To support a workforce that satisfies employer demand and to position the Baton Rouge Area favorably for economic growth, BRAC executes a variety of initiatives to cultivate the region’s talent. The talent development program focuses on two aspects – recruitment and retention of talented professionals in the nine-parish region.
Finding qualified talent can be tough, especially when the economy is strong and the unemployment rate is low. BRAC offers several resources to help employers engage with potential employees, and to help people moving into the area acclimate.
Baton Rouge Connect
Moving to a new city and connecting with a community can be a daunting task. That’s why BRAC created a program – Baton Rouge Connect – to allow newcomers to explore Baton Rouge with a trusted local. Long-time locals (or City Guides) are matched to newcomers (or Pathfinders) through Connect and are invited to meet up, swap stories and learn about the community. To get a feel for how it works, check out this feature on our blog.
- Long-time Locals – Are you someone who always knows the best place to grab coffee or what festival is coming up? Perhaps you’d make for the perfect City Guide. Sign up here.
- Newcomers – Are you new to Baton Rouge and looking to learn more about the community through the eyes, ears and experiences of a trusted local? We’d think you’d make for an ideal Pathfinder. Sign up here.
- Employers – Do you have recent hires who want to engage in the community outside of their 9-5? Share Connect with them.
Life in BR
There’s a lot to love about living in Baton Rouge. BRAC created a one-stop-shop for information on everything from school systems, health facilities, neighborhoods, and more, on the Life in BR section of the BRAC website. A community calendar and a list of professional and social organizations or clubs are also featured.
- Employers – Share Life in BR with your recent hires who are looking for ways to connect to the community.
- Community Members – Let us know if you have information to add to the list of community resources.
Baton Rouge Toolkit
Location is often a huge influencer when professionals are making employment decisions, so it’s important for companies to be well-armed with information about what makes Baton Rouge great. BRAC’s Baton Rouge Toolkit was designed to make it easier to explain the best ways to live, work and play in the Capital Region. It includes key messages to use in marketing materials, tips to apply to HR strategies, and a bank of positive press to share with potential candidates.
Events and Workshops
BRAC hosts several events designed to engage the business community by networking, providing resources, or teaching new skills. The InternBR Employer Workshops were created specifically to help local employers learn how to start or expand an internship program. The next workshop is November 27 from 8-11 a.m.
- Employers – In addition to registering for the employer workshops, be on the lookout for the InternBR application opening in early 2019. The intern-focused professional development program hones soft skills while introducing students to the Baton Rouge community.
For more information on BRAC’s talent development work, contact our director of talent development. For more reasons to love Baton Rouge, check out our Life in BR resources and blog.
Melissa Thompson
Melissa leads all aspects of BRAC’s talent development program, including talent attraction and orientation. She works in partnership with employers to provide services that complement existing human resources recruitment practices.