Career Bites – Resources for Career Growth at the Lighthouse

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is committed to fostering the professional development and upward mobility of employees and has begun offering a series of career development opportunities. Tony Jorgensen, Training and Development Manager, and Cheryl Cumings, Workforce Development Manager, share resources for career development offered at the Lighthouse. A robust commitment to employee growth is exemplified through two distinct avenues of career development opportunities.

Career Bites Drop In Sessions

The first avenue consists of Career Bites, monthly drop-in sessions open to all employees covering a diverse array of employment-related topics. These sessions serve as a dynamic platform for professional enrichment, tackling subjects such as recognizing and leveraging individual strengths, crafting compelling narratives for professional settings, exploring career interests, and evaluating options through wishes, wants, and will dos.

The sessions also delve into internal and external resources to enhance computer skills, diverse approaches to constructing resumes, effective networking strategies, and the art of making a compelling case for promotions, lateral moves, or salary raises. This comprehensive approach ensures that employees have access to a wealth of knowledge and tools, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Career Development Program

In addition to the monthly drop-in sessions available to all employees, the Lighthouse offers a specialized avenue for career development exclusively tailored for employees who are blind or DeafBlind—the Career Development Program. This nine-month intensive program provides a unique and immersive experience, covering a spectrum of topics similar to the general sessions, with an added emphasis on specific areas of study. Participants delve into a comprehensive curriculum, receiving in-depth one-on-one mentoring throughout their journey. The tailored nature of this program underscores the Lighthouse’s commitment to individualized growth, ensuring that employees who are blind or DeafBlind receive personalized guidance and support on their path to career advancement. Learn more about the Career Development Program >>

The pilot year of the Career Development Program yielded promising outcomes. The program also saw employees applying for positions both within and outside the Lighthouse, with one employee offered a position externally but choosing to stay within the organization.

Lighthouse Resources for Career Growth

The Lighthouse collaborates with external HR training groups like Archbright, offering leadership training and emotional coaching. The NSITE program by National Industries for the Blind provides tailored training for individuals who are blind, including basic to advanced computer training and specialized programs like becoming a security manager with CISCO systems.

Other notable programs include WOWI, an online assessment tool that aids in career path compatibility, and the AJAC program specific to manufacturing, offering a guaranteed wage and journeyman level card upon completion.

Tuition Reimbursement

To further support employees’ educational pursuits, the Lighthouse offers tuition reimbursement. This initiative is designed to encourage and facilitate individuals seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the organization’s existing course offerings. Pending approval, the program may extend a reimbursement for both tuition fees and required course materials, including books. Employees are granted the flexibility to pursue relevant courses aligned with their career objectives, thereby enhancing their skill set and contributing to their professional growth.

Investing in Upward Mobility

Investing career development opportunities illustrates the Lighthouse’s unwavering commitment to the core value of upward mobility for employees. This dedication is exemplified by individuals like Tony, whose personal journey stands as a testament to the organization’s ethos. Tony, who initially joined the Lighthouse in 1978 working in production, shares an anecdote that illuminates the transformative impact of internal programs. He participated in the Lighthouse’s Computer Training Program in 1997 and acquired the skills necessary to ascend within the organization. Tony’s story underscores the effectiveness of such initiatives in providing employees with the tools and knowledge essential for upward mobility. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and individualized growth, the Lighthouse ensures that employees, regardless of their starting point, have the support and opportunities to advance in their careers.

Join our Workforce

Whether you are an experienced professional or someone looking to embark on a fulfilling career, the Lighthouse provides opportunities to contribute to a meaningful cause. By joining the Lighthouse team, you can become part of an organization that not only champions the rights of those who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities but also actively invests in the professional and personal advancement of its workforce. Explore the open positions today and be a part of an organization dedicated to creating a positive impact.

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