Tech Mentors Guide Boyle Heights Students in STEAM Resume Workshop

Last week, tech professionals from Los Angeles-based IT company Prosum hosted a resume writing workshop at Roosevelt High School.

Over 20 students in the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) Pathways and i.am College Track program attended the workshop, undeterred by prom festivities the night before!

Mentors from Prosum discussed possible career paths in STEAM and also shared their own stories. Together, they walked through resume and cover letter guidelines and discussed the dos and don’ts of presenting themselves on paper.

From there, the students broke up into small groups for some one-on-one interaction with a mentor of their choice. Each student received a flash drive preloaded with interview tips, a sample resume and cover letter, and a “cheat sheet” to work through with their mentor.

Eleni Tio, Head of Human Resources at Prosum, was inspired to mentor Boyle Heights students after attending the i.am.angel Foundation’s most recent TRANS4M Gala in February, and wanted to bring her colleagues on board.

“It is amazing to think that maybe we just helped prepare for the job market someone who will go on to invent something incredible in technology, or be part of something totally transformational for our society! These students just need to be made to feel that these opportunities exist for them and they can be a part of something that shapes the future,” says Ms. Tio.

Prosum team members connected so well with the students that several wanted to continue mentoring them throughout the year. One of Prosum’s Senior Directors is even set on hiring the two young students that she worked with in a couple of years when they are ready to enter the job market!

This mentorship workshop was a great reflection of Prosum’s company mission in focusing on relationships to better improve people’s lives through technology. In a low-income community like Boyle Heights, access and exposure to tech jobs is scarce, which made advice from tech professionals all the more valuable.

Prosum mentors will be returning to Roosevelt High School in May to conduct an interview workshop to help students prepare for the next level in the job-seeking process, including a lesson on personal branding and social media.

We hope to see more tech companies getting involved in communities like Boyle Heights to help TRANS4M students’ lives and futures!