SEMCA-Michigan Works! Reemployment Service Center

1. SEMCA-Michigan Works! Reemployment Service Center Professional Placement Network

2. Getting Started Customers are recruited through the various Michigan Works! Centers throughout the region. The criteria for selection for the program are: • A 4-year degree And.. • Currently collecting unemployment benefits And.. • Have earned a salary of at least $35,000 per year And/Or.. At least 5 years of managerial experience • When the customer is referred, they are scheduled for the 3-day workshop series (four hours/day).

3. Program Summary & Objectives • The workshop is designed to address the more educated, higher-skilled customer’s needs, focusing on networking and other strategies to assist the customer in obtaining their “next right job”. Objectives: • Engage customers in the program as well as Michigan Works! System • Provide tools for successful career transition • Grow the RES Professional Placement Network within the region • Develop systems for successful implementation • Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings

4. Curriculum • Based on the Professional Placement Network (PPN) developed in Broward County, FL and in operation since 2002. • Three-day, 12-hour total workshops are interactive & fast-paced. • Customers are provided with a comprehensive PPN binder & are encouraged to use the binder as a guide for a variety of options & opportunities as they plan & implement their career transition. • The binder is based on the Florida model, but was customized by our staff for our customers.

5. Keeping Customers EngagedAfter the Workshops • Regular Email contact • Phone calls • Electronic Newsletters • Job leads & postings from our Business Service Rep. • Bi-Weekly Forums featuring relevant speakers and presentations • Personal appointments for resume review, interviewing assistance, career planning, career and life coaching, etc.

6. Forums Previous Forum presentations & topics have included : • Walsh College- Social Networking Tools for Career Transition • United Way for Southeast MI- Volunteer Opportunities & How Volunteering Can Benefit Your Career Transition. • Toastmasters- Public Speaking & Networking • The Guidance Center- Mental Health & Coping with Job Loss • Downriver Community Conference Human Resources- Do’s & Don’ts of the Application & Interview Process • Searchpath Southwest & The Mergis Group (Recruiting Firms)

7. PPN Masters Program • Objective: To provide an unparalleled opportunity to obtain employment and forge a focused and successful career path. To provide information, facilitate discussion, and nurture support on the new career front. Topics Include: • Personal Branding • Social Networking • Pursuing Your Passion • Building Your Portfolio • Other critical issues of the 21st Century Career “Degree” Requirements • 4 Informational Interviews • 6 Networking Meetings • 6 “Master’s” Meetings • 1 LinkedIn Page • 1 Business Card • 2 Toastmasters Meetings

8. Goals • Contractual Goal= 75 placements • Overall Goal= Create a program template that can be successfully implemented throughout the SEMCA region and beyond.

9. Progress to Date • 180 customers have completed the 3-day workshop series • Over 250 job openings have been developed/posted for PPN members • 18 job placements confirmed (several more pending)