Aaliyah grew up knowing that Deseret Industries was a place she could trust to build her career. 

“I have family members who have worked at DI,” Aaliyah says. “They told me it would be a good first job for me. Working here has been a great experience for me and my family.” 

During her time at Deseret Industries, Aaliyah has built on that trust to be brave and try new things, which has boosted her confidence. She can sense her growth and appreciates the supportive environment and safe learning space that DI has offered her to gain valuable work experience.  

“I am encouraged to try new things,” Aaliyah says. “I was encouraged to become a lead and have loved it. I really care for the team that I lead, and I feel like everyone on my team cares for each other and supports each other.” 

The paid job training program helps associates like Aaliyah learn important job behaviors and skills. With the support of a supervisor who operates as a job coach, associates prepare for future employment opportunities. For Aaliyah, having a supervisor has played a significant role in her professional growth. 

“She is a great leader,” Aaliyah says. “She’s patient, she guides, and she checks in on us. She helps us reach our goals because she knows our challenges and tries her best to help us.” 

Thanks to DI’s positive and supportive work environment, Aaliyah has been able to flourish in her growth.

“I have worked in a few different departments [in the store],” Aaliyah shares. “I have tried to learn as many different skills as possible working in different areas. Learning new skills and processes helps me to do better in other areas of my work.” 

The results of Aaliyah’s desire to improve show in her work.  

“Many of the supervisors have noticed how much I have grown to manage stress at my job,” Aaliyah says. “I have learned how to communicate better and how to better work with others.”  

Aaliyah has used her new experiences to diversify her work skills. With a cultivated skillset, she is more prepared for future work experiences and employment opportunities, including her dream of working at an animation studio. 

“Working here has taught me how to work in a team,” Aaliyah says. “I have learned how to be thorough in communication. If I want to work on an animation team, I will use these skills I have learned here.”  

When asked about her experience at DI, Aaliyah expresses how much she has grown. She encourages others who are looking for a place to build their skills to consider working at Deseret Industries. 

“You will learn many things and have a wonderful experience,” Aaliyah says. “You will run into trials and errors, but you will definitely grow and add more skills that will help you. Even if you don’t feel like you have skills, you will start to develop skills working here.”   

Check out our Badge to Badge video series to learn more about DI associates who leveraged their experience at Deseret Industries to transition into other employment.