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Natick - Local Town Pages

Brack Career Center Director: Now Is the Time to Ramp Up a Job Search

Dec 30, 2020 01:58PM ● By Cynthia Whitty

Brack Center Director Rachel Vingsness helps residents with all aspects of their job search. (Photo/supplied)

Unemployment is one of the most critical economic issues facing the country today as it balances re-opening with safety months into the pandemic, according to thebalance.com. In April, after governments shut down the economy, the unemployment rate reached 14.7 percent, the highest since the Great Depression. Since then, it’s gradually improved as businesses have attempted to reopen safely.

Natick Local Town Pages recently interviewed Rachel Vingsness, director of career development for the Joan H. Brack Career Development Center, to find out what resources are available for residents who need employment support. The Brack Center, run out of the Natick Service Council, helps Natick residents, free of charge, in any stage of their job search.

Whitty: Can you describe your job and what you do as director?

As the Director of Career Development for the Joan H. Brack Career Development Center, I meet with clients one on one to support them with their job search and achieving their career goals. I discuss and help define what clients are trying to accomplish and craft an individualized plan to help get them there. During periodic follow up conversations, we work through strategies and tips for different phases of their job search and how to overcome any barriers they may encounter. Additionally, I oversee the strategy and execution for the center, which includes crafting a long-term plan, measuring success, and managing volunteers.

I started with the Brack Center in October 2020, and previously spent over 15 years in human resources, recruiting, and career development. I truly believe that everyone deserves and can find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work life, and I am passionate about helping people do that.

Whitty: What kind of demand are you seeing for your services?

Currently, the job market is in a challenging place and competition amongst applicants is real. Often candidates are applying to hundreds of jobs with little response. The ongoing pandemic has not only impacted the volume of job opportunities but has also added another layer of complexity to the job search for people who have underlying health issues or are in close contact with someone who is. Additionally, guardians of school-age children are grasping with balancing work and childcare, which sometimes put limitations on the type of work and job opportunities they might be able to perform. 

Job seekers are turning to the Brack Center for help in all stages of their search: resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing support, networking strategies, offer negotiations, and more.

Prior to March 2020 the Brack Center, located on the third floor of the Natick Service Council building, had an open door policy inviting clients to drop in to use its computers and printers or have a quiet space to concentrate on their job search, including taking phone interviews. We had a representative available for face-to-face career coaching, answering general questions, and helping with online applications. Currently, all engagement is over the phone or video. I’m looking forward to when we can safely open the center and return to a buzz of activity.

All that said, there are still many employers hiring, and some industries are doing well, if not great. Now is the time to ramp up a job search when companies are often reopening their budgets for the new calendar year.

Whitty: What kinds of programs do you have to meet the needs of residents?

From a strictly career services perspective, our Brack Center clients primarily participate in one-on-one career coaching. They engage in a process that starts with self-reflection and assessment and takes them through every step of their job search, up to accepting an offer. However, if a particular client only needs help in a specific area, such as mock interviewing, then I tailor the program to meet their individual needs. Additionally, through partnerships with other organizations, Brack Center clients are kept abreast of other related external opportunities, such as career training workshops and job openings.

Whitty: Who are the people who use your services? 

The Brack Center is available free of charge to all Natick residents. We work with a large variety of clients, including people who are interested in making a career change, the unemployed, those looking for their first job out of school, and those who are reentering the workforce. Clients come from diverse backgrounds and are all ages, professional level, and across multiple industries and roles. 

Whitty: What are your plans for 2021?

Aside from helping as many people as I can make progress toward their career goals and find professional satisfaction, I am eager to launch additional career service programs, such as training workshops, small networking groups, and mentoring.

As I mentioned, all coaching is happening over the phone or video so I’m looking forward to having clients back in the Brack Center, using our computer lab and meeting space, and meeting with them face to face.

Whitty: How is the center funded?

The Natick Service Council and the Brack Center are not publicly funded or part of the town of Natick budget. When the Brack Center started in 2011, Bob Brack, in honor of his late wife Joan, was the primary funder, and he continues to be an incredible supporter and advocate. Additionally, we have many generous individual donors and grants to ensure we can continue to meet the career development needs of our neighbors in Natick.

For more information, contact Vingsness by calling 508-655-1791 or visiting natickservicecouncil.org/brack-career-center.