Resources for Web Development Students @ Robin’s Blog

Who doesn’t need additional support finding work during these difficult economic times? There are several organizations in the San Francisco East Bay Area that provide networking, job leads, workshops and support. Most of these organizations are free, a few services charge a nominal fee.

Job Connections – Job Connections is an outreach of Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California. They meet from 9:00-11:30AM every Saturday at the Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado, Danville, CA. 94526.

Their mission is to support and encourage the unemployed in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area through a non-fee referral program. They establish professional relationships with hiring managers and top executives, with the intent of introducing a talented resource pool of qualified professionals for employment consideration.

Their members include people from a wide variety of business, financial, technical, and professional disciplines who are planning a career change or seeking a new position. Meetings include guest speakers, workshops, and unlimited opportunities to network.

You must attend an introductory session that starts promptly at 9:00AM before you can join the group. In the first hour the group discusses job searches and they have announcements. In the second hour, guest speakers share tips, techniques and advice that helps their members improve their job searches and successfully manage their career transitions.

The group also has an active Yahoo Group where you can post questions, job leads, etc.. You must attend the introductory session before you can join the group.

If you have never joined a Yahoo Group, here is some helpful information on how to join and participate in Yahoo Groups. You may want to explore the employment and work section of Yahoo Groups to find additional groups that may be useful during your job search.

Experience Unlimited – Experience Unlimited Contra Costa Chapter (EUCCC) is a volunteer network of business professionals who come together to offer individual skills, talents, support, and resources to its membership. EUCCC provides a platform for communication, connectivity, and community to its members as they seek their next career opportunity.

Experience Unlimited meets Tuesdays 9:00 – 9:30AM for Informal Networking and at 9:30 – 12:00 for the General Meeting /Orientation & Speaker or Activity Congregation at B’Nai Shalom 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Be aware that you must volunteer 16 hours per month in order to participate with Experience Unlimited.

East Bay Works – A unique joint venture of public entities, non-profit agencies, and private organizations in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties helping businesses and job seekers meet their employment needs.

Location: 4071 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 Concord, CA 94520
Contact: (925) 671-4500
Fax: (925) 646-5563
Hours: 8:30 a.m – 5:00 Mon, Wed, Thursday and Friday and 8:30 a.m – 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays

The EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center in Concord is your connection to employment and can provide you with the necessary tools to get you to your next job. You can get help with career planning, job training and transition solutions to re-enter the workforce.Our free services include:· Academic and career assessment tools· Job search resources: high speed internet access, fax machines, photocopiers, and more· Workshops essential for conducting a successful job search· Listings of current job openings and on-site employer hiring events· Links to training and educational funding sources· Referrals to community services and resources· Trained staff to assist you with your career goals and objectives.

There is a calendar of workshops available on the East Bay Works site. Orientation Tours are held daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00p.m.

John F. Kennedy University Pleasant Hill Counseling Center – While this is not a “networking” group, the Counseling Center does offer transitional workshops that may be beneficial to some students. Groups will be forming soon and I will get you more details ASAP. The Pleasant Hill Counseling Center also offers Adults, children, couples and families counseling on a sliding scale.

380 Civic Drive, Ste 200, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925.798.9240 Please call ahead for an appointment.

211database.org – Users can find extensive, up-to-date information about hundreds of health and social services that are available to residents of Contra Costa County, California. You may find the following resource guides (PDF) especially helpful: Help in Hard Times (English), Low-Cost Medical Resources (English), Central County Resources (English). Spanish versions of these resources are also available on their site, as well as, additional geographic areas.