AWRT SoCal Announces: Speed Mentoring Event is now "Sold Out"

 Speed Mentoring
--Career Development and Networking Event--

Burbank, CA   (February 25, 2010) --  Is there someone you know  who is looking for work or wants to make a career change? With double-digit unemployment taking a toll on California families, job seekers and those thinking about a career change, are finding the need to think out-of-the-box and get creative, in order to stand out and be seen by prospective hiring organizations. As a result, the Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT SoCal) offer career development programs such as "Speed Mentoring" and networking events as one way job-seekers can make connections and get noticed in an increasingly competitive job market. The SOLD OUT Speed Mentoring event is slated for Saturday, February 27, at Carla's Café on the CBS Studio Lot.

"It's no wonder, this year's Speed Mentoring event sold out quickly," states Laura Behrman, President of the American Women in Radio and Television Southern California Chapter. "The U.S. unemployment rate hit double-digits (10 percent) in December 2009 and California's unemployment rate 'topped' the national average hitting 12.4 percent. It seems no matter who you talk to these days, everyone knows someone who has lost their job within the last year, whether it's a friend, family member, or colleague." 

Networking events and mixers are quickly becoming the new place to find job connections. Events like AWRT SoCal Speed Mentoring enable job seekers or those exploring a career change to meet key executives and decision-makers within their field of interest. Modeled after the "speed dating" concept, Speed Mentoring attendees will have five minutes with each mentor before moving on to the next. "It's a great way to meet industry leaders in news and entertainment," states Simone Tucker, Event Producer for the Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television. "Mentees will learn about different jobs in the industry, how these professionals got their start, and how to hone their networking skills."

This year, a blue-ribbon panel of mentors including over 50 news and entertainment professionals will generously donate their time to provide one-on-one career advice, job hunting tips, and encouragement. In addition to the Speed mentoring event, AWRT SoCal also offers an online Career Center, including current job listings from radio, television, and entertainment organizations, plus it offers "free job postings" for industry employers to publish and promote their recent job openings. The Career Center can be found at www.awrtsocal.org. 

American Women in Radio and Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) is a non-profit organization of women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community it serves.

The Speed Mentoring event is generously sponsored by Ruby's Diner and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. For more information about the Southern California Chapter of AWRT, please visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org.