More than 2/3 of jobs are acquired through personal references, networking, or word of mouth. Yet, professionals with disabilities frequently face barriers to traditional networking.   SDI is working to break down those barriers.

SDI is teaming up with the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) to present a one-of-a-kind opportunity to individuals with disabilities to improve their social networking skills to help them launch or advance their career. The Networking Boot Camp will be held July 15th – 18th, and July 23rd.

Adults with disabilities who are interested in entering the skilled, competitive job market or advancing their careers are eligible for this opportunity.

Boot camp learning highlights include:

• Turn a 30-second conversation into a potential job lead
• Network in a way that best suits your personality and disability
• Use listening and improvisation skills to keep a conversation going
• Build skills to tell engaging stories

The week of learning will culminate with the participants using their updated networking skills at the Accessible Networking Happy Hour with real recruiters and hiring managers from St. Louis’ top inclusive companies.

“Our people have compelling stories to tell, says Susan Menhard, Director of the Starkloff Career Academy, “and COCA helps us creatively tell them. It is a powerful pairing of advocacy and the arts.”

Limited space is still available. For more information contact Jason Hartsfield, Adult Career Services Coordinator at 314-588-7090 or jhartsfield@starkloff.org.

SUMMER BOOTCAMP DETAILS

When: July 15th-18th, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where: Brentwood Community Center (2505 South Brentwood Blvd.

St. Louis, Mo 63144)

Cost: Free

Boot camp registration includes admission to Starkloff Disability Institute’s Accessible Networking Happy Hour at the Anheuser Busch Biergarten on July 23rd, 5:30 – 7:30 pm.