By Leah Berk, Friend of JVS

Building a network is like cultivating a garden. You have to plant a lot of seeds and carefully nurture each one. Not all will grow and even fewer will bear fruit, but, those that do will be worth the effort. Such has been my experience at JVS.

In 2008 I planted a seed. I came to Career Moves @ JVS for career services and was matched with my mentor, a mid-career marketing executive. Our relationship bloomed. With my mentor’s support I expanded my professional network and landed a new job.

I kept in touch with the Career Moves @ JVS staff. When they asked me to join a volunteer committee I gladly agreed, and began leading workshops and attending community events on behalf of the organization.

In late 2010 my networking efforts bore fruit. I received a LinkedIn message from the JVS staffer who had matched me with my mentor. She was going on maternity leave and was looking for someone to replace her for three months. I immediately applied and was hired shortly thereafter. The temporary role grew into a full-time position at JVS.

My experience at JVS has given me the confidence to take the next step in my professional journey. I was recently accepted to an MBA program where I will be specializing in nonprofit management. I am deeply grateful to my JVS network and will continue to support the organization’s mission of improving lives and breaking down barriers to employment.

We invite you to become part of the JVS network of job seekers, employers, volunteers and community leaders by joining our LinkedIn Group.