Midternship Pilot Program __________________________________________________________


Midternship Program ... Frequently Asked Questions
The following series of answers are designed to respond to the most common questions about the SHiFT Midternship™ program.

Q.  What does it take to qualify for a Midternship?
A.  SHiFT Midternships are for people at midlife — 50 years of age or older — who have a strong desire for a new career, a willingness to do whatever it takes, and a drive to succeed.


Q.  I'm not sure what I want to do next.  Can I still be considered for a Midternship?
A.  The program is designed to provide a new experience in a new field you're interested in pursuing.  So it's best you're clear about your next career path.  If you're not, we're willing to talk with you about possibilities.
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  • Q.  I've not taken the ERU course or any other employment programs.  What should I do?
  • A.  You can still be considered for a Midternship, and we can work with you directly. Please fill out and submit one of the following forms from the Question above this one.
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  • Q.  To be considered for a Midternship, I thought I had to take the Workforce Center ERU course.  Is that still true?
  • A.  The SHiFT Midternship program started with the ERU course as a requirement.  But that's no longer mandatory.  Still, we recommend the rich resources at the Workforce Centers and other community resources.  Those kinds of preparations help you build momentum, and create more successful results.
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    • Q.  I live outside Hennepin County.  Am I eligible for this program? 
    A.      Yes. However, this is a pilot program with limited resources and staff, so all of the Midternships so far have been created in the Twin Cities metro area.

    Q.  I'm currently drawing unemployment benefits.  How many hours a week can I work at a Midternship employer and still receive my benefits?
    A.  You can work up to 32 hours a week without jeopardizing your benefits.

    Q.  I’m 35 and having trouble finding work. Do I qualify for a Midternship?
    A.  You must be 50 years of age or older to qualify for the pilot SHiFT Midternship program.


    Q.  I’ve already had some discussions with a company about a possible project, but things are pretty tentative at this point. Can SHiFT help me turn this into a Midternship?
    Midternship Links

    ♦ Midternships Home
    ♦ How It Works
    ♦ Resources
    ♦ Press Room
    ♦ Contact Us

    A.  It may be possible. It’s important to understand that SHiFT facilitates the process; we don't actually place people in positions or guarantee a particular outcome. If you wish to discuss the possibilities, contact us.


    Q.      What kinds of opportunities does the Midternship program support?
    A.  Midternships support a range of opportunities.  However, we want to ensure that Midternships represent legitimate opportunities that have potential to lead to real career advancement. We’ll do that by carefully assessing your goals and the needs of participating Midternship organizations.

    Currently, about two-thirds of our Midterns are working in non-profit organizations.  Less than one-third work with for-profit companies.


    Q.  As a Midternship candidate, what can I expect?
    A.  Once we've received and reviewed your completed documents (application, resume, and referrals), we'll set up an hour interview with our Midtern Liaison to understand your background and current focus.  After than meeting. if we all agree that a Midternship is the right strategy for you, you'll meet with our Employer Liaison to discuss possible organizations of interest.


    Q.  How many employer contacts can I expect?
    A.  Our goal is to provide each Midtern with one to three contacts for you to pursue with our support.


    Q.  Who's responsible for arranging employer interviews and meetings?
    A.  You are.  However, we'll make the initial introductions.  We do expect you to keep us updated about your activities and progress.  We also expect you to follow through with each contact you're given, and take advantage of any coaching opportunities.