August 15, 2024

This summer, our young people have been hard at work building skills that will help them succeed in future careers. Through our Summer Career Institute, they have gained exposure to new career fields, learned valuable job skills, and practiced the art of professionalism.

Our boys recently visited a top recruiting firm, Robert Half in Chicago. There they learned how Robert Half helps people land their ideal job, and how they work with companies across the globe to hire talented people seeking employment.

Additionally, our kids talked to the group about their own dream jobs. They expressed career aspirations that included musician, train conductor, actor, game designer, and more.

John Sadofsky is a Senior Vice President and Director of Permanent Services at Robert Half and an alum of Mercy Home. He talked to our youth about some of his experiences when he lived at Mercy Home from 1998- 2001. Mercy Home exposed him to new life skills, career opportunities, and mentorship, and instilled in him the structure he needed to succeed. Now, he pays it forward by helping young people living at Mercy Home today.

“I love giving back to Mercy Home because somebody was in my shoes 20 years ago did that for me,” Sadofsky said. “The people that Mercy Home connected me with became my mentors in my career development, and I appreciated that.”

After Sadofsky’s presentation, our young people spent some one-on-one time with recruiters who described their job responsibilities and talked about their backgrounds and their experience at the firm.

Mary Keating, a talent manager at Robert Half, described her role and her experiences to our youth.

“Going to college and thinking about what [you’re] going to do next is scary,” Keating said. “I feel like I could offer a little bit of insight of what [having a job] is like now.”

Aaron, a resident at Mercy Home, was inspired by the trip to Robert Half.

“[The best part] was seeing the work they do,” he said.

When our kids get a chance to visit companies like Robert Half, it inspires them to plan and set goals for their futures. Through visits like these, plus the incredible work done back at the Home by our Education and Career Resources team, our young people move forward with valuable professional skills that will help them excel. 

Thank you to our friends at Robert Half for hosting our young people.