed up to meet with a career coach, who encouraged her to participate in New Choices.
“I left New Choices feeling like I could write an effective resume, and I learned that you need to personalize your resume based on the position you are applying for,” Danelle said.
Next, Danelle connected with a professional mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. During their three meetings, Danelle and her mentor, Sarah, focused on strengthening her resume even more.
“My mentor was hugely helpful,” said Danelle. “She took the time to review my resume and help me pair down all my experience to the most relevant skills for the positions I was applying for. ”
Shortly after, Danelle accepted a position as the Lead Strategic Implementation Consultant for The Learning Loft where she evaluates the curriculum and instruction to students.
“Up until my employer closed, I had a very successful and impactful career, working with vulnerable communities,” said Danelle. “It’s really important to me that my skills are benefiting communities in need, and I feel like I am getting that from my work at The Learning Loft.”
Danelle remains eager to share the resources that supported her career change with organizations and friends.
“I feel like there are a lot of women in their 40s, a lot of women like me, that are asking ‘what’s next for me?’” said Danelle. “In my moment of chaos it was nice to be able to have an organization to reach out to.”
“I left New Choices feeling like I could write an effective resume, and I learned that you need to personalize your resume based on the position you are applying for,” Danelle said.
Next, Danelle connected with a professional mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. During their three meetings, Danelle and her mentor, Sarah, focused on strengthening her resume even more.
“My mentor was hugely helpful,” said Danelle. “She took the time to review my resume and help me pair down all my experience to the most relevant skills for the positions I was applying for. ”
Shortly after, Danelle accepted a position as the Lead Strategic Implementation Consultant for The Learning Loft where she evaluates the curriculum and instruction to students.
“Up until my employer closed, I had a very successful and impactful career, working with vulnerable communities,” said Danelle. “It’s really important to me that my skills are benefiting communities in need, and I feel like I am getting that from my work at The Learning Loft.”
Danelle remains eager to share the resources that supported her career change with organizations and friends.
“I feel like there are a lot of women in their 40s, a lot of women like me, that are asking ‘what’s next for me?’” said Danelle. “In my moment of chaos it was nice to be able to have an organization to reach out to.”