Lidia is a Career Coach at the Calgary Public Library and was awarded the Career Coaching Volunteer award in April of 2011. Here is what she has to say about volunteering at the Library:

“I started volunteering for the Career Coaching program at the Central Public Library just a little over 3 years ago – September 2008. I had been looking for work as an employment counsellor and decided to get experience in the field by volunteering. Shortly after, I was hired by the Centre for Newcomers as a career practitioner but I liked my experience with the Library so much that I continued to volunteer there.

I believe volunteering has been and will continue to be a core value in my life. Volunteering gives me great satisfaction and energy and a sense of worthiness , I feel I am getting so much more than I give.

I have volunteered for several events and organizations but none was I as passionate for as I am about my present role of Career Coach for the Central Library. Besides the personal satisfaction I get from helping customers, the best part for me is meeting people from all walks of life and having the privilege of hearing their stories and encouraging them to continue on their journey to reach their employment goals. If I can inspire an ounce of hope in them, then I will have accomplished much.”

Thank you Lidia!

One of our current Career Coaching volunteers has joined Volunteer Calgary as their new board member.

Career Coaching is a program where volunteers with HR experience coach people from all walks of life in improving their resumes, creating coverletters and breaking into hidden job markets.

Janeen Scott is a Human Resources Manager by day and by night is committed to helping her Calgary community. Her volunteer experience includes work with the Calgary Public Library, Artemis Foundation, and Students in Free Enterprise.

Congratulations Janeen!

Meet Janeen, Career Coaching Volunteer

Volunteering has been important part of my life for many years. I have been coaching through the Career Coaching program at the Central library for over 5 years. As an Human Resource Professional this role allows me to use my talents to support Calgarians in their job search. I have met people from all background, professions and demographics. Continually people show me their resiliency and creativity; reinventing themselves. Often times a client will come to the Career Coaching program having been out of work for many months. It is very gratifying to have that client leave with a fresh perspective on their job search.

Many of the people I help stay with me, however there was one women I think of often. This client was in her early 60's and had moved from the Philippines to Canada a few years ago. She had a very successful career in the Philippines as a social worker; a job she loved. She was torn between going back to school to be a social worker in Canada or if she should pursue her love of cooking and get a job in the culinary field. We talked for a while until until I finally said "Whatever you do next does not define you. It won't take away from your 25 years as a successful social worker". With that the tears streamed down her cheeks. She was afraid to leave behind the career she knew. To step into retirement. I don't know what she decided to do, but I believe I helped her see her next chapter in a different way.

Week after week the two hour drop in session is filled with people looking for support, feedback and guidance. The volunteers in the program find individuals ways to reach each client. I believe this service is invaluable to Calgarians looking for work.

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Janeen Scott

If you are a career professional and are interested in helping people job search and build resumes please contact Marian Erb at 403-260-2648, or marian.erb@calgarypubliclibrary.com