On April 4th, I had the opportunity to attend the Launch Pad Job Club’s New Member Orientation at the ACC Highland Learning Center, a place I had never visited before but was eager to check out. The former mall turned high-tech, eco-friendly community college campus was buzzing with students and job seekers alike, making it the perfect setting for this unique workshop and networking event.
The New Member Orientation is designed to help individuals who are new to the club or returning after a hiatus, providing a space for support and professional development. It’s held weekly on Fridays, offering a chance for members to gather virtually or in person for career coaching, advice, and motivation. As someone currently in the job search trenches, I was eager to see what insights the session could offer, and I was not disappointed.
The featured speaker for this session was Lani Dame, who provided a fantastic preview of the ACC Strategies Class offered by Austin Community College. Lani’s session was a high-level overview on how to approach a job search with precision and confidence. She highlighted the importance of defining a clear job search strategy—something I think many of us can overlook when we’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure. She also shared key strategies for staying motivated and navigating through the inevitable ups and downs of the process.
What I appreciated most was Lani’s invitation to the group to ask for feedback during the session. This wasn’t just a one-way conversation; it was interactive, with attendees sharing their experiences, struggles, and tips for getting through a challenging job market. This peer support element was invaluable, especially when you’re in the process of reinventing your career or tackling a job search that feels like it’s dragging on.
Beyond the presentation, I really enjoyed the networking aspect of the event. Being around others who are going through similar challenges and offering mutual support made me feel less isolated in the process. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re not alone in the struggle, and it was great to connect with people who share similar career interests or have insights into new opportunities.
One takeaway for me: I need to check out the part-time classes at ACC to officially become a student and access even more resources like this. The Highland Learning Center is a goldmine of opportunities for career seekers and anyone looking to level up their skills.
If you’re navigating a job search and could use some motivation or guidance, I highly recommend checking out the Launch Pad Job Club’s New Member Orientation. Whether you’re seeking advice on your resume, interview strategies, or simply need a boost of confidence, this club offers a wealth of resources and a supportive community to help you move forward in your career journey.
More Information about ACC Highland Campus
“Highland Mall opened in 1971 as Austin’s largest regional shopping center and the city’s first indoor mall. Once a flourishing enterprise, the mall lost favor with customers and struggled to remain a viable venture. In 2010, ACC formed a partnership with RedLeaf Properties and began purchasing sections of the mall complex — 1.3 million square feet of indoor space on 81 acres. The college purchased the last portion of the mall infrastructure in late 2012 and began redeveloping the mall structure into a state-of-the-art college campus and its surrounding property into a vibrant, mixed-use community.” – ACC Highland Campus Website
