Mobile Career Lab Helps Eliminate Barriers for Underserved Communities
If you’ve ever thought about a career change and have no idea where to start — you’re not alone.
But what if instead of searching the endless amount of career lists and assessments online by yourself, you could have a mobile career lab come to you and someone to help support you along the way?
The Mobile Career Lab helps bridge the gap by traveling around Indiana and the surrounding states, providing the resources necessary to find out what career makes sense for you, finding training or schooling and helping to plan the next steps.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
Carla Biro, director of Career Labs at Indiana Wesleyan University, has worked with organizations for the last two years to help fill the gap in career services, specifically in underserved communities.
“The vision was how can we provide mobile career services to the community, a lot of that vision came from partners like Turning Point System of Care, homeless shelters and adult education programs,” said Biro.
But the goal is not simply enrollment to Indiana Wesleyan University, she said. Instead, it’s to just help where it’s needed.
Participants take the career assessment in Kokomo.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
The mission of the mobile lab is to help support those 18 and older looking to move forward or make a change in their career. The mobile lab is set to be out in the community two to three times a week, as well as being stationary at IWU’s regional locations once a week.
The process starts with a career assessment, identifying your strengths, weaknesses and what barriers you may face including childcare or transportation. After the quiz, Biro goes through the results with you and makes a plan for what’s next in your career journey.
“We wanted a private place that feels comfortable,” she said. “ We have snacks, provide the assessments and have general conversations to give the person an idea, a next step and a contact for someone to help out when needed.”
The three-pronged approach consists of:
Strength and experience assessments
Goal and aspiration maps
Determining your next steps
According to its website, “IWU hopes this Mobile Career Lab will create an entry point into assessments, coaching and advising that meets job seekers where they are to refine their direction, develop a map of training and ultimately achieve their career goals.”
With locations throughout Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, Indiana Wesleyan University has plans to travel with the Career Lab throughout the Midwest once partnerships in other areas are solidified, but the Indianapolis area is the main focus at this time.
To learn more about where you can find the Mobile Career Lab, click here.
