Before moving to the Capital District, we moved to three different places in four years. My spouse always had a hard time getting a job or even interviews in the past. When we moved to Albany, my employer provided membership to Tech Valley Connect (TVC) as a way to streamline our transition.
Julie was a great asset who met our needs not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level. She showed us where to find specialty stores and places for my children to visit. Soon after meeting with her, my spouse was scheduled for three informational meetings with professionals in her field. As a result, my spouse received offers for a part-time position and a full-time job within three months.
The social gatherings were enjoyable and allowed meeting and relaxing with other professionals. We met more people in our first year in the Capital Region than the total people we have met in our past four years. Because of this positive experience, we are committed to stay in the Capital region and to give back to others. TVC is like a supercharged, proactive LinkedIn account that helps you to seek out the proper network; this service is invaluable.
If a company cares about retention or the happiness of its employees, one should definitely consider using Tech Valley Connect.
Client
Siena College
When my husband accepted an opportunity to relocate our family to the Capital Region in January 2011, we were excited, yet somewhat anxious and apprehensive. After 17 years of living in Texas and being very established in the Austin community, we were about to pick up and start all over.
Moving into a temporary apartment for the summer of 2011 with our two college-enrolled sons, we were embarking on a new adventure in an unknown place. For my husband, he would go to work each day and interact with people, some of whom he already knew from professional associations and former employment. He also went to school in the area at RPI and knew people at the school as well as some alumni in the area.
For me, I was moving to a new area not knowing a single person and with no job. Lucky for us, I had the great fortune of being connected to Tech Valley Connect to help me transition to the Capital Region. What a great resource! TVC helped me learn the area, set up informational interviews for me, attended Chamber of Commerce meetings with me, and continued to check in with me on a regular basis. If there was a company I was interested in pursuing, they would see if they had any connections or leads. It was through a personal interview set up by their Connections Coordinator that it was suggested I take the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) review course and examination. I followed their suggestion and have successfully been certified as a PHR.
On a personal level, through TVC I was also introduced to other women, some established in the area and others in the same situation as me, and also through Tech Valley Connect events, we have met other families who have also relocated. Moving to a new area can be very stressful and challenging. Tech Valley Connect is priceless in helping the entire family assimilate to new surroundings. When the entire family is happy, the move to the new area is successful which also then makes people want to give back to others.
Through Tech Valley Connect, I have been able to also find a job and look forward to being a resource for other women and families that move here.
Client
Global Foundries
Our family has made four major moves in the last 20 years. Every time it has been a struggle to get comfortable in our new neighborhood. Tech Valley Connect has made the process enjoyable this time. They helped us with virtually every aspect of our relocation. They worked with us directly or provided a great resource to help with temporary housing, house hunting and picking a school district. Every time the information was accurate and helpful. They even took us on a tour of our new neighborhood. They showed us the simple things, where to grocery shop, even where to find the best ice cream cone! The service they provide for spousal employment networking has been invaluable.
I would recommend the services Tech valley Connect provides to anyone coming to the Albany area.
Client
SEMATECH
A cross country move such as this presents challenges for any professional couple, and the decision to relocate required confidence that there are new professional opportunities in the local region.
In that regard, the Tech Valley Connect program has been a great help because it provides a forum for networking with other professional couples, and for identifying opportunities and resources in the Capital Region. Moreover, it was a positive factor in making the decision to move because it indicates sensitivity of local employers to the needs of professional couples, and acknowledges that success for both partners is required to attract and retain high quality professionals in the region.
Client
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Best way to get a feel for the area job market and start networking is via these informational interviews. Also, I came into these interviews with some clout because the informational interviewer knows that your spouse has a good job and that his employer has a vested interest in keeping him happy, and, my feeling was the interviewers really took me seriously and they weren’t just doing a “fluff” interview.
Client
Especially during our first year here, TVC was a much appreciated resource of information especially related to children and families. It was comforting at a time when we didn’t know our neighbors that well and were also just getting to know the parents of our son’s classmates.
Client
Wadsworth Center
I think this is a great service to provide to the spouses/partners.
Client
University at Albany
I haven’t really had the chance to say “Thank YOU!” for forwarding us so many useful resources and social events to help enrich our lives. It’s really wonderful! Thank YOU!!!
Client
Wadsworth Center
It turned out to be more than an informational interview, so many thanks. The doctor and I had a great conversation. She understood my training and skills, and her counseling center might have an appropriate job available this fall. I’ll update you more when and if that develops. She is exactly the kind of person in this community whom I have been trying to find. Many, many thanks.
With a few more people like this professional, I just might find a suitable position!
Client
Siena College
Thank you SO much for the awesome packet of info!! That is really helpful. We had so much fun going through it after dinner and I bookmarked several things that I definitely want to do. I really appreciate your help!
Client
Wadsworth Center
The networking interviews were very helpful and interesting. I learned a lot about the structures and job opportunities in local universities. I met a lot of people who now know my name , skills, and background, and they have sent me job listings they have come across. Everyone I met provided me with additional contacts in the area. These meetings also let me practice skills that would be useful for going on job interviews such as knowing the right questions to ask potential employers and explaining my background skills.
Client
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Informational interviews are key to finding a good job fit when relocating with a spouse, and the ones arranged by Tech Valley Connect have been particularly helpful to me because they are connecting me with high-level, experienced PhD scientists in the area. I’m able to get a “top-down” description of the interviewer’s own organization. And, everyone has been most willing to brainstorm names of individuals in their network to contact.
Discussions during these interviews have given me an insight into the Albany job market that can’t be gleaned from job list serves.
Client
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute