AGE: 16
POSITION: Brand/sales associate
EMPLOYER: Old Navy
Gracie is a 16-year-old Dekalb High junior who was looking for a job. After seeing a social media post about YJC’s Old Navy “This Way ONward” program, she took the enterprising step of reaching out to enroll.
By participating in our training, Gracie learned a variety of new skills and absorbed a buffet of information like how to positively stand out in a group interview, what to expect on the job (including responsibilities and a crash course in Old Navy’s brand and values), and how to not only navigate but thrive in the workplace by utilizing communication skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving strategies, and customer service best practices. At the end of it all, YJC team members guided her through the job application process.
Gracie’s initiative, engagement, and willingness to learn paid off: she earned a job as a brand/sales associate at the Old Navy right in her neighborhood. To help get her started, YJC provided Gracie with a $50 gift card for uniforms to wear to her new job.
In the two months Gracie has been in her position, she’s quickly made a positive impression; her manager shares, “She has such a great attitude and energy, engages well with customers, is willing to do what's asked of her, still learning different aspects of the job, but is really responsive and seems to enjoy herself while at work,” adding that she’s glad Gracie joined the team.
That gladness goes both ways. Gracie is enjoying her experience at Old Navy, especially her “super nice” coworkers who are there for her whenever she has questions or needs help. She also enjoys providing help to others, noting, “I love talking to the customers asking them how their day is and trying to help them find a new outfit perfect for them.”
Thanks to acting on her inspiration to follow up on that social media post and sign up with YJC, Gracie now has a job, an income, and new experience and skills for her resume. But the gains go even deeper: “From my time with YJC, I have gained more confidence, more friends, support, and feel more comfortable talking to people.”
Gracie is well positioned for her future, which she hopes will include attendance at the College of DuPage and a career in healthcare. She notes in particular that the interviewing skills she learned through YJC will help her on her path.
Way to go, Gracie!
