The Starkloff Career Academy’s Fall 2019 Capstone Course kicked off on Tuesday, September 10. Representing the 13^th group of job seekers to embark upon the Capstone Course since its launch in 2012, the 11 candidates enrolled this semester are talented and eager to learn.

“I am enthused about the individuals attending,” Susan Menhard, Director of the Starkloff Career Academy says. “They are an insightful group with impressive accomplishments, and I have high expectations for each of them.”

The Fall 2019 Capstone Course features many of the familiar components that have always made it such a unique and impactful educational experience. Renowned actors and writers from COCAbiz will once again impart their improvisational techniques and storytelling expertise, showing job seekers how these skills translate to successful networking and public speaking.

Students have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and resume-building exercises with HR professionals from Olin Corporation, Nestle Purina and Wells Fargo. SDI staff will share tips on recognizing the most pertinent language within a job description, and they will provide valuable strategies for disclosing one’s disability from a position of strength. Catherine Hwang of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is also joining the class to teach key aspects of affirmative action hiring policy.

This semester’s curriculum boasts a couple of new additions as well. Job seekers will enjoy an in-depth discussion of the behavioral interview process with Jim Beirne, Director of External Relations at Washington University and a seasoned veteran of the human resources field. Galen Gondolfi, Senior Loan Counselor and Chief Communications Officer at Justine Petersen, will speak to the class about the importance of sound financial planning and credit building.

Designed to equip disabled job seekers with all of the tools necessary to advance their careers to the next level, the Starkloff Career Academy Capstone Course moves quickly and packs a wealth of information into every session. Despite the fast-paced, comprehensive nature of the course, Susan believes the Fall 2019 students will have little trouble absorbing the knowledge and putting it to good use.

“As always, the course is intense and much is required of the participants,” Susan says. “However, based on the caliber of the candidates, I have a great deal of confidence in each one.”

The Fall 2019 Capstone Course runs through November 14, with graduation scheduled for November 21.