Elpis Enterprises is always working on ways to provide interns the opportunities to network with professionals in the career fields they hope to find themselves in someday.
Hands on Hope has been an event put on by Elpis multiple times a year bringing together lifelong professionals from all sectors of the workforce. Elpis hosted its latest Hands on Hope on August 20, and over 20 different professionals from electricians to collegiate administration were in attendance to talk with interns about their career interests.
“I really appreciate what Paul does not only for the community but for the specific individuals in the community who need more help than others,” said Ragnar Freeburg of Cato Electric who’s attended all but one Hands for Hope event in the last 10 years. “The disadvantaged youth are key to, making them happier, and finding a way through life I think is a very important thing that Paul is doing.”
“It was really nice to see that so many people turned up,” said Gretchen Wilbrandt of Urban Boat Builders. “I think it continues to build the strength of our community and it just shows a testament that there is a need for young, employable folks and employers are recognizing that and stepping up to start that end of the process earlier instead of just waiting for people to come to them.”
Employers meeting with Elpis interns face-to-face while they are continuing their internships with the non-profit helps them to get a leg up in networking and speaking with professionals about their own experience. Both Freeburg and Wilbrandt make the most of the interns they speak to at Hands for Hope so they can have a clearer picture that entering the workforce isn’t a linear path for anyone.
“I think one of the reasons why I personally like to show up to these events is that I don’t have a linear career path. I think a lot of the conversations I had with young people were talking to them about what their interests were and what their strengths were,” Wilbrandt said.
“Nobody has shown that type of interest in going to electrician school yet but I try to tell them, I try to inspire them to chase their dream, whatever that is. I’ve done that, I try to show them that is what I have done and I try to tell them, ‘Whatever you’re interested in, whatever makes you happy, you’ve got to chase that,’” added Freeburg.
For interns, it’s helpful for them to learn more about networking through professionals who support Elpis’s mission and doing so in a more casual setting. There is no added pressure on expectations from employers who come to meet with them during Hands for Hope, and they can ask questions openly about professions they have an interest in pursuing or one’s they may not want to work in and are just curious about.
For employers who come to visit with these interns, it provides them the opportunity to learn what interns have done within their own time at Elpis Enterprises. If they share they have an interest in anything career-wise related to what they’ve done at Elpis from woodworking to t-shirt printing and textile work, or if they have an interest in something else. The conversations with these young adults trying to find their way into the workforce can lead to getting them in the right direction to pursue that future.
“I met a few guys and gals that are a part of Paul’s program and they just sing praises about him and his program. There were more people there with experience like me in the working world, professionals that Paul has come in contact with probably from having his students come out to different organizations to experience what they have to offer. I think when Paul invites those guys in it becomes a much more attended event,” Freeburg said.
“It’s flexible, you don’t have to be there the whole time. You don’t have to bring anything just bring your authentic self and also be willing to connect with folks that may not be necessarily as interested in what you’re personally offering from your business but be able to offer anything that helps these young people along in their career journey,” said Wilbrandt.
