Meagan and Sean, a young couple with big dreams and two children to support, launched their career journeys by utilizing the resources at YJC.
Meagan was determined to gain the necessary certifications and work experience to land a well-paying job. She knew that YJC had been a big help to her husband Sean and decided to enroll in the I.T. program. With YJC’s guidance, she gained three certifications in just 16 weeks. Next, Meagan put her skills to work in the real world, completing a Paid Work Experience (PWE) as a data associate at YJC, completing a second PWE as an intern coordinator at Mikva Challenge, and finally landing a permanent position at Oakton College, where she works as CE & T Operations Assistant.
Sean was searching for a fresh start after being justice-involved. Excited by the prospect of free resources and a comprehensive support system, he enrolled with YJC and took full advantage of YJC’s career pathways program, which offered him a chance to start building a career in I.T. that would make use of his innate skills and support his family. He completed Paid Work Experiences as a data associate at both Youth Job Center and Mikva Challenge, experiences he describes as “vital for me.” Sean’s favorite memory from his PWEs is sitting in on the team meetings: “I felt in those moments I that I was just gaining so much knowledge.” Not only that, he now has valuable references and great conversation points for job interviews.
Sean and Meagan also availed themselves of YJC’s financial services, receiving indispensable guidance on budgeting, saving money, and managing their finances. Sean and Meagan say they feel more financially secure and have a newfound stability.
“The impact that the team at YJC has had on me has been tremendous,” says Sean. He notes that the YJC team helped him not only gain hard skills and work experience but also helped him discover his learning style, identify his professional passion, and become aware of his potential. “They helped me see that I can do more with my career and myself than just a 9-to-5.”
Sean and Meagan remain happily connected to YJC and are looking forward to the future as they build their careers. And they'll be at the YJC gala—come say hello to them on April 24!
