Tapping Mature Talent

The American Society on Aging in Washington DC convened a DC Roundtable- “Tapping Mature Talent” on June 4, 2019 at the Samuel J. Simons NCBA Estates. The event was attended by S. Orlene Grant, President, Juanita C. Grant Foundation and Lanita K. Brooks Colbert, Board Vice Chair. Panel members consisted of:

• Barbara S. Hoenig, MPH, Moderator and Senior Consultant to CVS Health Mature Workers and Workforces Initiatives, Chair, Washington, DC Roundtable
• Greg Schmidt, Sr. Manager, Operations Workforce Initiative CVS Health
• Ken Schoppmann, FortyPlus of Washington DC-Board Member
• Lori Strauss, Manager of Workforce Programs AARP Foundation

Summary: Three million people over 50 are looking for a job. Mature workers are in a unique position to bridge the gap of needed “experience” in the workforce. There is a new multigeneration work culture that requires the all workers to be up to date on meeting platforms such as Zoom and be open to different was of getting work accomplished. Ease and flexibility in being open to new approaches and respecting all age groups is key. The ability to interact effectively with co-workers is an asset. Job clubs are a proven support systems. Refreshing skills or gaining new knowledge through certificate programs brings the resume up to date. Past experience is history. Gear the all important introduction to what you bring to the position to be an asset to the organization. Most of all, tap into your passion to explore new career lanes or entrepreneurship.