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Microsoft Office Certification
Job Readiness Program

Washington, DC

Cohort 2

Tuition Free

Hybrid

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Program Overview

Get The Skills

Program Cohort Details:

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

Every organization needs people skilled at documenting information, organizing meetings, helping customers, and executing tasks to support teammates. That's where you come in!

We are excited to offer a free-to-the-participant program for Washington, D.C. residents with 12 weeks of part-time training and 6 months of support.

 

During the first 12 weeks, you will learn the in's and out's of 3 Microsoft Office programs, gain a variety of durable skills through our integrated curriculum and career development coaching, and be interview-ready for entry-level administrative and front desk roles in the D.C. area. In the 6 months that follow, you'll have access to a career coach and peer group support to navigate your job search and/or life on the job.

This program is only open to Washington, DC residents at this time.

This Program is being partially funded through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. 

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What your program looks like

The Microsoft Office Certification Job Readiness Program is a comprehensive 12-week certification course, complemented by a 6-month career coaching and job readiness program. This initiative seamlessly blends Microsoft Office training with career development and support from our staff:
 

Obtain your Microsoft Office Associate credential at no cost:
 

Participants will work on mastering three Microsoft programs over 12 weeks:

  • 3 weeks for Microsoft Outlook

  • 4 weeks for Microsoft Word

  • 5 weeks for Microsoft Excel
     

Receive a free hotspot device and monthly service at no cost for the 9-month duration of the program
 

Career Coaching and Job Readiness Support:
 

  • 1:1 Coaching: Work individually with a coach to set career goals, address challenges, and navigate your job search.

  • Peer Coaching: Participate regularly in facilitated peer group sessions to reflect on lessons learned and support each other from training through to life on the job.
     

Build out your toolkit for developing an exceptional resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter; participate in mock interviews and learn how to plan out your job search process
 

Receive a free laptop and Microsoft Office suite for you to use and keep during the program. Upon full completion of training and 6 months of career coaching, learners will be able to keep the laptop.
 

Overview of a Working Week:

Each week, we are working through our four major program elements:
 

  • Microsoft Office Content: Focused training sessions to master Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

  • Career Coaching & 1:1 + Peer Groups: Regular coaching sessions both one-on-one and in peer groups to support your career development.

  • Durable Skills Development: Enhancing essential skills that are transferable across various jobs and industries.

  • Career Advancement Tools + Skills: Equipping you with the tools and skills needed for job searching, acing interviews, and succeeding in your career.
     

The combination of these elements will help you understand your strengths, set goals, search for a job that fits, ace the interview, and be successful on a team once you get going.

Career Supports
Application Process

Applicant Requirements

  • You must be 18 years old or older at the time of your application submission.

  • You must live in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, residents in the surrounding areas (Maryland and Virginia) do not qualify. 

  • Must have a valid United States government ID (federal, state, or local). 

  • You must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. You must not have a Master's degree.

  • You are motivated and excited to work in a new job as an administrative assistant or front desk professional, after you have completed your 12-week training.

Applying to the Program

Our application process includes 4 primary steps, which usually take between 10-25 minutes to complete. We'll work to process your entire application and interview within 2-3 weeks so you know where you stand.

1

Getting to
Know You

We will ask you basic eligibility questions to be sure that you qualify for the program, as well as a few questions about your background. You will need to upload a valid ID to show that you are a current Washington, D.C. resident. This step should take 10-15 minutes.

Our application will close on
August 24, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. ET

2

Program
Application

If you are eligible for the program, you will receive an email with a link to the application. You'll let us know why you're interested in the program and give us a sense of technology tools you're familiar with, and you'll select a time for a live interview with our staff. This step should take 15-25 minutes.

3

Live
Interview

Once scheduled, you will receive a calendar invite with a link to your interview information. Interviews will take place on Zoom, which you can join from a computer, phone, or most tablets. During this step, we'll get to know you a bit better - we'll discuss your interest in the program, current and future goals, existing commitments, and any support needs you may have. The interview lasts 20-30 minutes.

4

Program Acceptance

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your spot. You'll let us know that you can attend an in-person orientation on set date(s), and answer a few final questions that help us plan for your enrollment. This step should take 5-15 minutes. Welcome to ChooseU!

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Questions

Questions?

Let us know.

If you have any questions about the Washington DC Office Administration program, please email us at info@choose-u.org 
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