Career Launch @ Perkins

An innovative training and career services program helping blind and visually impaired young adults land career-track jobs.

A collage of pictures oh students touring a workplace learning about careers

The time is now to invest in your future

A career isn’t just a source of income. It’s a source of independence, allowing you to live the life you want outside of work.

Getting there, though, isn’t as simple as getting hired. To compete alongside your sighted peers, you need self-determination, a willingness to learn new skills, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues, clients, and customers.

That’s where Career Launch @ Perkins comes in – it’s an innovative training and career services program helping blind and visually impaired young adults land their first career-track job. The curriculum is designed specifically to provide the hands-on training and experience necessary to build a sustainable career in professional fields focused on customer success, where exceptional interpersonal engagement is key to business success.

Want to learn more? Join us for a virtual open house.

We're getting ready to kick off our next session in March 2021 – and we have space for a few more participants. We'll be hosting three virutal open house sessions to help candidates, families, referring professionals and educators get to know the program:

  • Tuesday, January 16 at 4 p.m. Eastern
  • Monday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Thursday, February 4 at 4 p.m. Eastern

To register, contact Deana Criess, Associate Director of Recruitment & Admissions.

 

Estefani from North Attleboro, Massachusetts

“I recommend Career Launch to any young adult who is looking for a job because it does what they say they’re going to do: help you get the skills that you need to get the job done. And also it’s really good because you’re showing the community that even though you’re blind, you can still do the job that anybody else can.”

 

Whether you work with us virtually or here on campus, you’ll:

  • Learn business fundamentals, covering everything from customer experience, customer acquisition and retention, customer service metrics and more.

  • Receive comprehensive training for developing vital job skills across a variety of roles, including in sales and marketing, HR and recruitment and customer support.

  • Learn common workplace tools such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office, Google Suite and a variety of different access technologies. 

  • Take part in simulated workplace and job interview scenarios to help you hone your professionalism and build self-confidence. 

  • Receive more than a year of support from our Career Services team to help you find the right opportunity, get hired and thrive from day one on the job. 

 

Skills, Experience & Support

Career Launch supports you every step of the way in your employment journey – from our rigorous curriculum to the ongoing support from our Career Services team. The program provides:

Customer and Employee Engagement Skill Development

Access Technology and Transportation Training

Industry-specific Training

Job Placement Support and Career Counseling

Access to Business Partners

 

Positioned for Success

Everyone who participates in Career Launch is different, drawn to their own pursuits for their own reasons. They do share some character traits, however.

Participants are bright, motivated young adults who value self-reliance. They want financial independence so they can provide for themselves and pursue their personal passions. They take constructive feedback well because they’re always trying to be better at whatever they do, in work and life. And every one of them is ready, hungry even, for a challenge. 
 
In a nutshell, Career Launch will give you the tools to enter the workforce, succeed in your job and build your financial future, so you can live life on your own terms. 
 
Are you ready to invest in your future? We are currently accepting applications for the early 2021 virtual session of the program. Participants must have either a high school diploma, GED or college degree. A transcript and resume will be required. Candidates should also be comfortable with and enjoy socializing and interacting with different people. Does that sound like you? Apply now!

Career Launch is generously supported by a grant from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation.

Meet Our Alumni
Get to know Career Launch @ Perkins

Get to know Career Launch

Career Launch is intense. It’s comprehensive. And above all, it’s proven. But don’t take our word for it. Get to know the program – and some of our participants – in this video.
Estefani working on a laptop at a desk

Estefani, N. Attleboro, Mass

Estefani, who completed Career Launch in Fall 2019, talks about why she loved her internship at Imprivata - and why the program was "life-changing" for her.
Thomas stands in an office lobby, holding his mobility cane and smiling confidently

Thomas, Princeton, NJ

Upon completing Career Launch, Thomas accepted a position as a Patient Recruitment Coordinator at Ora, Inc. Here, he talks about his journey from intern to permanent employee.
Arienne sitting in a sunny office at a desk and talking on the phone.

Arienne, Macon, GA

Meet Arienne. She completed Career Launch and, soon after, accepted a position as a patient support representative at Atrius Health.
Brianna sitting at a reception desk, looking at a monitor and talking on the phone.

Brianna, Long Island, NY

After completing Career Launch, Brianna accepted a position as a medical service representative at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Get to know her in this video.
Thomas, sitting next to a woman, sits in a conference room and listens on.

Career Launch puts young adults on path to self discovery and professional success

The transition program equips adults with visual impairments aged 18-29 with the skills they need to find a meaningful career and sustain finance.