# Workforce Development ## Career Development opportunities for Allston-Brighton Residents and More! [ Summer Job Seeker Resources arrow\_circle\_right ](https://edportal.harvard.edu/summer-job-seeker-resources) ![wkfc_2000x352.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/hep/files/wkfc_2000x352.jpg?itok=l-zQx6Uv) ## expand\_more The Ed Portal’s Workforce Development programs offer innovative, market-driven opportunities designed to help individuals achieve professional success. These skills-based programs, workshops, and events are open to participants at any career stage and across industries, providing valuable support for their professional growth and career aspirations. ## Upcoming Events [### Career Café & Business Builders ](/event/career-cafe-business-builders-4?occ_id=0)June 29, 2026 | 11:00AM - 1:00PM EDT ## Career Planning & Development Programs ![Participants at a Monday Job Seekers Connection event.](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/hep/files/linkedin_may2018_006.jpg?itok=a49ofqct) ## Monday Job Seekers Connection Join a supportive community of job seekers to share strategies, gain insights from career experts, and build the skills to land your next opportunity. Held on the first through third Monday of each month, this session offers motivation, professional advice, and practical tools for job seekers at any career stage. ##### [Learn More](/monday-job-seekers-connection "Monday Job Seekers Connection") --- ![Two people write down their answers on a white board. The question reads: "What was your first job?"](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/hep/files/_dsc4138.jpg?itok=FFRXvazo) ## Career Café & Business Builders Career Café and Business Builders is a program for job seekers, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Together with like-minded peers, participants will engage in structured discussions, share strategies, and build momentum toward their career or business goals. Structured group coaching sessions will be guided by our in-house career coaches, career advisors from Harvard Medical School and a member of Harvard Talent Acquisition. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to join a roundtable discussion featuring experts from SCORE Boston, Small Business Strong, Jim Barrows (Ed Portal Economic Development expert), and other local business leaders. *Career Café & Business Builders is held on the last Monday of every month.* ##### [Sign up today](https://edportal.harvard.edu/calendar) --- ![Group of people browsing online](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/hep/files/shutterstock_1320323051.jpg?itok=36zd2iuw) ## Individual Career Coaching The Harvard Ed Portal offers individual consultations with professional career coaches in English or Spanish. Get help with your resume, cover letter, interview prep, and more. Coaches are available Monday–Saturday, 9:00 am–7:00 pm. Complete the signup form to be matched with a coach and schedule sessions that work for you. ###### **Please note:** This service is only for Allston-Brighton and Cambridge residents and/or the parents/guardians of Gardner Pilot Academy students. ##### [Sign Up for Free](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2tX92rQVmpsRD6e) --- ![Your Career](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/hep/files/your_career.jpg?itok=G8Bs3P5n) ## Professional & Personal Development Workshops Join us for a series of workshops to help you invest in yourself and your career. These workshops are led by a variety of presenters that are experts in their fields, to help you set and achieve your personal and professional goals. --- ## Career Training / Certifications ![SEC Construction](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/hep/files/060917_steel_rising_050.jpeg?itok=s66VHalA) ## Harvard Careers in Construction Open to Allston, Brighton, and Cambridge residents 18+, this program offers training, resources, and mentoring to help you secure long-term employment in the construction industry. You'll gain access to job prep workshops, mentoring from construction professionals, a paid internship, and support with apprenticeship applications and job placement. The program is tailored to your needs, with options like math or driver’s license tutoring, budgeting, and professional skills development. Time commitments vary based on your individual plan, and participants receive a financial award upon completion. Please reach out with any questions to the Harvard Ed Portal at . #### [Learn about HCCP](/harvard-careers-construction "Harvard Careers in Construction") ## Staff [### Marisa Lopez ](/people/marisa-lopez) [marisa\_lopez@harvard.edu](mailto:marisa_lopez@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development ![Marisa Lopez Staff Photo](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/marisa-lopez_0.png?itok=99skGoJy) [### Danielle Easton ](/people/danielle-easton) [danielle\_easton@harvard.edu](mailto:danielle_easton@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development Operations ![Danielle Easton Headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/de_headshot_.jpg?itok=rXc-k0bG) [### Lei Zhang ](/people/lei-zhang) [lei\_zhang@harvard.edu](mailto:lei_zhang@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development Operations ![zhang-portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-03/Lei%20Zhang%20headshot.png?itok=Ms3lOXLS)