I Proved Myself and Got the Job!

“I chose a program that I was excited about.”

After graduation from high school, I began to realize I needed some job experience and training to get a good job. I learned about the Deseret Industries (DI) training program and how it could help me through career counseling and job training.

I started the DI program as an associate in the men’s and children’s clothing departments on the sales floor. After many months of hard work, good attendance, and encouragement from my job coach, I was made a lead over other associates. I wasn’t sure that I had the right skills and experience to become a lead, but my job coach believed in me. He told me that, with some training, I would do a great job. I kept at it, and as I did, my confidence and leadership skills began to grow.

Meanwhile, as part of my development plan, I enrolled in classes at a technical school. I chose a program that I was excited about—medical assisting. When I finished the program, I found an externship which gave me a brief on-the-job experience. This eventually led to a business partnership where DI agreed to pay my salary for several weeks while I worked and gained additional experience, proving to myself and others that I was a good fit for the job. I was offered a job and am now working for that company as a medical assistant.

I feel that with the help of my job coach and the DI staff, I was able to learn a lot about what it takes to make it in the working world. I learned how to effectively communicate with my co-workers. I learned how to work hard and how to be a responsible employee. I learned how to successfully lead a team. Most importantly, I learned that I have great potential and the ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to. I’m so grateful to DI and all the people who work there who helped me learn, grow, and accomplish my goals. I now have a very bright future.

“I was able to learn a lot about what it takes to make it in the working world.”

For more amazing stories like Claudia’s, visit the DI’s Facebook page by clicking here.