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Aarp

My "way in" to AARP was through their staffing office, run by what was known then as Norrell Temporaries. I was assigned to several different departments for several weeks, hoping to land a permanent position at some point, which finally did happen about Fall/Winter of 2001, when I was finally hired by a supervisor in Member Communications. Things went well for a while, but after a couple of years it became apparent that the supervisor there wasn't interested in developing the talents of her employees, or encouraging them to pursue opportunities to further develop their talents and stretch their abilities, other than what was minimally required by HR. About 5-6 years in, I was considering departing the org, when I got picked up by the manager of Call Guide Publishing and Management, an offshoot of Member Communications. I stayed there for a few more years, but internal politics affected our opportunities for upward mobility considerably, so when the chance was offered to join the first Remote Worker program, I jumped at it. Management there weren't big fans of the new program and looked for ways to dismantle it, so when the development came about that automated Call Center Publishing without the aid of employees from that section doing it, the few employees that they had were eventually forced to reapply for their positions and risk losing them, or to take exit packages. I opted tor the package at that point and never looked back, especially since my partner and I opted to relocate to Las Vegas, NV (he, too, worked for a different department of AARP, and was let go only a couple of years before me.)

Working at AARP SCSEP I was placed at a host site called CEEED which is under the YWCA and it has been a very rewarding experience. The program is dealing with young adults 18-24 yrs old who wants to get their GED and learn a skill at the same time which is construction. Even though I am just the receptionist and I do not sit with them in their class room, I see them everyday and get a chance to talk to some of them I have learned more from these young adults about the reality of life in the 21st century and the surviving skills it takes to make it every day when you are limited in education, skills and a support foundation, but continue to press on. I have learn to appreciate where I came from, what I have, what I have learned from 30 years in the work force, but also realized I was limited because I only had one job in my life.  They are the ones with skills that are able to adapt to many life changes because of having so many different job experiences.  I have learned from the management team of never giving up on those that might not fit the picture that you are looking for, but just keep wiping them off until you see the gleam that is was always there, it just needed some hard cleaning which can require a lot of hard work.  The co-workers have been very nice.  The hardest part of the job is knowing that I cannot stay, wishing I could get hired and will not get to see the youth again and the new ones that will be coming on board for the next class.  The most enjoyable part of the job is being able to fellowship with these young adults and watching them evolve from the cocoon to the butterfly to achieve a dream or goal that they did not believe could happen and to see all of their potential exposed.

A typical day at AARP New York Life is stressful and confusing.  The training for new hires is not one of the best.  New York life states room for growth but the truth is you will go from one specialty team to another in Member Services and when you have been their for awhile based on them changing to a Sales Environment all the work falls on you.  You will take calls from the AARP Members: transfer calls from your peers to resolve the issues the customer was calling in for: you'll be resolving all departments issues because they donot take phone calls from internal coworkers:  New York Life try to pretend they hire from within.  Most of the supervisors in the Member Service Department came from other companies and donot have a clue as to there role and position.  The veteran representatives have to assist them with knowledge and procedures.  The best enjoyable part of your day will be your coworkers because they are the ones that will give you the support you need and the laughter.  This is a job that has no advancement and also a salary cap.  I can sayI have been with the company over 6yrs and if you think I am making good money think again.  New hires coming into the company can make a veterans salary in there first 2yrs and not do the same work or be licensed as an insurance agent to sale.This company has become One of the Best Places to Work to One of the Worst Companies to Work. Currently, I am looking to LEAVE!

What is the best part of working at the company?
It reunites me with the work force and refreshes my memory to things I've forgotten.  It helped me to focus on job training in which I think I would like to return.  It enhances my computer skills and allowed me to take a class on computers.  I enjoyed interaction with the staff and I loved the fact that they try and place you in something you are interested in. I enjoy office work nd they found me an assignment receptionist.  I enjoy learning and children and they placed me at the library in the after school help program which allowed me to work with children and have  knowledge at my fingertips.  I enjoy this job very much.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
When the younger children loses focus and concentration on their school work.  

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work is rewarding because I'm helping others.  The culture is very diverse and I learn so much of other cultures from the students and parents.  It's a learning experience for me as well.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I come in set up the tables with materials, put out signs for the age groups to sit at what tables and I wait for someone who needs help.  Not all the children need help, but they like for you tomcheck their homework before turning it in to their teachers.

AARP Foundation WorkSearch is a wonderful supportive employment recruiter who provide community-level jobs and career information and skill assessment services to mature individual who are seeking to remain in the workforce despice the economic downturn.

Currently I am working at the Boys & Girls Club of Black Hawk Co in Waterloo, Iowa. I assist students in various activities, including internet searches, guide them through homework, tutor when needed, and I’m responsible for safety in all areas and also in gym activities.

I manage the children’s activities for 3 1/2 to 4 hours each day, in that time frame they are in various activities, from games, gym activities and computer labs and occasionally we do extra activity of making something tasty to eat (this last one is basically something I just want to do with them.)

I have learned that there are a few children are in extreme need of discipline and more structure than they are receiving in other areas of their life. In these cases I attempt to discipline them and also to encourage not following the leader in this undesirable behavior.

The most difficult part of my job is when I have undesirable behaviors in the few that cause problems, but on the other had the rest of the children are WONDERFUL!

I am fortunate to have worked at AARP for 25 years plus.  The people make you feel like you are family and that you are thought of well.  there are busy days and slow days.  Mail comes in around 4:30am and that's when it all starts, the eagle and opex machines start up being filled by a staff members, the work kick out by the machines are then given to mail openers and other mail opened by machine.  The open information is fed to computer so that numerous keyers key the informaton holding membership names, address, membership numbers, amounts of the checks, money and so on.
The checks are banked, and balanced.  Checks are then picked up by the bank and we start over for another day.  There is more such as corrections, trying to read indecipherable checks and members information.  I have learned skills, respect, and I can do more everyday.  Management is great, cares, respects and sometimes rewards for doing a great job.  Even the Management in Washington DC takes time to learn your name and tell you that you have done a great job when visting Lakewood, CA.  The hardest part of the job is catching up with the eagle and opex machines, and also the slower days.  The best days are when there is work, and everything goes without a giltch.  Co-workers are friendly and caring.

I have worked for AARP off and on as a contractor for the last 5 years. My manager was the best person I have ever worked for. As a trainer it was my responsibility to learn the training material, create training materials, schedule training days/times and then teach the various trainings via Teams. When I was not training I was working on special projects and I loved every day I worked there. My position was 100% remote so the relationships I built were over the phone, email or Teams and everyone I worked with was so nice, helpul and approachable. I enjoyed working with my internal customers (employees) and external customers (SCSEP clients) because I love building relationships and lending a helping hand in any way I can. If I had anything negative to say about AARP it is that, to actually become an AARP employee it's next to impossible. The company is going with contractors more & more because they don't have to pay a pension, benefits, or higher wages. As someone who gives 110% it really has left a bad taste in my mouth becasue there truly is no reward for your hard work, at the end of the day you are "just a contractor".  :(

I worked with the AARP Foundation WorkSearch for seven years and had three assignments. My primary job title was Records Clerk, a position that involved data entry and filing. I've enjoyed using these skills. My third assignment lasted for five and one-half years and I was able to get to know the agency and staff members very well.

Some of the meetings that I was required to attend were very repetitious. Many of the same subjects were covered too many times. Also, I thought that my experience with the organization would lead to a new position of some kind; but this did not happen. Finally, I reached the maximum amount of time that I could work for the AARP Foundation WorkSearch and had to leave. I did not want to just return to job hunting again, but I had no choice.

The hardest part of the job was realizing that no agency was interested enough in hiring me after I had learned so many things about the work that I was doing. This was too discouraging.
Now, I am a senior without a job, and finding a new position is more difficult than ever.

The AARP SCSEP program is a paid training program that allows participants to seek full time employment while they are at "host agencies".  The program allows us to gain new skills and exposure to various companies, industries and company cultures.

I have several years experience in administrative support, hospitality and healthcare at a variety of companies and would like to find something permanent and full time in any of these fields.  I know that I can be an asset wherever I am placed.

  Currently my duties cover reception and administrative support to a team of business leaders.  No two days are the same, so multi-tasking is essential.  Duties include
-  Transferring phone calls.  Taking messages
-  Providing information and guidance to callers
-  Creating content for letters, reports and databases
-  Compiling manuals and books
-  Arranging meetings and teleconferences
-  Calendar management

What I like best about the job is the professionalism of the company and staff.  Everyone is knowledgeable, helpful and courteous.

Management is very respectful to everyone.

AARP provides people over 55 seeking employment  by placing them in non profit organizations temporarily until they find a job. They can only work 18 hrs a week at minimum wage and must actively seek employment; must put in 2 applications a week, just like Unemployment requires. This program is funded by the Department of Labor. I learned about this program through DHS. 

I was placed at the American Heart Association where I was a receptionist and administrative support clerk.  I helped with typing & stuffing envelopes for mass mailings. I sent out information  about heart health education and invitations to different events supporting this charity.

I worked with some great people who were truly passionate & dedicated to this cause.  I enjoyed learning about heart disease & high blood pressure.

Sometimes, getting everything organized & prepared for an event was fast paced.  But there was a lot of teamwork.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Participant 5 salaries reported	$7.25 per hour
Clerical worker 8 salaries reported	$7.25 per hour
Customer service representative 2 salaries reported	$7.94 per hour
Food service worker 1 salary reported	$7.25 per hour
Volunteer 1 salary reported	$6,895 per month

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