LaunchPoint

For parents of students, or those providing them with career, college and school counseling, it probably comes as no surprise that many of today’s teens are not well prepared to engage in professional activities. Many students are ill-equipped to find a job or an internship, interview for positions, and understand business etiquette. We recently collected our own data to better understand gaps in student professional skill development, and others have observed this as well (including for recent college graduates).

Mastering professional skills can help students stand out to future employers, improve confidence, adapt to changing environments, and work well with others. Basic professional skills and mastery of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management, are mentioned by employers as lacking in young candidates. Although GenZ is technically savvy, this reliance on technology has led to a lapse in certain soft skills that are often necessary for growth and success in the business world.

Gap Year Solutions has designed LaunchPoint to equip young adults (including high school students and others not taking a Gap Year) with essential professional skills to prepare for successful interactions in business settings.

LaunchPoint consists of live virtual coaching sessions which are purchased individually or as a package. Students complete pre-work before each session, and are provided with guides and takeaways to reference after each session is finished.

Description of Courses

Develop Your Personal Story: Show the world what makes you you

Make Your Resume and LinkedIn Work for You: Tell your story, get opportunities

Essentials of an impactful resume
Building and maintaining a professional online presence

Crush your interview: Show up confident, leave a great impression

Preparation, common questions and answers, hiring process, online interviews

The Art of Business Communication: get noticed, respected, and taken seriously

Verbal Communication and Listening
Written and Non-Verbal

Tame the Chaos: Master your time, ditch the stress, and get stuff done

Setting SMART goals, prioritization techniques, task management and organization

Crafting Your Personal Brand: Become known for what you do best (2-part series – the second Advanced hour is available for college students)

Strengths + passion + impact
Elevator pitch formula
Personal branding statement

Setting Yourself Up for Long-Term Success: Habits that build a career, not just a job

One module is included at no additional cost for Gap Year Planning students. Contact us to learn more about pricing for individual sessions and packages.

Diane Willock

LaunchPoint Instructor

In addition to serving as Gap Year Solutions’ Internship Coordinator, Diane is our LaunchPoint Instructor. She is a Certified Career Coach and long-time business professional with a background in sales, marketing, business development and program management. Diane has been involved with numerous entrepreneurial ventures and start-up businesses, where she honed skills in training, coaching, and building programs. She also spent nearly 10 years developing and directing a career development program for students at the largest high school in Illinois.

Diane specializes in (and truly enjoys!) working with young adults, offering expert guidance and coaching, focusing on skill-building, resume writing, internship placement and best practices for post-secondary business success.