Personal Branding Workshop w/ NSA President Kevin Thompson

Trenton, NJ - We're moving closer to the live job interviews for the participants of our Young Professionals Leadership Initiative. This week, Kevin Thompson, president of the National Speakers Association (NJ Chapter) and Distinguished Toastmaster, facilitated a workshop on Personal Branding.

Our team of facilitators then worked individually to help develop their own personal brand statements and conduct online background research on the interviewing company. They had an opportunity to put their statements immediately into practice during individual mock interviews with Mr. Thompson.

Executive Chef Kahlil Wyche continued his Independent Living Series with an introduction to general budgeting principles. The budgets will be used to help the participants develop a greater awareness of earning, managing, saving, and spending money.

We wrapped the day with a review of media terminology and crew positions as we plan for our annual Spring Film Screening (in collaboration with SCRA - Society for Community Resource & Action) on Sunday, May 18.     

Trenton, NJ -- Beyond Expectations Young Professionals Leadership Initiative is a hybrid youth media, leadership and independent living program to educate and support older teens as they transition to adulthood. Through hands-on training workshops, we help uncover hidden talents, present alternative career choices with a real path towards successful independence, and offer opportunities to establish meaningful professional relationships.

Working in tandem with local businesses and community organizations, the program is offered in 3 tracks:

• Careers/Employment
• Independent Living
• Media Advocacy

Each student had an opportunity to produce a Video Resume to help showcase their talents and gain an edge in this competitive marketplace.

Our diverse team of facilitators includes corporate executives, entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, college students, journalists, authors, human resource, media professionals and more.

A memorable weekend retreat...

Bridgewater, NJ -- We're rarely surprised but always pleased to cross paths with youth and help them uncover their hidden skills and talents. The same held true yet again during our Weekend Retreat in Bridgewater, New Jersey with a group of phenomenal young men (ages 18-21).

What is typically taught over a series of 5 sessions was condensed into an intensive training which spawned creativity and split-second decision making. After learning the basics of film production, the group worked collaboratively to develop a concept for their own original project, storyboard, shoot, act in all of the roles, and lay down a few tracks for post-production.

Special thanks to our awesome crew, guest facilitators, and volunteers from Comcast and The Princeton Theological Seminary. 

Beyond Expectations gearing up for Weekend Retreat (Oct 18 - 20)

In addition to our 5-session media production programs, Beyond Expectations also offers intensive one-day 'speedcrewing' workshops and weekend retreats for organizations interested in youth programs within a condensed timeframe.

We're gearing up for our next retreat at a transitional living home in Central New Jersey for older youth ages 18-21. Looking forward to helping another group of young people bring their visions to life...