AGE: 21 POSITION: Crew Member EMPLOYER: Viet Nom Nom EMPLOYED: July 2021

Marcus has been a participant with YJC since October 2020. Upon completing Work Readiness Training, his Career Advisor, Peter, referred him to Career Pathways to pursue culinary training. Through Career Pathways, Marcus was able to participate in a 9-week Culinary Arts program at A Safe Haven. There he learned basic Front-of-House/Back-of-House kitchen fundamentals and techniques including: stock, soup, and sauce preparation, knife skills, weights and measurements, cooking methods, seasoning and flavoring including vegetable, fruit, meats and fish fabrication.

Upon completion, he transitioned into a five month paid internship at Viet Nom Nom where he was able to apply the skills he learned at A Safe Haven and also get hands on experience with serving customers at Norris University Center in Evanston. Alan, owner of Viet Nom Nom, and kitchen manager, Lakeisha, praised Marcus’s dedication and expressed that he is by far one of the best interns they’ve had, and he’s someone who contributes to the overall success of their team. Moreover, Marcus was hired on at VNN and was recently promoted to full-time status as a result of his commitment and strong work ethic.

Marcus has been hitting it out of the park with his goals and is receiving financial coaching to create a sustainable life for himself. When asked, what advice would you give to someone your age who is working on their career/employment goals, Marcus has this to say..

“Stay with it. Be patient. You have to be patient with others so that you can learn. Also think about your interest and take that next step!”