Riderwood Provides Unmatched Resources for Professional Growth

January 19, 2025

At Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., team members enjoy more than just a job. They also enjoy opportunities and support for achieving their individual career goals including further education, professional development, advancement, and a healthy work-life balance.

In support of these efforts, this year, each Erickson Senior Living community hosted a Career Expo for current team members to meet department ambassadors, learn about current and upcoming career opportunities, map out a personal development path, and access skill-building opportunities to fuel professional growth.

“Our goal is to provide our talented and diverse team members with a meaningful work experience that matches their interests and goals,” said Nicole Walker, Chief Human Resources Officer for Erickson Senior Living. “This is why we created the 2024 Internal Career Expo Series across the enterprise. As a growth company with a bright future, we strive to be an employer of choice by providing our team members with the resources to cultivate the career they personally desire at Erickson Senior Living.”

 Since beginning her Riderwood career as a high school student server in 2010, Shifali Kapoor has taken full advantage of Erickson Senior Living’s opportunities and resources for professional advancement. 

“My sister also worked at Riderwood, and from everything she told me, I knew I wanted to work here too,” she says. 

 After two years, Shifali was promoted to a host, bartender, and peer trainer. Recognizing her strong work ethic and dedication to the Riderwood residents, her supervisor suggested she apply for the position of part-time supervisor, a promotion that accommodated her fulltime college schedule. 

 “Everyone was very supportive as I worked at went to school,” says Shifali. “Not only did I benefit from the student scholarship, but, as new opportunities came up, I was always encouraged to go for it. After two years as a supervisor, I became an assistant general manager of one of the community restaurants. My managers were always encouraging me, telling me I was ready. It was very validating.”

 Two years ago, Shifali, now a college graduate, was encouraged to apply for the staff development manager position.

 “I have a really great support system here,” she says. “My managers take the time to talk through my goals and come up with a plan for advancement.”

 In her new role, Shifali represented the dining service team at this year’s Career Fair. 

 “The event was designed to be fun, informative, and engaging for current employees,” says Shifali. “For the dining team, we offered a huge presentation including prep and line cooks, and provided information on Erickson Senior Living’s Culinary School, a self-paced program to help employees advance in their dining career. The Career Fair was also a great opportunity to learn about other departments. My next goal is to work with human resources as either a recruiter or manager. During the Fair, I spent time with the team learning what my next steps should be. I was shown a variety of paths and discovered what makes the most sense for me.”

 Looking toward the future, Shifali is confident that the support she receives will encourage further growth in her Erickson Senior Living career. As staff development manager she now enjoys the opportunity to show the same support to student employees.

 “My advice is to make connections, look for opportunities, and express your interests,” she says. “There are always people ready and able to help you achieve your goals.” 

Watch your calendar! Be on the lookout for the 2025 Career Expo at Riderwood!

To learn more about career opportunities at Riderwood, or to apply online, visit www.ericksonseniorlivingcareers.com

 

 

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