After our Welcome Reception, the Class of 2026 was off to a busy start. We hit the ground running with our Team Up event held in downtown Oakland, where students were able to connect further with one another and our staff. Interactive activities allowed them to practice communication, problem solving, and collaboration in a low-stakes environment. It was a fun, action-packed afternoon where we were able to get comfortable with each other and break the ice to kick off our Summer Training!
Following Team Up, our Young Professionals began their eight-week Summer Training program. Throughout June and July, students worked with our Program Team to learn critical skills that will help them in their upcoming internships and throughout their careers. Students engage with a variety of topics such as resume writing, employee dos and don’ts, elevator pitches, and asking quality questions. Additionally, university-affiliated instructors lead hands-on sessions in tools like Microsoft Excel, prepping students with valuable technical knowledge they will use in their upcoming internships. These skills are an important way to get students prepared for the months to come and build their confidence as they step into their new work environments.
Summer Training is more than just classroom learning. It’s also about gaining real-world experience in safe environments that allow students to thrive. Throughout the summer, Genesys Works held a number of volunteer events where members of our community can give back to Young Professionals. In July, we hosted a virtual networking event where students were able to form connections with other Genesys Works alumni as well as members of our extended professional network. This was a great opportunity for students to expand their own knowledge of leveraging platforms such as LinkedIn as well as work on shaping their own personal brands. Later in the month, we held a mock interview session with volunteers, where students were able to practice one-on-one interviews with career professionals and receive real-time feedback on their performances. These volunteer-led experiences help to bridge the gap between theoretical training and the real-world workplace, giving our Young Professionals invaluable insight from those who have been there before.
We were also thrilled to welcome several guest speakers into our Summer Training curriculum. From CEOs to award-winning tech moguls to financial educators, Bay Area professionals generously shared their own journeys from the bottom to the top. Their honesty, stories, and practical advice left a lasting impression, offering students valuable wisdom and inspiration as they prepare for their own budding careers.
None of these opportunities would be possible without the generous support of our community. Because of you, Genesys Works Bay Area continues to create pathways to success for young people in our local communities. If you’re looking for ways to get involved and give back, we would love to have you join us! Whether it’s volunteering at an event, sharing your expertise, or simply spreading the word, your involvement makes a lasting difference in many lives.
Stay connected with us on social media and keep an eye out for future opportunities to support our Young Professionals. Together, we’re building brighter futures!
