WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Students in Northeast Sight Services’ Transitioning to Independence Program (TIP) took part Friday in a career exploration event in Wilkes-Barre. The event was designed to build workplace confidence and professional skills.
The morning began at the THINK Center with a panel of regional professionals sharing career advice and what employers look for in candidates. Students also reviewed resumes and practiced interviewing through mock sessions.
Amy Feldman, president and CEO of Northeast Sight Services, said the organization works to help people who are blind or visually impaired achieve the best possible quality of life through services and vision-loss prevention efforts.
“We always say that vision loss doesn’t define you. You can do anything that any sighted person can do. Showing students that these opportunities are available and teaching them the process of getting those jobs, along with the experience that they need, is really the goal of the program,” said Feldman.
Career panelists and mock interview volunteers included Patrick Forster of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, Lydia Ameen of McCarthy Tire Service, Alison Prisco of Community Bank System, Inc., Denise Corcoran of Anthracite Region for Independent Living, and Ellen Meehan of Boca Recovery Center.
The program also featured a Social Media and Online Presence workshop led by Steve Husted of Knot Just Any Day, focused on employer expectations and helping students refine online profiles.
Northeast Sight Services says TIP helps students who are blind or visually impaired prepare for life after high school through real-world experiences focused on employment, travel, education and independent living. Feldman said the program meets monthly from September to May through the Insight Kids Club of NEPA.
For more information, visit Northeast Sight Services’ website.