Business Council of Westchester to Host 2nd Annual Youth Summit
The Business Council of Westchester is hosting a day of free workplace education for the young job seekers of Westchester.
The Business Council’s Youth Summit 2.0, a partnership with Westchester County and the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board (WPWIB), will be held April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. The program will feature peer-to-peer discussions about the Westchester job market as well as prominent speakers from within business and government.
The event is targeted toward Westchester and Putnam residents ages 16-24. It is free to attend, but seating and food are limited.
“This is a perfect opportunity for someone who is looking for a summer job, their first job out of college or that next level in their budding career,” said Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council. “In addition to all the great educational components we’re offering, Youth Summit 2.0 will also be a great chance to network and make valuable business connections.”
County Executive Robert P. Astorino has made youth employment and workforce development a focus of his administration and key members of his staff will be at the Youth Summit to connect with local youths.
“We want our young people to have the resources and training they need to be successful in the workplace,” said Astorino. “A program such as this brings together people and information in one place.”
Other featured guests include Jason Alvarez, business development specialist at the Microsoft Store in The Westchester, and several youths who will share their own professional experiences.
David Singer, president of Robison Oil and Chair of the WPWIB, is pleased to support the Youth Summit and said, “This is one of several youth initiatives that the WPWIB leads, develops and funds in its effort to help connect more young people to the workplace and expose them to the wide variety of potential careers, occupations and professions that they may pursue.”
To help everyone prepare for a job interview, the Berkeley College Fashion Marketing and Management Program will speak to the participants about proper work attire followed by a team building activity where participants will dress mannequins in the appropriate business attire according to a variety of professional scenarios.
“A lot of younger employees who are just starting their careers don’t have much of a reference when it comes to picking out a professional wardrobe. Often, people at their first jobs will come in embarrassedly underdressed because they’re unfamiliar with the corporate culture,” Gordon said. “Plus, dress codes can vary greatly from industry to industry. An outfit that is appropriate for a technology job might be considered unprofessional in the financial services world. This exercise from Berkeley College will be a great chance to learn the different standards and dress for success.”
In addition to the main sponsor Berkeley College, Youth Summit 2.0 is also being supported by Creator’s Media Group, Microsoft, MSM DesignZ, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Intelligist Group, Reinhard-Madison Approach Staffing and Tarrytown House Estate & Conference Center. “We thank all of our partners and sponsors in helping us make this year’s Youth Summit an astounding success!” Gordon said.
Registration is required. Youth who want to participate are encouraged to contact their local participating youth agency. A list of participating organizations can be found at http://www.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.