National Career Development Month: Spotlight on DHSP Career Programs

November is National Career Development Month, a time to think about where you are in your career and where you want to go next. Whether you're looking for your first job, figuring out what's next, or preparing for a new career, the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) can help you get there.

Through our Office of Workforce Development (OWD) and Community Learning Center (CLC), Cambridge residents can access a variety of programs and services to help increase their skills and employability. Paid internships and summer jobs, one-on-one career coaching, help with resumes and interviews, and job training to prepare for careers in growing fields including healthcare, early education, green jobs, and more are available to teens and adult residents through DHSP's many programs.

Our Career Development opportunities include:

Career Counseling through the Office of Workforce Development's Cambridge Employment Program (CEP). CEP offers free career counseling to Cambridge residents ages 18 and older, with priority given to residents from low-income households. Staff can help you improve your resume and cover letter, identify your skills and next steps, learn effective job search strategies, practice your interview skills, and connect to job opportunities.

Green Jobs Consultations . Based in the Office of Workforce Development, our Green Jobs Specialist, Rebecca Arellano, advises Cambridge residents 14 and older on green career opportunities, job training opportunities, and help with job-seeking skills. Green jobs are any job that protects the land, water, or air. They usually pay well to start, and most don't require a four-year degree. Schedule a consultation with Rebecca to learn more about green job opportunities!

Next Up Career Exploration Program - Next Up is a paid career exploration program for Cambridge 18- to 24-year-olds who may be feeling stuck or unsure of what's next. Participants get a paid part-time internship, skill-building workshops, and career coaching. Applications are open for the next cycle, which runs January-April 2027, and interviews begin this month!

Career Connections Program - Career Connections, offered by the Community Learning Center (CLC), helps adults prepare for career training and reach their career goals. Participants learn about different careers and training programs while building their English, math, communication, and computer skills. A career advisor works one-on-one with each participant to choose a career path and find the right training program. The program is now recruiting for its spring 2027 cycle. Sign up for an information session.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program - The CLC offers CNA training tracks for fluent English speakers and English language learners. The program includes hands-on clinical experience, job readiness classes, English and math classes, and dual enrollment at Quincy College to prepare adult learners for careers in healthcare. Both CNA Training Program tracks are now recruiting for sessions that begin in 2027! Sign up for an information session.

Cambridge Works is a career development program for Cambridge residents ages 18-35 who face barriers to full-time employment, including limited work experience, employment gaps, legal challenges, or personal circumstances. Participants receive a three-month paid job placement at a local organization, professional development classes, job search support, and case management. Applications are accepted year-round, with the next session beginning in March 2027. Learn more.

Early Childhood Education Career Training Program - Offered by the CLC and Office of Early Childhood, this program provides entry-level job training to people who want to become early childhood educators. Participants take an online early childhood education course and complete a paid internship at a preschool or early childhood center in Cambridge. Graduates who finish all requirements can earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential. Learn more.

In addition to these programs, our Office of Workforce Development helps Cambridge teens connect with year-round, paid teen internships. OWD also manages the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) each summer, a paid, six-week summer jobs program for Cambridge high school students. Cambridge Rindge and Latin (CRLS) students can also stop by the Youth Employment Center for resume help and job search support from OWD staff.

Cambridge residents can also get job search assistance and career development support through MassHire Metro North Career Center, located at 186 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Suite 310, Cambridge, MA 02138.